easter duty – easter joy! · campion knew every soul in his little parish of our lady of refuge...

M ay 2014 | c at h o l i c v i . c om

SPECIAL REPORTCanonization of John Paul II and John XXIII

JOURNEY OF FAITHCarmen Sibilly

FEATURE STORYI.C.M. Sisters: Caribbean Celebrates 100 Years of Presence and Ministry PAGE 10

Easter Duty – Easter Joy!

The Catholic Islander / May 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

Bernetia AkinPROOFREADING

Deacon Emith FluddCIRCULATION

Brother James Petrait, OSFSWEBMASTER

www.FAITHcatholic.com

My Dear People,

The terrible injustices of the recent cen-tury have, tragically, driven many minds and hearts into hiding, just as totalitar-ian governments have always hounded freedom and innocence into practical nonexistence, or into a most oppressive and unjust submission. Section 34 of Lu-men Fidei reminds us, and those whose love has perhaps grown cold, even a gen-eration after the darkest chapter of op-pression has been brought to a merciful close, as happened in the former Soviet Union, and in many other places in the world, that Truth is very much alive, and is in no way a relative or changeable commodity. Truth still shines brightly for all and sets minds free, despite the errors of the past or those that continue to plague humanity in the present.

“The light of love proper to faith can illumine the questions of our own time about truth. Truth nowadays is often reduced to the subjective authenticity of the individual, valid only for the life of the individual. A common truth in-timidates us, for we identify it with the intransigent demands of totalitarian sys-tems. But if truth is a truth of love, if it is a truth disclosed in personal encounter with the Other and with others, then it can be set free from its enclosure in indi-viduals and become part of the common good. As a truth of love, it is not one that can be imposed by force; it is not a truth that stifles the individual. Since it is born of love, it can penetrate to the heart, to the personal core of each man and woman. Clearly, then, faith is not

intransigent, but grows in respectful co-existence with others. One who believes may not be presumptuous; on the con-trary, truth leads to humility, since be-lievers know that, rather than ourselves possessing truth, it is truth which em-braces and possesses us. Far from mak-ing us inflexible, the security of faith sets us on a journey; it enables witness and dialogue with all.

“Nor is the light of faith, joined to the truth of love, extraneous to the materi-al world, for love is always lived out in body and spirit; the light of faith is an incarnate light radiating from the lumi-nous life of Jesus. It also illumines the material world, trusts its inherent order and knows that it calls us to an ever wid-ening path of harmony and understand-ing. The gaze of science thus benefits from faith: faith encourages the scien-tist to remain constantly open to reali-ty in all its inexhaustible richness. Faith awakens the critical sense by preventing research from being satisfied with its own formulae and helps it to realize that nature is always greater. By stimulating wonder before the profound mystery of creation, faith broadens the horizons of reason to shed greater light on the world which discloses itself to scientific inves-tigation.” (Lumen Fidei, 34)

From the Bishop’s Desk

Inside this issue

4 from the editor's desk

5 local news

8 spotlight on youth

10 marriage matters

12 cover story Easter Duty – Easter Joy!

14 journey of faith Carmen Sibilly.

15 saint of the month Blessed Juliana of Norwich.

16 theology 101 The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and mother.

18 in the know with father joe Why can't Catholics be Masons?

19 spiritual fitness Ask Jesus to increase your faith.

20 world news

22-25 parish calendars

25 ¡buenas noticias!

Please submit news, digital photography and advertising for the June 2014 issue of The Catholic Islander by

MAY 5, 2014

Submit news and articles to: [email protected] advertisements to: [email protected]

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On the Cover

ow Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to

look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

At this, she turned around and saw Je-sus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”She turned toward him and cried out

in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Fa-ther, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magda-lene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Resurrection of Our Lord; John 20: 11-18

PHOTO: Easter Morning by Johann Friedrich Overbeck, circa 1818.

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Local News

Singles for Christ The team of Mark Colotes and Ronnie Gonzaga of Singles for Christ, with plenty of help from local clergy and youth ministry workers, conducted a spiritual retreat at Sts. Peter and Paul School, Friday, April 11, in the evening and Saturday, April 12, all day for youths ages 12-21. The retreat concluded on Saturday with Mass at 6 p.m. in the cathedral followed by dinner.

Mark Calotes of Tampa, Florida, Singles for Christ, led songs and hymns, with partners Vic Sibal of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Joe Cortes of West Palm Beach, Florida, that aided in the spiritual journey experienced in an evening at the cathedral. Monsignor Jerome Feudjio offered spiritual guidance and Father Louis Kemayou helped the gathering with a benediction.

Monsignor Jerome Feudjio with the team after an evening of energy, prayer and sharing. (l-r) Joseph Cortes, Mark Colotes and Vic Siba.

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From the Editor's Desk

By Father John Matthew FewelThe Catholic Islander / May 2014 / www.catholicvi.com4

Monsignor Tomichek’s hard work in both his Parish of St. Peter in Philadelphia and his work in the Philippines (he was a priest of the Diocese of Cabalyog in the Philippines) for more than 30 years, made a great and lasting impression on me. He was a man tirelessly devoted to God and willing to do whatever it took or to go wherever God sent him. I am so grateful to have had his association so re-cently, one last time here in St. Thomas, before Our Lord granted him his eternal rest and re-ward in heaven with him.

At this time every year, I mark the passing of another much missed priest: Father John Revord Campion of the Harrisburg Diocese. Father Campion died on May 1, 2010. This beloved friend was my pastor, mentor, em-ployer and confidant during the years of dis-cerning my vocation to the priesthood.

I met Father Campion in 2004. He was

a retired country priest living in a humble, run-down mobile home on a small plot of land a short walk from the church, Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners, in rural Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Amish country.

Possessed of an encyclopedic mind, Father Campion knew every soul in his little Parish of Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners. He also knew many of the names and family histories of the people he knew in just about the whole of the Path Valley in south-central Pennsyl-vania. Father knew where their kids went to college, who married whom and names of even the great-grandchildren of many of his parishioners, friends and neighbors, many of whom were Amish farmers.

Father Campion hired me, shortly after we met on a bus pilgrimage to Loretto, Pennsylvania, to manage his small prop-erty on which he’d installed six one-room

ith this May issue of The Catholic Islander, we mark the passing of two especially beloved priests. We newly mourn the passing of Monsignor George Tomichek, who was a great friend of both our Bishop, the diocese

and, in a special way, our Filipino communi-ty. Monsignor Tomichek also was instrumental,

through his ministry as retreat master during a parish men’s retreat I attended in 2009, in my move to St. Thomas, and in my own service of the people of our diocese.

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cabins. He’d built this retreat compound a few years earlier, which he intended to make available for priests, family or re-treats. It never panned out.

He had many grand schemes for spread-ing the faith or supporting the work of the Church. One plan he had worked out in-volved the priests of his diocese going out on the road, becoming an itinerant band of preachers called “The Tentmakers,” named after St. Paul’s sometime occupation wher-ever he went on his journeys. That, too, was an impractical idea for busy priests, but it always remained a cherished dream of Fa-ther’s. A teetotaler since taking the pledge at his 1948 ordination, he never touched al-cohol except the precious blood of our lord.

I served him as sacristan, driver, cook and property manager for four years. During his final year, when independent living became too difficult and his health precarious, Fa-ther Campion moved himself into a tiny, lo-cally owned nursing home not a mile from his parish. He chose to live there, rather than in the priests’ retirement home in Har-risburg, so that he could continue to work daily in his office at his parish church.

He drove up until his last few months. He would slowly motor up the road, going, it seemed, slower than the Amish buggies that shared the roads.

At Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners Parish, he would put in a full day's work: writing each week’s bulletin and choosing hymns (very old and traditional hymns) for liturgy. Every week, he wrote his out his homily in neat and precise longhand.

Father Campion lived in his little room in the nursing home until his final, brief hospi-talization among his aging, often quirky (“fre-quently noisy,” he would say without com-plaint) former neighbors and parishioners.

Father Campion’s simple, faithful per-sistence at the plough, tilling the fields of the Lord until very nearly the day of his summons to the Great Throne Room (just shy of his 87th birthday in the month of Mary), encour-aged me to persevere on my often difficult and arduous vocational journey. His dear memory is still a great consolation to me.

Father Campion gave his full energies to many projects that went unfulfilled. How thankful I am for one effort of his that he saw completed, even though he had to watch it unfold from his eternal home in heaven: that of seeing his lay assistant and protégé ordained a priest. ◊

Father John Revord Campion (May 27, 1926-May 1, 2010) at work at his desk.

Monsignor George Tomichek at Sts. Peter and Paul School at the celebration of the festival of Santo Nino on St. Thomas.

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Local News

Catholic Television At work in the television studio of the Ca-thedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Monsignor Jerome Feudjio and Fa-ther Louis Kemayou labor to ensure televised liturgies and other local Catholic programming continue to serve the Catholic popu-lation and others who have come to depend upon Catholic TV in the Virgin Islands. Masses televised from the cathedral via this studio mean a great deal to a number of our parishioners and friends. Many of them are elderly, hospitalized, homebound or otherwise prevented from joining us as often as they would like to. It is a great solace for many to feel connected to the goings on in our diocese. Thank you to Monsignor Jerome and Father Louis and their able staff of helpers, photographers, camera and equip-ment operators and assistants!

Cathedral Parish Council The Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish Council was recognized following the 10:30 a.m. Mass on March 30. Monsignor Jerome Feudjio was the celebrant.

Class Reunion On March 23, Sts. Peter and Paul School class of 1963 attended the 10:30 a.m. Mass to celebrate its 50th class reunion. Mass was celebrated by Father Louis Kemayou.

Visit to the Cathedral St. Joseph Workers of Holy Family visited Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral on March 16 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The cele-brant was Monsignor Jerome Feudjio.


St. Patrick Alumni Association On March 21, St. Patrick’s Alumni Association, Inc. held a special ceremony to bless the ceramic wall tile plaques that was the product of the Adult Arts and Craft Class taught by Sara Lee Hayes. Father Patrick Lynch blessed the plaques. Pictured are Anastasia M. Doward, president of SPAA, who presented Victor Brown, director of Law En-forcement Planning Commission (LEPC), with a plaque in gratitude for all the support given by LEPC to the after-school programs over the past 10 years.

Lenten Retreat at St. Ann Church on St. Croix celebrated Lent this year with a day of prayer. On March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., parishioners from all of the Catholic churches on the island came together for a FIRE Rally. Four speakers inspired the con-gregation with teachings on faith (Father Si-mon Opira), intercession (Sister Patricia Al-exander), repentance (Father John Mark) and evangelization (Deacon Joseph Mark). Above, Monsignor Michael Kosak, pastor, prays the rosary during the holy hour.

Local News

Two altar servers were installed on March 15 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, St. Thomas, by Father Edwardo Ortiz-Santiago. Pictured (l-r) are Paschal Francis Bryan and Mark Kuszewski.

Monsignor Jerome Feudjio introduces three new altar servers to the Cathedral Parish. Assisting Steve Olive in their preparation and formation, Sister Blanche helped them to learn and to practice their sacred duties worthily and well.

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Catholic Charities’ May Food Drive

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

Powdered milk, rice, lentils and beans Infant formula and baby food Canned meat and vegetables

Happy Birthday Sister Elmosa Charles, I.C.M., celebrated her 88th birthday in March 2014 at the convent in Frederiksted. Sister Elmosa has been stationed in the Ca-ribbean most of her religious life. She taught for many years at St. Patrick School as the physical education and religion teacher.

Order of Malta Fundraiser to help support the Bishop’s scholarship fund, The Order of Malta is offering each brick of this recently installed memorial pavement at the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Mafolie as a fundraiser to anyone who wishes to re-member a loved one, inscribe a verse of sacred Scripture or commemorate a special event or memory. For information, call Jerry Woodhouse at 340.774.2166.

Ash Wednesday Father Patrick Lynch, pastor, and Deacon Luis Soto distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday to the parishioners during evening services.


Protection of Children

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.

Spotlight on Youth

Scouts assemble after Mass at St. Ann Church in Barrenspot: (back row, l-r) Chris Brooks, Council Commissioner Mike Dow, Deacon Alvin Bedneau, Darryl Donohue, Jr., Father Simon Peter, Darryl Donohue, Sr., Deacon Denis Griffith, Michael Brooks and Doug Capdeville; (front row, l-r) Phar-I Merchant, N'biko Bowry, Josh Morrison, Donovan Capdeville, Phi-Jah Merchant, Gabriel Capdeville, Douglas Capdeville and Joshua Arlin.

Palm Sunday celebrated with five confirmations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. From left: Ilive Rita Peltier, Confirmation teacher and Religious Education Director, Delsa Ashly, Adelta Mathurin, Bishop, Fr. Anthony, Zoriah Noel, Ashley Doway and Zaria Longueville.

Holy Cross Pastor, Father John, attends as Bishop Bevard con-firms one of four confirmands, of which three were students and one an adult, during Palm Sunday Mass, Sunday, April 13.

On left: Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross, Fr. Wieslaw ‘Wesley' Ba-jor, C.Ss.R. and Pastor, Fr. John Wladyslaw Juszczak, C.Ss.R., join Bishop Bevard after Palm Sunday Mass.

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Mental Health Essay Competition Winners First Lady Cecile de-Jongh poses with the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School students who won the First Lady’s Mental Health Essay Competition. Pictured (l-r): third-place – Shereene Battiste, grade 12; second-place – Rodney Querrard, grade 12; First Lady Cecile de Jongh; and first-place – Kesha Hyacinth, grade 11.

St. Joseph Feast Day Raffle At the end of the school day on March 19, St. Joseph’s Feast Day, the drawing for the St. Joseph High School raffle drive took place in the school library. Father John Mark, prin-cipal of St. Joseph High School, held the bag of raffle ticket stubs while various students pulled out the raffle winners. The first-place winner of $5,000 was Virna Torres. Second-place went to Deborah Howell, who received a weekend at the Villa Madaliene. The third-place prize of a 42” smart TV went to Cecil Daniel. The raffle was a part of the St. Joseph High School fundraising efforts.

After the drawings for the St. Joseph High School raffle were concluded, the top St. Joseph High School raffle ticket seller, Nhyne Daniels (shown above), grade 9, received an iPad from Father John Mark.

St. Joseph High School: High Honors

After the school Mass at St. Joseph Church on April 2, Father John Mark, principal of St. Joseph High School, awarded Third Quarter Academic High Honors certificates and Third Quarter Academic Honor Roll certificates to St. Joseph High School students.

Third Quarter Academic High Honors students.

Right to Life Presentation St. Joseph High School student Kedisha Charles, grade 12, gave an inspiring speech at the Right to Life presentation on the Frederiksted waterfront on April 6. Father Pat Lynch holds the umbrella (to offer protection from the sunlight), while Father John Mark is shown in the background.

Feature Story


I

By Sister Lovina A. Reyes, ICM

I.C.M. Sisters Caribbean Celebrates 100 Years of

Presence and Ministry

The first mission established by Marie Louise De Meester in 1897 was India , more particularly, Mulagumoodu. So in 1897, she left Belgium with Sr. Marie Ursule for Mulagumoodo, India where she started her first mission. By 1910, a second mission was started in the Philippines. By then the Con-gregation was composed of Belgians, Indians and Pilipinas. The year 1911 marked a turn-ing point in the history of the Congregation: on June 7 Rome officially issued the Decree of Praise to the Congregation: this means the official recognition of the congregation by the Vatican. We note here that Marie Lou-ise was for the most part connected with the Redemptorists, both in the Philippines and the Caribbean, meaning, the Redemptorists were impressed by her zeal for mission so they invited her to collaborate with them in their missionary endeavors:

July 9, 1914 saw Marie Louise and Marie Adrienne landing on Prince St., Frederikst-ed met by Fr. De Ridder, C.Ss.R. and Helen Golden who was teaching at the little parish school of St. Patrick’s Church. Helen even-tually joined the congregation. She was the first Crucian ICM Sister; Marie Louise’s first words as she set foot on the jetty were: “I am so happy to be here with you.”

Aligned with every pioneering congre-gation, life at the first convent on Prince Street, was divested of all non-essential trappings. Food supply was meager. There was hardly any cash, but there was an abun-dance of HOPE and TRUST in Divine Providence. In one of her letters dated July 31, the foundress wrote the following to Marie Ursule, co-foundress who was in Bel-gium: “This will be no easy mission. I surely have no illusions about the difficulties we shall encounter in these islands. The apos-tolate will call for a total involvement of the sisters. There will be need for dedication, courage, initiative and also knowledge ...”

Life in this mission placed heavy demands on Marie Louise. Every day the foundress spent hours preparing Marie Adrienne to take a class at the beginning of the school year. She also visited people at home, in the hospital and the old folk’s home. She taught Sunday School to the youth of the parish, took care of the sacristy and household chores. Many young girls and ladies were also involved in learning arts, crafts, cooking and other household chores which prepared them for their roles in life.

t all began with Sister Marie Louise De Meester who was initially a member of the Canonesses of St. Augustine, a non-missionary congregation. Her initial and real interest was mission in far-off lands and this remained

very much alive in her heart. Therefore, at one point in her life, she left this congregation to found a missionary congregation, currently known as the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Immaculati Cordis Mariae in Latin).

Holy Week

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Bishop Bevard with Zach, and his newly confirmed big sister, Zaria, Longueville.

Bishop Bevard prepares to bless palms prior to distributing them to the congregation and processing into Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church for the Mass of Passion Sunday.

At St. Patrick Church, Deacon Bruce Anderson assists Bishop Bevard at the Chrism Mass, as the oils to be blessed are brought to the altar.

Fathers Kerly Francois and Boniface Blanchard concelebrate, as the deacons of St. Thomas assist at Chrism Mass with Bishop Bevard and all of the priests of the diocese with the exception of four priests who are currently serving overseas in the military as chaplains.

Harvesting palms which will be used for Palm Sunday solem-nities. Traditionally, the blessed palms are kept until next year and then are burnt to make ashes for Ash Wednesday.

The Catholic Islander / May 2014 / www.catholicvi.com12 The Catholic Islander / May 2014 / www.catholicvi.com12

This time of celebration in the Church is so magnificent that we have a spe-cial duty: we are called by the Church to receive Our Lord’s sacred body and precious blood. If we do not receive the body and blood of Our Lord during any other time throughout the year, it is our call and duty to receive Him during the Easter season. When our Holy Mother the Church intones her command that we must receive holy Communion be-tween the first Sunday in Lent (March 9) and Trinity Sunday (June 15), it is para-mount that we should do so, without fail.

Sacrament of PenanceHowever, there is no general amnesty

from mortal sin at Easter. To complete this sacred duty of receiving the Eucha-rist at Easter, we must be in the state of grace. God has already made the way back from sin so easy. The sacrament of penance is itself amnesty. If we are willing to turn away from our sin and to confess our guilt, He is willing and able to forgive us. In fact, our sin will not be remembered by God.

Jesus conquered sin and death by ris-ing from the dead on Easter morning, just as He said He would. After being led captive through the streets of Jerusalem, He Himself has made sin and death cap-tive, making an eternal and final specta-cle of Satan and sin. Jesus granted release to all who were held captive. We were all held captive and, in Jesus’ victory, we are released from bondage and share in His glorious victory.

Any Catholic not in a state of grace cannot receive Our Lord without recon-ciling with Him in confession. Once ab-solved of our sins by a priest, we can then receive Communion, taking Christ into our very selves and seating Him in our heart. We can then know with assurance that life is truly within us.

We are weak, and God is strong. We are so easily caught and trapped. Yet, even entangled in snares and the thorns of life like a lamb in a thorn bush, He hears our voice. God hears and answers, if we call out to Him.

Cover Story

Easter Duty – Easter Joy!Easter Joy Is a Boundless

and Heavenly Joy.

13By Father John Fewel, editor

Sacrament of marriageMarriage is a picture of heaven and

heaven is described as the wedding feast – the feast of the lamb. As it is illustrated in parables, the wedding feast is a place that is locked from the inside after the ar-rival of the bridegroom and the feast has begun. Marriage is designed like heaven as a place of refuge from all danger and of protection from the intrusion of sorrow and pain. God created marriage so that its walls cannot be breached and the bond that seals, and cleaves, husband to wife, is indissoluble.

Today, marriage may not much resemble its holy and sacred model. With the very institution of holy matrimony under siege, and with battering rams of progressivism and modernism assailing the strong and secure walls of protection, we see few mar-riages that last. Many Catholics find them-selves lost and in difficulty in the wake of this assault on the family because of an irregular marriage, a divorce and remar-riage, an extramarital relationship or any number of unresolved marriage issues.

According to Catholic doctrine, any-one living in a spousal relationship with anyone other than their lawfully wedded husband or wife is committing adultery, in transgression against the Sixth Com-mandment, and may not receive holy Communion.

Perhaps this is why the Church designed the Easter season and the Easter duty: to call repentance to mind, to alert us to our great need, and to provide motivation to struggle against indolence or mistaken conformity to a misguided culture or to a misinformed conscience. Today, it is a common error to rely on opinion and to spurn Church teaching.

The road is not blocked, however. Christ calls all who are willing to come home. Anyone may come to the Church for an evaluation and a determination of their marriage issue, and thus seek a resolution to their dilemma.

By submitting to the authority of the Church instituted by Christ, cooperating in her attempt to assist those excluded from holy Communion to find peace, and

... it’s never a question of mercy or charity to gloss over or to dismiss grave sin. Mercy is

truly found at the mercy seat before which we sinners fall on our knees, with a full sense of

our guilt. The guilt, once confessed is then remitted and forgiven through the ministry of

the sacrament of penance."

reconciliation with Christ, many couples and individuals do find their burden lifted and are able once again to receive the life spoken of by Jesus Christ.

Sadly, the expense and the perceived inconvenience of working with the dioce-san Tribunal to receive an annulment can discourage some individuals. Some think the specter of revisiting painful past events, or the need of con-tacting persons from the past who have caused real and terrible pain, is best avoided alto-gether. Some even choose to continue living in a state of sin and separation from the sacra-ments of the Church, rather than undertake a perhaps painful jour-ney back to the Eucharist. However, it is often an easy process and is meant to be a tool of healing for everyone involved.

God’s Infinite MercyDidn’t Christ undertake an excruciat-

ingly painful ordeal so that we might have life within us? Did not Mary accept seven

bitter sorrows in order to be the Mother of God and our mother?

In my personal opinion, it’s never a question of mercy or charity to gloss over or to dismiss grave sin. Mercy is truly found at the mercy seat before which we sinners fall on our knees, with a full sense of our guilt. The guilt, once confessed, is

then remitted and forgiven through the ministry of the sacrament

of penance.Once a year, as Church precept teaches, we

must receive holy Communion at Eas-ter time. Whatever keeps us apart from the completion of this most sacred duty

must be cleared from our conscience and our

soul through this great sacrament of the Church.

Let this Easter season be the start of the journey back to

full communion for many in the Church. There is nothing that should keep us from a joyous Easter, and a joyous eternity with Jesus, Our Lady and all of the saints! His commandments are not burdensome; His yoke is easy to bear.

The Catholic Islander / May 2014 / www.catholicvi.com14 By Paul McAvoy

Journey of Faith

n a typical Sunday, Carmen Sibilly can be found in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas, singing hymns

and serving at the Mass as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She sits surrounded by her sons, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren. After Mass, she’s the energetic and friendly lady greeting strangers and talking with old acquaintances. Carmen describes herself as sociable, and it comes across in a conversation with her.

“Being active in the Church is something I’ve always done,” she says. “My mother raised me this way, she was very re-ligious, and she taught me to become involved in what is happening at Church.”

From a young age, Carmen would assist the nuns who helped in the sacristy before and after Mass. As she got older, she took part in school plays (she played St. Bernadette in one) and joined the Catholic Daughters of Amer-ica and the Blue Army.

“The parish that I grew up in is now Sts. Peter and Paul Ca-thedral,” she says. “At that time, it was just a church. When I got married in 1954, I married some-one from the north side, and the parish there is Our Lady of Per-petual Help, which I attend. I live up ‘in the country’ as we would call it,” she says with a laugh.

Never one to sit back and wait, Carmen quickly became active at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She recently celebrated 40 years of serving as an extraordi-nary minister of holy Commu-nion, and has been involved in planning the Keys and Sword event and dinner and retreats, as well as taking Communion to the homebound and other activities. “It’s important to get involved in the organization of the Church. I’ve tried to be a part of my faith whenever help was needed,” she says.

If faith is one pillar of Carmen’s life, the second is family. She is the proud mother of six and grandmother of six. Recently, Carmen’s husband of 59 years, Leo R. Sibilly, Sr., passed away. Both her faith and her family helped her through her hus-band’s illness and passing.

“Family is very important,” Carmen says. Her actions back up her words. Four of her six children live on St. Thomas and they see each other often. She is close to her in-laws and

grandchildren, inviting them over frequently for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. “I’m glad that my children look out for me, they come visit me, and every Sunday I make sure I cook something for lunch for them. I give them a chance to go to church and, after church, they know that I have something here for them to eat ... though I see them during the week, everyone can come [on Sunday] and gath-er as a family,” she explains.

Her family has been a main focus of Carmen’s energy. “I am always asking my children: What are you planning and do you need any help preparing? I stay involved, asking my grandchil-dren about their school and their sports, and keeping up with what is happening in their lives.

“My grandchildren are say-ing, ‘Grandma, you’re always doing so much.’ I say, ‘Yes, and you must do this also. You must call your cousins and siblings, and stay in touch with them. That is what a family does.’”

Carmen has some other good advice for how to keep a family close: show your love for chil-dren and grandchildren, holding them close and hugging them. Gather together frequently. Be in touch with those who are liv-ing away – let them know what is happening at home. And, most of all, do things together. “It’s not enough to say, ‘You should go to church.’ Go with your children. Ask them to drive you. Do these things together," she says.

The same spirit that helped Carmen’s family stay close is also helping her community. She treats all, friend and stranger, as though they are a part of her extended family. “When you see someone at church for the first time, go up to them and say, ‘Wel-come. I hope we see you again.’ When you see someone who has been away, say, ‘Welcome back! I am glad to see you!’”

OCarmen Sibilly

he word “sin” can be defined as “to miss the mark.” In this sense, sin connotes our failure to live in harmony with that for

which we are created – eternal life in communion with the Trinity.

Blessed Juliana of Norwich (1342–1416) was a Benedictine En-glish mystic. Very little is known of her life except for her writings, which may explain why she has never been formally beatified.

She was 30 when her life changed dramatically. She fell se-riously ill and experienced a series of intense visions of Jesus Christ. These visions ended when she recovered from her ill-ness, and she immediately wrote about them in Revelations of Divine Love. It is there that she wrote some of her most famous words regarding the love of God – “All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.”

The subject of sin figured prominently in these writings. Blessed Juliana believed that sin was necessary because it can bring us to a greater self-knowledge. Critical to her under-standing of sin was her belief that we learn from failing. The pain caused by sin is an earthly reminder of the pain of the Passion of Christ. As people suffer as Christ did, they grow closer to him by their experiences.

In other words, sin actually can lead us to eternal life – provided we see it as failure and learn from it. For Juliana, this recognition of sin as failure and our resolution to learn from it were essential.

PHOTO ▶ Wikipedia©

T

Bl e

s se d J u l i a n a o f N o r w i c h | M

a y 13

Saint of the Month

Learn from Sinfulness

15

Chrism Mass

Vicar for Priests, Monsignor Jerome joined with Bishop Bevard and the priests of the diocese after the Sacred Chrism Mass at St. Patrick Church, in wishing a happy birthday to Deacon Benjamin Parrilla.

Msgr. Kosak, on left, with St. Patrick Church pastor, Father Lynch, and Father Kemayou, join with the faithful to wish happy birthday to Deacon Parrilla after the Chrism Mass.


Theology 101

I

The fourth gift: Honor your father and mother.

The “fourth word” of the Decalogue reveals to us the proper order of charity. Charity is a theological virtue, along with faith and hope. The theological virtues are freely given gifts from God that make it possible for us to participate in the di-vine life of the Holy Trinity.

Charity is the virtue by “which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.” In other words, charity is both the new commandment and the virtue by which we keep the commandments that Christ gave us. It is the greatest of the vir-tues because it disposes us to participate most intimately in the life of God, who is Love itself.

Charity is a fruit of the Spirit that blossoms in us when we are in a state of communion with the Spirit. When we are joyous, loving, peaceful, patient, kind, faithful, generous, gentle and exercising self-control, we are in communion with the Spirit, precisely because it is only the Spirit, who can produce this fruit. These fruits are witnesses to our living in har-mony with that for which we were made: eternal life in communion with God.

We are able to do this only by living in obedience to the commandments and teachings of Jesus, which makes it pos-sible for the Spirit to work in us. In his encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, Pope Emeri-tus Benedict XVI explains that our saying “yes” to the commandments of love are critical because it is only in service to our neighbor that our eyes can be opened to what God does for us and how much he loves us. “No longer is it a question, then, of a ‘commandment’ imposed from with-out and calling for the impossible, but rather of a freely-bestowed experience of love from within, a love which by its very nature must then be shared with others. Love grows through love.” (18)

The Order of Charity

With this understanding of charity in mind, the Fourth Commandment reveals that it is God’s will that, after Him, our honor is owed to our parents. Human par-

The Fourth CommandmentHonor your father and mother

n the first three commandments, we receive the gifts of God’s self-revelation to humanity. We also learn what constitutes a proper response to this self-reve-lation and thereby a proper relationship to God. As

we move forward in our reflections on the command-ments, we will see that the final seven are gifts that primarily reveal God’s will for us in our relationships with each other.

17

The story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land has a large cast of characters. Test your knowledge of biblical fig-ures and name this person:

This shepherd’s daughter from Midian ended up

marrying Moses after his famous “well” rescue.

Zipporah (daughter of Jethro),

QUIZ!

Bible Geography Facts

CanaanCanaan is perhaps best known as the “promised land” that God gave to Abraham and his descendants. It encompasses modern-day Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the adjoining coastal lands and parts of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. It is an area with a long history. For exam-ple, a settled agricultural community is believed to have existed at Jericho as early as 8,000 B.C. Canaan also was known as an intersection of the an-cient commercial routes. As a result, caravans of traders from Cappado-cia, Babylonia and Egypt all regularly passed through the land.* Source: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Canaan** Source: http://bibleencyclopedia.com/canaan.htm

Did You Know?The earliest written mention of the area later called Canaan comes in the 18th century B.C. in Mesopotamian sources. Tablets found in the city of Nuzi refer to Kinahnu, or Canaan, as a synonym for red or purple dye, which was a major export of the region.– Source:http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Canaan

enthood finds both its source and foun-dation in the divine parenthood of God, and, therefore, commands the respect of children. According to the Catechism, it is a respect that derives from gratitude “toward those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have brought children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace.”

The honor, or respect, called for by this com-mandment is shown by do-cility and obedience. Now, obedience gets a bad rap these days. However, obedi-ence comes from the Latin obedire, which has as one of its meanings “to listen to.” And this is exactly what Jesus, the Son of God, did with regard to the Father’s will.

If we look at what Jesus taught, we learn from Him that He taught only what He heard from the Father in perfect conformi-ty to the Father’s will (for example, see Jn 8:26; 28). This was because Jesus was/is in perfect communion with the Father and Spirit: “…of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.” (Phil 2:2) Jesus maintained this commu-nion throughout His earthly ministry and would not break it for anything. And the essence or living out of this communion consisted in His obedience to the Father’s will. Because the Christian family is also a “commu-

nion of persons, a sign and image” of the Trinitarian communion, children should imitate Jesus’ relationship with His heav-enly Father in their relationship with their

earthly parents.The Fourth Command-

ment also reminds us that our duty to our parents does not end with childhood. In adulthood, we also must of-fer material and moral sup-port to our parents in their old age to the extent that we are able, in the same spirit of gratitude that informed our respect for our parents in our youth. This gift also calls us to respect all mem-

bers of our immediate and extended family and those from whom we “have received the gift of faith, the grace of baptism, and life in the Church.”

Finally, this fourth “word” instructs us to regard those in authority “as represen-tatives of God, Who has made them stew-ards of his gifts.” From this flows the duty for us to contribute to the good of society “in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity and freedom”; to willingly serve our country out of gratitude; and to submit to legiti-mate authority and service to the common good (which includes paying taxes, voting and defending our country).

The Limit

Of course, the Church does not teach us blind, unquestioning obedience to our parents, relatives or civil authorities. In short, while respect for our parents con-tinues to be commanded of us at all ages, obedience to our parents is reserved for childhood and is required when directives are for our own good or the good of the family. However, when a child is “con-vinced in conscience (assuming a properly formed conscience) that it would be mor-ally wrong to obey a particular order,” he or she is not required to obey.

Likewise, the “citizen is obliged in con-science (again assuming a properly formed conscience) not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fun-damental rights of persons or the teachings

of the Gospel.” In other words, if the choice is between serving God or serving the po-litical community, we must obey God.

–All quotes, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1822; 2196–2242)

By Doug Culp


In the Know with Father Joe

Why Can’t Catholics be Masons?

Q:Dear Father Joe: What is the Church’s teaching regarding being a member of a Freemason lodge? I was taught it is a grave sin and that members of a Masonic lodge should not go to Communion, but I know Masons in my Church who do.

By Father Joe Krupp

In the Know with Father Joe

In many ways, this question leads to many disputed points. There is a

lot of bad or contradictory information out there about the Masons and what the Church teaches about it. Let’s start with why there is some confusion.

Some confusion revolved around the Code of Canon Law, published in 1917. In this code was the following law:

Those who join a Masonic sect or other societies of the same sort, which plot against the Church or against legitimate civil authority, incur ipso facto an excommunication simply reserved to the Holy See. (Canon 2335)

Historically, Masons were well-known for plotting against the Church and fi-nancially supporting organizations that attacked the Church. However, as some of the Masons seemed to be mov-ing more away from anti-Catholicism and were noted for their many and fine works of charity, folks began to reason that since their particular lodge had no history of attacking Catholics, it was OK to join them.

Church leaders even seemed to struggle with this idea: if an individual lodge isn’t active in or even concerned with attacking Catholicism, but is doing charitable works, maybe it’s OK to join? To add to the confusion, canon law removed specific mention of the Masons in the line that previously addressed them.

To address this confusion and clarify the Church’s teaching on Catholics joining the Freemasons, the Sacred Congregation released the following statement in 1983 with the approval of Pope John Paul II:

The Church’s negative position on Masonic association … remains unaltered, since their principles have always been regarded as irreconcilable with the Church’s doctrine. Hence, joining them remains prohibited by the Church. Catholics enrolled in masonic associations are involved in serious sin and may not approach holy Communion. (November 26, 1983)

Why would the Church hold fast to this position if many, perhaps even most, Masons had no desire to attack the Church, but do good works and provide a fraternal organization? Because the anti-Catholic talk and action were only part of the problem.

The key issue for the Church concerning the Masons revolves around the idea of presenting a kind of stripped-down and reworked alternative to Christianity. This is best summarized by this paragraph in the New Catholic Encyclopedia:

Freemasonry displays all the elements of religion, and as such it becomes a rival to the religion of the Gospel. It includes temples and altars, prayers, a moral code, worship, vestments, feast days, the promise of reward and punishment in the afterlife, a hierarchy and initiative and burial rites. (Vol. 6, p. 137)

There are other reasons that we Catholics cannot and should not join the Masons, but I think we’ve got enough here. Holy Mother Church has been asked if Catholics can be Masons and she has answered with a resounding “No.”

Many active, faithful Catholics are simply not aware of the history of this

conflict or the current stance we hold as Catholics, and have been participating in the Masonic rites and rituals without knowing that they are not to do so. This is one of those times when we recognize that God, in His mercy, does not judge us for what we do not know (with some exceptions).

So, now you know. I imagine, for some people, this is really sad to hear and there may even be some anger. I ask you to in-vite Jesus into this moment and go sit with Him at Church. Pray and ask Him to guide you into what to do.

I would recommend a couple of things here. You could join the Knights of Columbus, which is a fantastic Catholic fraternal order that offers men opportunities to gather, pray and do good works.

If your Knights council isn’t particularly active or as Christ-focused as you’d like, talk to your priest about forming a men’s group at your parish. Bring with you the things you liked from the Masons and reshape them into a group more consistent with our Catholic faith.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

19By Sister Ann Shields

Spritual Fitness

TBut Mary stayed outside

the tomb weeping. And … saw two angels in white sitting there … where the body of Je-sus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know

it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in He-brew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not

yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the dis-ciples, “I have seen the Lord”...

Mary’s life had been trans-formed by her discipleship. Jesus had recognized in her a hunger and thirst for real love,

There are two pivotal passages in John’s Gospel concerning the Resurrection of Christ which call us to deeper faith and portray two obstacles to our growing in faith in Jesus and trusting in Him – acknowledging our sin and doubt and asking for an

increase in faith. The first passage is John 20:11–18:

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

When you find yourself doubting the words of Scrip-ture – the teachings of Jesus – acknowl-edge that doubt to the Lord and ask him to impart faith or increase faith. Admit your sin. The grace of the Resurrection is available to you now. Please open your heart that the burden may be lifted and the joy of the Resurrection may grow in your heart and soul.

Ask Jesus to increase your faith and He offers that, which chang-es Her life and she becomes a true disciple of the Lord. This is available to you also.

The second passage comes later in the Gospel of John (20:24-25): Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the nail marks, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Another obstacle to over-come is doubt. Thomas is a doubter like most of us. Jesus knew that and so He showed His wounds to Thomas in such a way that Thomas was forced to acknowledge the reality.

JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE

by Lavinia Fontana, 1581

Sto

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20

World News

Vatican Medical Experts OK Reported Miracle Attributed to Archbishop

A seven-member team of medical experts convoked by the Vatican reported there is no natural explanation for the survival of a child delivered stillborn – his survival is credited by his parents to the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Archdiocese Announces Dates for 2015 Public Display of Shroud of Turin

The Archdiocese of Turin, custodian of the Shroud of Turin, has announced that the shroud, venerated by many as the burial cloth of Christ, will be on public display April 19-June 24, 2015.

Argentine Rabbis Say THeir Friend, the Pope, has Stayed True to Ideals

Argentina’s Jewish leaders said they were not surprised in the first year of his papacy that Pope Francis has remained true to himself and his ideals of social consciousness, humility, coexistence and tolerance.

First Married Man Ordained Priest for U.S. Maronite Catholic Church

Father Wissam Akiki is the first married man to be ordained a priest for the U.S. Maronite Catholic Church, with permission granted by Pope Francis. Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the U.S. Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon ordained the married deacon at St. Raymond’s Maronite Cathedral in St. Louis, Missouri.

Pope Names First Members to New Council for the Economy He Created

Pope Francis appointed an international group of eight cardinals – including U.S. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston – and seven lay experts in the fields of business, management and finance to be the first members of the Vatican’s new council.

Pope Will Attend Asian Youth Day

Pope Francis will travel to South Korea in August for Asian Youth Day and will preside over the beatification of a large group of Korean martyrs. The event, which is sponsored by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, is expected to draw delegates from 30 countries.

Church in Oceania Concerned Over Australian Asylum Policy

Church leaders in both Australia and Papua New Guinea are voicing discontent with Australia’s policy of processing asylum seekers at offshore camps with conditions condemned by human rights groups.

European Publisher Launches New Pope Francis Magazine

Mondadori, Italy’s largest book and magazine publisher and the third largest in the consumer magazine segment in France, announced its new magazine, Il Mio Papa, which is to be the world’s first magazine dedicated entirely to the pope.

Pope Invited to Spain in 2015 for 500th Anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila's Birth

Pope Francis received an invitation from President Juan Vicente Herrera of the Spanish region of Leon and Castile to visit Spain to mark the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Ávila.

Syrian rebel group makes Christians low-status subjects

An ultimatum allegedly from a jihadist group has demanded that Syrian Christians live as dhimmis, low-status subjects who must pay protection money and obey strict restrictions on their religious practice.

Visit the website of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands at

www.catholicvi.com

Visit the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/dioceseofstthomas

Read The Catholic Islander online atwww.catholicislander.com

21

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 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.

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.

St. Thomas Calendar

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.

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

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.

23Advertise your business in The Catholic Islander! Call 340.774.3166, Ext. 213, for rates.


St. Croix Calendar

Adult Education▶ The St. Patrick Alumni Association offers

an After School Tutorial Program, which is coordinated by Sister Claina Letang, ICM. 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.

▶ The Cenacle of Our Lady of the Rosary Intercessory Prayer Group meets at the Franciscan House on Wednesdays at 10 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 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 holy 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.

Legion of MaryPresidium Mary, Our Lady of Grace, meets in the Holy Cross Church rectory on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.

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.

Need Spiritual Direction? Sister Patricia Alexander, W.I.F., is available for spiritual direction at Franciscan House on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call 340.778.5773 for an appointment.

Deacon Hyacinthe George is available for prayer and counseling at St. Ann Chapel on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

St. John Calendar

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.

Protección de niños

La Diócesis de Sto. Tomás en las Islas Vírgenes está comprometida a proteger a los niños de

todo daño. Si Ud tiene conocimiento de algún empleado de la iglesia que haya abusado de algún

menor, favor de comunicarse inmediatamente con la Coordinadora Diocesana de la Protección de los Niños, Calista Julien, al 340.778.0484 or

340.772.4214.

Visite los sitios web de escuelas católicas

Sts. Peter and Paul School www.spps.vi

St. Joseph High School www.sjhsvi.com

St. Mary School www.hcccstx.org

Lleva tu cámara digital a la iglesia! E-mail tus imágenes de la parroquia o eventos de la escuela a

[email protected]

Esta publicación está disponible de forma gratuita a la parroquia a la comunidad gracias a la generosidad de nuestros anunciantes.Por favor, apoye a sus empresas.

25

¡Buenas Noticias!

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.


Visit the website of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands at

www.catholicvi.com

Visit the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/dioceseofstthomas

Read The Catholic Islander online atwww.catholicislander.com

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St. Croix

easter duty – easter joy! · campion knew every soul in his little parish of our lady of refuge...

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