SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood

Page created by Earl Nelson
 
CONTINUE READING
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Honoring Teachers    St. Pius V        Crowning Mary         San Augustin Católico
      Student       New Focus for     Diocese Prepares for      Plaza Comunitaria
   Essay Contest    Historic School    Total Consecration        Traerá Progreso

SERVING                                                  Bishop Estévez
                                                         ordains four men
                                                         to the priesthood

GOD’S PEOPLE
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
VOLUME XXIX ISSUE 6 MAY/JUNE 2019                      contents

 12                                           16                                          features

                                                                                          12
                                                                                          HONORING OUR TEACHERS
                                                                                          Students from Catholic schools
                                                                                          across the diocese submitted essays
                                                                                          about their favorite teachers. Read
                                                                                          the winners picked from elementary,
                                                                                          middle and high school to learn how
                                   WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                          their lives were impacted by a teacher.

                                                                                          16
                                                                                          ST. PIUS V COMMUNITY PROJECT
                                                                                          St. Pius V Catholic School’s old
                                                                                          campus is in the midst of renovations
                                                                                          to become a community center. See
                                                                                          how the old school will revitalize the
                                                                                          neighborhood.

                                                                                          18
                                                                                          SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE
                                                                                          Meet Nick Bennett, Eric Stelzer,
                                                                                          Matt King and Bob Hoffman, the
                                                                                          four transitional deacons who were
                                                                                          ordained as priests in the Diocese of
                                                                                          St. Augustine May 4.

                                                                                          22
                                                                                          MARIAN CONSECRATION
                                                                                          To prepare the diocese for the “Total
                                                                                          Consecration to Jesus through Mary
                                                                                          and Crowning of Our Lady of La
                                                                                          Leche,” Montfort Father Hugh Gillespie
                                                                                          will be spending one week at each of
                                                                                          the five Deaneries in the diocese.

22                                            24
                                                                                          24
                                                                           WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                          2019 FLORIDA EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
                                                                                          Thousands attended the Florida
                                                                                          Eucharistic Congress March 29-
                                                                                          30. Catch up on everything that
what you will find inside                8	WHY DO CATHOLICS | FOLLOWING
                                       CHRIST IN DARK TIMES                               happened, from talks to Mass to music.
4	EDITOR’S NOTES |
    PRIEST TRANSFERS               29	AROUND THE DIOCESE |
                                       COMMUNITY                                          On the Cover: (From left) Matt King, Eric
5   SAINT | ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA                                                          Stelzer, Nick Bennett and Bob Hoffman
                                   32	CALENDAR | WHAT’S HAPPENING                        are the newest priests serving the
6	BISHOP’S MESSAGE | THE REAL                                                            Diocese of St. Augustine.
    POWER OF THE CHURCH            33	SAN AUGUSTÍN CATÓLICO                              Photo by Woody Huband

                                                                                          MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC     3
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Editor’s Notes | Priest Transfers
The St. Augustine Catholic is the official magazine of the Diocese
of St. Augustine, which embraces 17 counties spanning
Northeast and North Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico
to the Atlantic Ocean. The diocese covers 11,032 square miles
                                                                       Why Do Priests Get Moved?
                                                                       BY KATHLEEN BAGG

                                                                       I
and serves more than 157,000 registered Catholics.

               Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez                                  T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR when pastoral assignments are made,
                          PUBLISHER
                                                                            and parishioners learn their beloved pastor, parochial vicar or
                        Kathleen Bagg
                            EDITOR                                          deacon are being moved.
                      Savanna Kearney                                     While most Catholics understand and take the news in stride, others feel grief,
                   EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
                                                                       fear, and even anger and they don’t hesitate to tell the bishop exactly how they feel.
                      Lorena Espinoza
           SPANISH NEWS EDITOR/WRITER
                                                                          Our diocese is fortunate. Thanks to the religious order priests serving in the
                                                                       diocese, all of our parishes are staffed with one or more priests. And we have four
                           Pat Dally
         ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER                                 men being ordained to the priesthood in May ready for an assignment. We are also
                        Jeff Brumley                                   blessed to have many dedicated priests who work well beyond their retirement
                       Thomas Clark                                    years in service to the people. But as our presbyterate continues to age, we can
                     Michelle DiFranco                                 expect more retirements in the near future.
                     Elizabeth Johnson
                     Savanna Kearney                                      As most people can appreciate, the assignment of priests is a complicated task.
                     Father Joe Krupp                                  There are often several reasons that prompt the change of priests, some of which
                      Iraida Martinez                                  are very personal and not appropriate for public discussion.
                     Dr. Claudia Rojas
                          Lilla Ross                                      For example, a priest might be moved because he has requested a change of
                CONTRIBUTING WRITERS                                   assignment; or there are health issues involved, or there are specific ministerial
                                                                       needs of a parish.
                      Brandon Duncan
                        Rudy Foschi                                       While the bishop works in consultation with members of his diocesan staff, other
                      Woody Huband                                     priests, and the priest personnel committee; ultimately, the bishop is in charge of
                      Savanna Kearney
                                                                       his diocese, subject only to the pope. He is also the only one who possesses all the
          CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
                                                                       pieces of the puzzle and is responsible for the welfare of the diocese, her people
                        Michael Curet
         ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR                                 and her clergy.
                                                                          In our diocese, pastors are assigned for a six-year term with an option for the
                        Cindy Barrier
              PRINTING REPRESENTATIVE                                  bishop to renew the term another six years. For older priests, once they reach the
                        Write to us at                                 age of 75, canon law requires them to submit a letter of resignation to the bishop
                  KBAGG@DOSAFL.COM                                     who may decide whether or not to accept it. The same is true for bishops who
                      Read us online at                                submit their resignation at 75 to the pope. For parochial vicars, they are usually
                    WWW.DOSAFL.COM                                     assigned to a parish up to three years. Newly ordained priests must serve in two
                                                                       parish assignments before they can become a pastor.
St. Augustine Catholic (USPS 024-733) is a membership
publication of the Diocese of St. Augustine, 11625 Old St. Augustine      We must recognize that the changing of priests, though painful, is rooted in the
Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258-2060. Published six times a year;
every other month. Periodicals postage paid at Jacksonville, FL.       sacrament of holy orders, where priests take a vow of obedience to the bishop and
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Augustine Catholic,
c/o Office of Communications, 11625 Old St. Augustine Road,            his successors.
Jacksonville, FL 32258-2060. PARISHIONERS: If you have a change
of address, please call (904) 262-3200, ext. 127 or email: llendvay@      When a bishop ordains a man to the priesthood, he is never ordained for a
dosafl.com
                                                                       single community, but service within the presbyterate. In every diocese, the whole
©St. Augustine Catholic, Diocese of St. Augustine. No portion of
the St. Augustine Catholic may be published, broadcast, rewritten      presbyterate serves the whole body of the baptized faithful, grouped into parishes.
or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without
prior written authority of the Diocese of St. Augustine. For reprint   While parishioners tend to regard their pastor as belonging exclusively to them, the
information or other questions regarding use of copyright material,
contact the St. Augustine Catholic editorial offices.                  pastor is accountable to the bishop as his closest collaborator.
     Be sure to follow us on
                                                                          The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: “Priests exercise their ministry
Facebook.com/DOSACatholics and
    Twitter @DOSACatholics
                                                                       from within the presbyterium of the diocese, under the direction of their bishop” (877).
                                                                          While some peculiar circumstances may justify – and even require – the unusual
                                                                       longevity of a particular pastor, most parishes benefit immensely by regularly
                                                                       changing their pastors, parochial vicars, and deacons.
       Help Spread the Faith!                                             So if your pastor or parochial vicar is being transferred, pray for him and his new
             Give the gift of the                                      ministry. If you’ve benefited from his ministry, thank him and thank God. Welcome
      St. Augustine Catholic Magazine                                  your new pastor too; support and encourage him in his new assignment. And don’t
        $15 annual subscription                                        forget to pray for vocations. Encourage the young men in your parish to consider
           Order online at                                             the priesthood. We need them!
     www.dosafl.com/staugcatholic/
              subscribe                                                Correction: In the Faith Matter’s column of the May/June issue, the National Human
       (904) 262-3200, ext. 123
                                                                       Trafficking Hotline number was misprinted. The correct phone number is 1 (888) 373-7888.

4     ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Saint | Finder of Lost Articles

       St. Anthony of Padua
     T. ANTHONY OF PADUA, the “finder of lost articles,” was born into a
 S   wealthy family in Portugal in 1195, and first joined the Augustinian order.
After he had been ordained into that order, he was inspired by the simple lifestyle            A T T E N T I O N
of the Franciscans he encountered. He then obtained permission to leave his                  The Diocese of St. Augustine
order and joined the relatively new Franciscans.                                                 treats all allegations of
                                                                                              sexual misconduct seriously
                                                                                             and deals with the allegations
  As a Franciscan, he spent most           Anthony’s valuable book of psalms                 in a prompt, confidential and
of his time in prayer and studying         went missing one day – a book with                       thorough manner.
the Scriptures. So it came as a great      handwritten notes that he used to guide              To Report Abuse Call:
surprise when this quiet, humble man       his students – and he prayed hard for             Diocesan Victim Assistance
                                                                                                     Coordinator
stepped in at the last minute at an        its return. The thief, a novice who had                 (904) 208-6979
important ordination and gave an           decided to abandon the order and take                         or
inspiring, memorable sermon.               the psalter with him, was eventually           Department of Children and Families
  His years of study with the              moved to not only return the book but                   1-800-96Abuse
                                                                                                   1-800-962-2873
Augustinians prepared him for this         returned to the Franciscan Order.
preaching assignment, and his voice           After becoming ill in the spring of 1231,
and manner of speaking made a              St. Anthony died on June 13, and was                      ATE NCI ÓN
deep impression on his audience. The       canonized less than a year later – making
combination of his holiness, knowledge     his canonization one of the quickest            La Diócesis de San Agustín le da seria
                                                                                             consideración a toda acusación de
and speaking ability made him famous.      in history – and in 1946, Pope Pius XII           mala conducta sexual y dispone de
Preaching became his life’s work, and      declared him a Doctor of the Church for         todos dichos casos de manera pronta,
St. Anthony embarked on a mission          his passion for the word of God.                       completa y confidencial.
of teaching other friars how to give                                                          Para reportar tal abuso, llame a:
                                                                                                  Coordinador Diocesano
sermons, becoming the first teacher in
                                                                                                   de Auxilio a Victimas
the Franciscan Order.                      • Birth: 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal                         (904) 208-6979
  Why do we invoke St. Anthony’s help      • Death: June 13, 1231                                            o
when searching for something lost or       •D  eclared a Saint by Pope Gregory IX          Departamento de Niños y Familias del
stolen? Why do we say, “St. Anthony,         with a year of his death                               Estado de la Florida
                                                                                                      1-800-96Abuse
please look around; something is lost      •P  atron Saint of lost items, the poor,                  1-800-962-2873
and must be found”? Because St.              and travelers

                                                                                          MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC      5
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Bishop’s Message | Creative Fidelity

                                                                                             which deaden our souls and poison our
                                                                                             relationships …the Lord is asking you to
                                                                                             be prophets of this new age, messengers of
                                                                                             his love, drawing people to the Father and
                                                                                             building a future of hope for all humanity.”
                                                                                                Last January, the bishops of the United
                                                                                             States were called by Pope Francis to one
                                                                                             single retreat all together in Mundelein
                                                                                             Seminary in Chicago to reflect deeply
                                                                                             on the current crisis of the church. Pope
                                                                                             Francis sent the preacher of the Pontifical
                                                                                             House, Franciscan Father Reineiro
                                                                                             Cantalamessa. He centered the entire
                                                                                             retreat on the renewal in the Holy Spirit
                                                                                             giving particular emphasis to a meditation
                                                                                             on the 9th-century famous hymn Veni
                                                                                             Creator Spiritus which introduces major
                                                                                             events such as councils, synods, priestly
                                                                                             and episcopal ordinations, etc. I will ever
                                                                                             remember this meditation in which the
                                                                                             author with fervor and depth savored each
                            The Real                                                         word of the hymn of rich biblical content.
                                                                                                For some of our people, they see the
                            Power of                                                         church afflicted by a decline in people
                                                                                             receiving the sacraments, especially
                            the Church                                                       marriage, or by the exodus of young adults
                                                                                             after the age of confirmation, or by the
                            BY BISHOP FELIPE ESTÉVEZ                                         vast number of unregistered families in
                                                                                             our parishes. But I would counter their
THE HOLY SPIRIT is best known by the images holy Scripture gives us: fire, clouds,           perceptions by the extraordinary number
                                                                                             of RCIA participants, the fidelity of our
light, seal, hand, finger of God and dove. Paul assures that the Holy Spirit comes
                                                                                             seminarians, the aliveness of movements
to our aid. Water and anointing are symbols of the Holy Spirit especially given to           such as Cursillo, Charismatics. I would
us in baptism and confirmation. Above all the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of           point out the vitality of our laity caring for
the Holy Trinity, for “with the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.”
                                                                                             and strengthening marriages and families.
                                                                                             The vast outreach of our multicultural
A believer is wise by simply saying, “Come Holy Spirit, Come!”
                                                                                             ministries, the impact of deacons in
                                                                                             our communities, the amazing Catholic
   Whenever the Spirit comes, the church       Youth Day (Australia), Pope Benedict          presence in our prisons, the vast number
experiences a wonderful renewal. I have        said in what I consider the best homily       of teens and young adults active in our
witnessed this in confirming some 2,000        on the Holy Spirit I have ever heard:         parishes and campus ministries – all
young people each year throughout              “Empowered by the Spirit, and drawing         rooted in the theological vision of Vatican
our parishes. Many have experienced a          upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation    II – the greatest church renewal of the 21st
deep faith in the retreats preparing them      of Christians is being called to help         century inspired by the Holy Spirit.
to receive the holy anointing. As each         build a world in which God’s gift of life
writes to the bishop, one reads of their       is welcomed, respected and cherished-           The Catechism sets out eight ways in
articulation of the faith in a most personal   not rejected, feared as a threat and          which the Holy Spirit provides us with an
language. Their desire for reaching out in     destroyed. A new age in which love is not     experience of God’s presence (Cf. #688):
love and making a difference in church         greedy or self-seeking, but pure, faithful,
and society truly gives us hope that the       and genuinely free, open to others,           1.	When we pray and study the
next generation is capable of passing on       respectful of their dignity, seeking their         Scripture which the Holy Spirit
the faith in spite of the many obstacles       good, radiating joy and beauty. A new              inspired, we can sense his presence in
they will encounter in a hostile society.      age in which hope liberates us from the            the biblical words.
   While addressing the 23rd World             shallowness, apathy, and self-absorption      2.	When we read the lives of the saints,

6   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
their teachings and witness, we can
    be motivated to holiness by their
    example which was shaped by the
    Holy Spirit.
3.	When we assent with obedience to
    the teachings of the Magisterium,
    we are guided by the Holy Spirit. His
    presence is uniquely experienced at
    ecumenical councils.
4.	When we actively participate in
    the liturgies and sacraments of
    the church, we enter into a sacred
    moment when the Holy Spirit opens
    us to experience God, especially in
    the Eucharist.
5.	When we give ourselves to prayer,
    whether that be the rosary or the
    Liturgy of the Hours or meditation or
    other prayers, the Holy Spirit prays
    within us and intercedes for us.
6.	When we offer ourselves to the
    various missionary or apostolic
    efforts of the church or see signs of
    those efforts, we can sense the Holy
    Spirit at work in the world.
7.	When we recognize the charisms
    and ministries which help build the
    church, we also understand that it is
    the Holy Spirit providing us with the
    leadership we need.
8.	When we dwell on the great
    tradition of the church, its marvelous
    history and its host of saintly
    witnesses, we sense the Holy Spirit’s
    sustaining power through it all.

   My favorite prayer to the Holy Spirit
is the one St. Augustine wrote. With five
verbs introducing each sentence it moves
the believer to action and transformation.
There is such logic and rhythm that flows
from the beginning of an idea to the whole
transformed life in divine love.

        Breathe in me O Holy Spirit,
     that my thoughts may all be holy
           Act in me O Holy Spirit
       that my work too may be holy
       Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit
         that I love but what is holy
        Strengthen me O Holy Spirit,
           to defend all that is holy
       Guard me then, O Holy Spirit,
   that I always may be holy. Amen
                                             MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC   7
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Why Do Catholics | Following Christ

How Can I
follow Christ in these

DARK TIMES?
BY FATHER JOSEPH KRUPP

     The world seems very dark lately, and it’s really wearing

                                                                                                                                             MATT WATTERS
me down. How can I be a witness to Christ in times like this?

     I’ve felt this a lot too, lately. I believe it was C.S. Lewis
who pointed out that the teaching on original sin is probably
the most easily provable doctrine of the Catholic Church, and        of evil thoughts and actions, do whatever it takes. Coupled with a
days like this are good evidence for that position! These are        life of service to others, you will find your life changing, and your
dark days. I always say this and I won’t hammer it too hard,         whole viewpoint changing, as you realize that each day you are
but I will say it again: We should pray. We should pray against      growing closer and closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
the darkness. I strongly recommend that we pray the Prayer
to St. Michael, the Hail Mary and ask for the intercession of St.    Third, A Discipline of Meekness
Joseph. We are facing great evil in these days, and we need to
pray against that evil.                                                 Why meekness? Because I find it exceedingly rare. Jesus
  Beyond that, I want to give us a few general ideas that can        specifically calls us to meekness, but we miss that call,
help us be a witness to Christ in these dark days. I’ll share an     perhaps because we don’t know what it is. To be meek is to
action, a commitment and a discipline that will help you shine.      refuse to do harm. That’s it.
                                                                        A few years ago, I had an experience that drove me to strive
First, An Action: Care for the Poor                                  for meekness. I was and am surprised at what a challenge it
                                                                     is. There’s a lot inside of us that wants us to be anything but
  As Catholics, there are innumerable ways we can give to            meek and frankly, not many people honor it because they
the poor. We can give our money, our time and our prayers to         interpret it as weakness. Start striving for meekness and it will
the least among us. Volunteer at a pro-life agency, donate to        astound you how much strength it requires!
Catholic Charities, help out in your local food pantry. These           How to be meek? Here are a few ways I have found helpful
things are not “extras.” It is the clear and consistent teaching     to practice the gift of meekness:
of our church and its founder, Jesus Christ, that our treasure
and our talents do not exist for our benefit, but for the benefit       • If I can’t say it out of love, I will not say it.
of the least among us. When we are struggling with the                  • If I am not asked my opinion, I will not offer it, unless
darkness, it can be an incredible blessing to give our energy,             failing to speak up will cause harm to others.
time and even financial assistance to the poor.                         • When deciding whether to do “a” or “b,” I will go with
                                                                           what others want, as long as it is a moral option.
Second, A Commitment to Holiness                                        •W  hen someone hurts me, I will instantly ask God to
                                                                           forgive them and help me to forgive them.
  As God’s children, we have two choices: to be a saint or to go
to hell. There’s no third option here. The dark is getting darker,      These are just some of the things that I noted to help me
the confusion and lies from hell are gaining more and more           challenge myself to be meek, and I have found it very, very
ground in our culture, and any moral authority our church once       good for me.
held in society is severely damaged. We must be the solution,           I urge all my readers to take this call very seriously – by God’s
and we can’t be if we are not saints. We-Must-Be-Holy.               grace, we not only can do these things, but we must do these
  Holiness begins with the internal. Make a solid commitment to      things. Scripture tells us that, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds
pray every day and never give up on it no matter how many times      all the more,” and I have found that to be true.
you fail. Make sure you get to confession once a month, minimum.        Let’s make a commitment, not to spend our precious God-given
Each day examine any way that you did not love God or others as      energy raging at those, them or the other, but instead to focus
you should and ask his forgiveness. The next morning when you        on caring for the poor, being holy and the discipline of meekness.
wake up, you’ve got a fresh start. Read one of the Gospels, repent   May God strengthen and bless our efforts to be his.

8   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC   9
SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
Faith Matters | Hospitality

                                                                  I
                                                                         T’S COMMON to see large
                                                                         numbers of people staying
                                                                         after each of the five Masses
                                                                         at Queen of Peace Catholic
                                                                   Church in Gainesville. Instead
                                                                   of hurrying to their cars after
                                                                   Mass, they remain for fellowship,
                                                                   opportunities to serve one
                                                                   another and, yes, to enjoy light
                                                                   refreshments.

                                                                       And the events aren’t priest-led. Their
                                                                    secret? Parishioners Jim and Ginny
                                                                    Patton, and the gift they share for the
                                                                    hospitality ministry.
                                                                       Their lay-led ministry is a huge help for
                                                                    Father Al Esposito, the pastor at Queen of
                                                                    Peace – a total stewardship parish.
                                                                       “They create a great sense of ease for me
                                                                    because I want people to feel they belong
                                                                    here and are at home here,” he said.
                                                                                  The couple started building
                                                                                a culture of hospitality almost
                                                                                since the moment of their
                                                                                arrival at the parish in 1999.
                                                           It’s not             Since then, Father Al said, the
                                                           about the            Patton’s efforts have evolved
                                                           donuts,              to include a team of about 60
                                                                                volunteers in four teams who
                                                           and it’s
                                                                                prepare coffee and various
                                                           not about            dishes after all Masses and also
                                                           the coffee,”         for special events and ministry
                                                           Jim added.           gatherings.
                                                                                  It is their example that has
                                                           “It’s about
                                                                                inspired so many to want to
                                                           getting              join the thriving hospitality
                                                           to know              ministry, Father Al said.
                                                           people.”               “They really are like leaven
WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                in the community,” he said.
                                                                                “People look up to them, and I
                                                                    think a lot of our other ministers aspire to
                                                                    have a similar spirit of commitment.”
               Jim and Ginny Patton                                    But neither Jim nor Ginny Patton is

               MAKE PEOPLE
                                                                    comfortable with so much praise, saying
                                                                    hospitality is a team effort.
                                                                       “We are just ministry leaders,” Ginny

               FEEL WELCOME
                                                                    Patton said.
                                                                       But they have a history of being leaders
                                                                    in parishes they have served in different
                                                                    cities, including Good Shepherd Catholic
               BY JEFF BRUMLEY                                      Church in Huntsville, Ala.
               10   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
During their decade there, Jim Patton            What it’s about on the parish level,
led a clown ministry that visited nursing       Father Al added, is creating a welcoming
homes and hospitals.                            environment for parishioners and visitors.

                                                                                                                                                  WOODY HUBAND
   Ginny was heavily involved in                It’s about showing the love and grace of
preparing meals for special occasions at        the community.
the Huntsville parish.                              “It’s not just about greeting people at the
   “I have always been involved with food       Mass,” he said. “Hospitality is woven into          Jim and Ginny Patton pictured with
and liked to cook,” she said. “I prepared       every ministry and event of the parish. It’s      Father Alberto Esposito, pastor of Queen
food for the youth group and cooking for        radical hospitality and inclusion.”               of Peace Parish
events. That was my ministry there.”
   As they prepared to move to Gainesville,
the Pattons were advised by their pastor to
get involved in ministry within six weeks
after settling in their new home and parish.
   Jim Patton again led a clown ministry,
which has since disbanded and is active
in the Knights of Columbus. He also
participates in medical missions to Haiti
and the photography ministry to name a
few. Ginny leads a Bible study.
   But it was their hospitality efforts that
resonated with the clergy and laity at
Queen of Peace.
   “Our former pastor, Father Jeff
McGowan, was adamant that if people
do not feel warmth and welcome, they
will not come back,” Ginny Patton said.
“Father Jeff really supported hospitality.
For it is through hospitality that people
feel connected, become involved, and most
importantly grow in their faith journey.”
   Initially, the hospitality gatherings were
held only after Sunday morning Mass.
   “People would just gather and talk,” she
said. “Then it blossomed into every Mass.”
   The blossoming continued. Soon the
ministry was asked to provide beverages and
food after special events, like the Veterans
Day celebration, and for the meetings of
other ministries at Queen of Peace.
   And as the number of events increased,
so did interest in the ministry among
other parishioners.
   The events provide hospitality team
members and other parishioners
opportunities to serve each other.
   She added that there is no charge for the
beverages and food, which can range from
sweets to sandwiches. Nachos and cheese
are usually served after the Spanish Mass
and Sunday evening Mass.
   “It’s not about the donuts, and it’s not
about the coffee,” Jim added. “It’s about
getting to know people.”
                                                                                                  MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC       11
Itzel Romulo with her
                                                                                                                                          3rd grade teacher,
                                                                                                                                       Mrs. Renee Hrichena.

                                    HONORING
                                      OUR
                                    TEACHERS
                                   Students shine the spotlight on
                                       their favorite teachers
                                         TUDENTS FROM CATHOLIC SCHOOLS and
                                    S    parish religious education programs around
                                   the diocese were asked to write an essay about
                                   their favorite teacher. The staff at the St. Augustine
                                   Catholic picked a winner and runner up from
                                   elementary school, middle school and high school.
                                   Read below to find out how the winners’ lives were
                                   impacted by a teacher and visit our website www.
                                   dosafl.com to read the runner-up essays.

                                                                                               ELEMENTARY

                                                                                                                                                                  WOODY HUBAND
                                                                                               SCHOOL
                                                                                            By Itzel Romulo, 3rd grade, Epiphany Catholic School

                                                                                               Hi, my name is Itzel, and I am in the third grade. I go to
                                                                                            Epiphany Catholic School. I have a favorite teacher, and her name
                                                                                            is Mrs. Hrichena. She is really nice to me as well as to new
                                                                                            students. She has dirty blonde hair and wears glasses. My teacher
                                                                                            helps me with whatever I need. I believe she is the best teacher in
                                                                                            the world. I also think she has a good sense of humor and also is
                                                                                            funny. She is as sweet as pie. My teacher also helps people in need
                                                                                            or just everybody she sees everywhere and anywhere. She is nice,
                                                                                            sweet and kind-hearted. When I am sad, she cheers me up with
GETTYIMAGES.COM/JAMMYDESIGN

                                                                                            her jokes and smiles. She will also help you if you need food or
                                                                                            water. The main reason she is my favorite teacher is because she is
                                                                                            always on time and greets us.

                                                                                            RUNNER UP
                                                                                            Lucas Clemons-Kirby, 3rd grade, Annunciation Catholic School

                              12    ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
Stephen Greenwood with
                                                                                                                            his religion teacher, Mr.
                                                                                                                                      Joshua Currie.

                  MIDDLE
WOODY HUBAND

                  SCHOOL
               By Stephen Greenwood, 7th grade, Cathedral Parish School             Be, Hail Mary, Our Father, and we are learning the Hail Holy
                                                                                    Queen right now. Sometimes, Mr. Currie will give a Bible
                 My favorite teacher is Mr. Joshua Currie, he is my religion        scavenger hunt worksheet in which we must find certain things
               teacher and is the best. In class we have in-depth conversations     in the Bible for fun. We also play Bible Charades in which we
               about what we read for homework and it means a lot to me. We         must act out a scene from the Bible and someone has to guess
               are learning about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and          what it is. When we are good in class (of course that is always!),
               ascension. Currently, we are watching “Jesus of Nazareth.” Mr.       Mr. Currie will just throw candy everywhere. Occasionally we
               Currie teaches 6-8th grade, he has organized tests and quizzes       just go outside for class to relieve stress and enjoy God’s creation.
               and helps students if they need it. He works with the other          Thank you for asking us to express our opinions about our
               teachers to figure out when the best time for tests are and          teachers. Mr. Currie shares the light of Christ with us daily and
               schedules them. Mr. Currie doesn’t make teaching boring, he          it’s nice to shine the light back on him. In my opinion, he is the
               puts a twist on it and makes it fun and exciting! He sometimes       best and I am proud to call him my teacher.
               lets us play games that Jesus played as a child, like Blind Man’s
               Bluff. We also play a game called Devil’s Advocate in which we       RUNNER UP
               are put in a situation and have to choose what to do. In religion,   James Register, 7th grade,
               Mr. Currie teaches us how to say prayers in Latin like the Glory     St. Paul’s Catholic School, Jacksonville

                                                                                                          MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC          13
Maddie Millar with her
                                                                 English teacher,
                                                           Mrs. Ashleigh Bradley.

                    HIGH
WOODY HUBAND

                    SCHOOL
               14   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
By Maddie Millar,                             children she has she would say way more.       grateful to have the opportunity to be a
9th grade, Bishop Kenny High School           Although she is so hard on us, she loves       student in her class and to learn from her.
                                              every single one of her students. She          As a result, I have become a better person,
  From the day of student orientation,        wants everyone to leave the classroom          student, daughter, sister, athlete and child
before school even started, everyone          better students, but more so better people.    of God.
knew that Mrs. Bradley was an extremely       Mrs. Bradley is someone whom I look up
hard teacher. Within the first thirty         to because of how strong, courageous,          RUNNER UP
seconds of being in her classroom, I          hardworking, kind-hearted, and because         Andrew Tabor, 9th grade, Bishop
knew that she was passionate about her        of how close she is with Christ. I am so       Kenny High School
job and took it seriously. I remember
walking in her classroom on the first day
of school and telling myself, “I am going
to give my absolute best in her class.”
This is because unlike other students, I
thrive off of the hard teachers.
   From that point forward, I walked into
her classroom excited to learn every day.
Although that sounds very cliché, it is
true. Regardless of what we are doing in
her classroom I want to do everything
correctly. Mrs. Bradley loves what she
does, and she makes sure to give her
students the best learning possibilities.
I will never forget when we started
reading The Pearl by John Steinbeck.
She would play the audiobook and
let us listen while we read. She would
then stop the text at certain points and
have us analyze the text to try to really
understand what was going on. Also, she
wanted us to understand what message
the author was trying to convey to us.
While we read, she would stand up by
her podium on her iPad. I thought she
was grading things or responding to
emails. I then came to realize that she
was reading along with us, marking up
the text, trying to connect things back
to the Bible, looking at the author’s
tone, and trying to discover new things
about the text even though she could
already repeat every page word for word.
Coming from a public-school system my
whole life, I was in shock that teachers
would do that. It made me realize how
much she truly cares about what we are
learning and how every little thing we do
in class has a purpose.
   Mrs. Bradley is the epitome of tough
love. She holds such high standards for all
of her students. A due date is a due date.
One minute late…it is late, no excuses.
Along with being a teacher she has five
children, but if you asked her how many
                                                                                            MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC       15
Members of the St. Pius V Community Project, from
                                                                           left, Tracie Loftis, Father James Boddie, Jr., Celia Miller,
WOODY HUBAND

                                                                           Father Bernardine Eikhumeleo and Anita Hassell, come
                                                                                                       together to provide outreach.

                                     St. Pius V                            FOR 95 YEARS, education was the focus of St. Pius
                                                                           V Catholic School, and now it’s beginning a new
                              Community Project                            chapter as a center for community services in

               A NEW FOCUS FOR
                                                                           North Jacksonville.

                                                                             In 2017 St. Pius and Holy Rosary schools merged
                                                                           into the new Guardian Catholic School, which was

               HISTORIC SCHOOL
                                                                           built on the Holy Rosary campus. Bishop Felipe
                                                                           Estévez asked Anita Hassell, diocesan director of
                                                                           Catholic Charities, to set up a committee to figure out
                                                                           what to do with the old St. Pius school.
                                                                             The school opened in 1921 as part of St. Pius V
                                                           BY LILLA ROSS   Parish, the first black Catholic parish in the Diocese of
                                                                           St. Augustine.
                                                                             The school was an important outreach to the historic
               16   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
black community of Durkeeville,            The clinic has a fulltime primary care team and
                       known for its ballfield where the        medical director and provides the full range of services
                       Negro Baseball League played.            available at any other Ascension St. Vincent’s primary
                       Father James Boddie, Jr. grew up         care clinics.
                       in the parish, was ordained there          Patients will also be able to access behavioral health
                       in 1978 and was pastor from 1994         services via a new telehealth system, Loftis said. “A
                       to 2002.                                 private room is set up with technology so a patient can
                          “The school was a beautiful           interface with a clinician in a virtual format,” Loftis
                       outreach, about 95 percent of the        said. “It’s a new approach to delivering this type of
                       students are non-Catholic,” Boddie       care, but we think an effective way to reach individuals
                       said. “It brought a lot of kids to the   in a setting that they’re comfortable with.”
                       church, and the graduates went on          The other thing that sets the clinic apart is that it’s
                       to Stanton [New Stanton Senior           the first one co-located with a Catholic church.
                       High School] and Bishop Kenny              “One of the things that makes me proud of this
                       High School.”                            project is for the community to more clearly recognize
                          But the neighborhood is now           St. Vincent’s as a ministry of the church,” Loftis said.
                       in decline plagued by crime,             “When the Daughters of Charity came to Jacksonville
                       unemployment, and a lack of              over 100 years ago, they brought forth a mission to           We are part
                       socio-economic opportunities.            provide holistic care to the body, mind, and spirit.          of the larger
                       Residents have limited access to         What makes us different than some other health
                                                                                                                              church. It’s
                       health care and food.                    care providers is our commitment to serve the whole
                          Longtime Durkeeville resident         person regardless of their faith tradition.                   an incredible
                       Celia Miller said her family operated      “We are part of the larger church. It’s an incredible       partnership
                       a grocery and meat market at Fifth       partnership for us to come together in one place and          for us
                       and Myrtle avenues for 45 years.         remove barriers so this community can more easily
                                                                                                                              to come
                       The store closed in 1997.                access care,” Loftis said.
                          “We used to have a village with         In addition to the clinic, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s       together in
                       a bank, a post office, ice cream         Office is using the site as a stop station where officers     one place
                       parlor, a five and dime and other        can take breaks.                                              and remove
                       mom and pop stores,” Miller said.          In April, Catholic Charities opened a food pantry
                                                                                                                              barriers
                          Miller said she doesn’t like to see   and began offering emergency financial assistance,
                       the neighborhood declining from          Anita Hassell said. In the coming months, it will be          so this
                       a family-oriented, working-class         offering parenting classes, pregnancy counseling and          community
                       community to one where addiction         workforce development assistance.                             can more
                       and unemployment have become               Eventually, St. Pius will invite other organizations to
                                                                                                                              easily access
                       the norm.                                offer services at the center that could include 12-step
   The ad hoc committee held two town hall meetings             groups, youth activities, and financial literacy education.   care.”
to hear the community’s ideas. They had a long wish               Miller welcomes the new center. She hopes a food
list that included better access to food and health             co-op can be established at the center as well.
care, services for children such as tutoring, programs            Father Bernardine Eikhumeleo, pastor of St. Pius V
for families, assistance for the unemployed and more            Parish, said he hopes the center will help revitalize the
security for the neighborhood.                                  neighborhood.
   Bishop Estévez gave the go-ahead to establish a                “People were afraid the parish would close. It’s one
community center at the old St. Pius school, which              of the few safe places in the area,” he said.
will require about $1.5 million in repairs to the                 The new center will do double duty as a parish
buildings.                                                      hall. The parish will be renovating the sanctuary
   Ascension St. Vincent’s renovated the child care             for its centennial is in 2021, and while work is
center, and last fall opened a primary care clinic.             underway, the congregation will gather for Mass in
   “Our next closest clinic is on Edgewood Avenue,              the community center.
which is about three miles away,” said Tracie Loftis,             “We are anxious to see the work begin,” Father
Ascension St. Vincent’s chief mission integration               Bernardine said. “It’s going to be noisy, but it will be a
officer. “So, this is the first one in this neighborhood.”      joyful noise.”
                                                                                                 MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC        17
WOODY HUBAND

               18   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
SERVING
                               GOD’S
                               PEOPLE
                               Bishop Estévez ordains
                               four men to the priesthood
                               BY SAVANNA KEARNEY

                            FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, Bishop Felipe Estévez has ordained one or

                            two priests a year for service in the Diocese of St. Augustine. This year,

                            on May 4, he ordained not two, not three, but four men to the priesthood.

                              “There’s a real movement of the spirit within the men of our diocese,” said
                            Father David Keegan, diocesan director of vocations. “It shows that we have
                            become successful in creating a culture of vocations throughout the diocese.”
                              Meet transitional deacons Nick Bennet, Eric Stelzer, Matt King, and
                            Bob Hoffman – four men whose unique journeys ultimately lead them to
                            answer the same call.
                              Father David Ruchinski, pastor of St. Augustine Church and Catholic
                            Student Center in Gainesville, was the director of vocations for the
                            diocese from 2012 to 2018 when the four men were in the early stages of
                            their formation.
         (From left) Bob
Hoffman, Matt King, Eric      “They all heard a call from the Lord to serve God’s people in the Diocese
Stelzer and Nick Bennett
   are the newest priests
                            of St. Augustine,” he said. “They all have a passion for sharing the Gospel
  serving the Diocese of
                            and inviting people into a relationship with Christ in his church, especially
           St. Augustine.
                            through the sacraments.”
                                                            MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC         19
WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                                                                                                  WOODY HUBAND
                 Nick Bennett, a Jacksonville native and a parishioner of St.                Eric Stelzer is the only one of the four men being ordained
               Joseph Parish in Mandarin, first felt the call to the priesthood at         this year who is not from the Diocese of St. Augustine – but
               his confirmation in eighth grade.                                           thanks to his time with the Catholic Gators at the University of
                  “I felt like the Lord was calling me and saying to me, ‘Nicholas,        Florida, he feels a connection with this diocese in particular.
               you’re going to be up there on the altar with me one day. You’re               “I go where the Lord calls me, and the Lord called me to
               going to be a priest for me,’” he said.                                     himself while I was at UF. And for me, it’s not coincidental.
                  But like any young man, he fought against the call to the                These are the people He has chosen for me to come to serve,”
               priesthood, until he started dating a few years later. After getting home   said Eric, who grew up in Merritt Island, Fla.
               from a date, Nick said he laid down on his bed and heard God’s voice           Although he was raised Catholic, Eric said his faith was lukewarm
               again, this time saying, “I made you for something more.”                   before getting involved in ministry with Catholic Gators.
                  “I still look back at that moment as one of the biggest instances           “I went from having a tepid faith to just increasing in zeal and
               of the Lord calling me,” he said.                                           love of God and developing a relationship with Christ,” he said.
                  And after attending a Steubenville conference the summer                    Hearing about the vocational journey of a seminarian serving
               before his senior year of high school, his heart became even more           at St. Augustine Parish in Gainesville inspired Eric to consider
               open to the Lord’s call. He attended Florida State University, where        the priesthood. He applied to become a seminarian of the
               he continued to grow in his faith at the Catholic Student Union.            diocese, and he hasn’t looked back.
               As a sophomore, Nick realized he had reached the point when                    Eric – who is half Puerto Rican – said the thing he is most
               he had to decide on his vocation. So, he applied to the diocese to          looking forward to about the priesthood is being a gente puente
               become a candidate for the seminary, and he got in.                         or “bridge person.”
                  “I have great trust and confidence in the church that I’ve made             “I want to be a bridge for people, between themselves and
               the right decision,” said Nick. “It feels right. It feels like this is      God. To help create opportunities for an encounter with the
               what I was made for.”                                                       divine,” he said.
               20    ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                                                                                            WOODY HUBAND
                 Matt King grew up in a Catholic family who faithfully                 Unlike many other seminarians, Bob Hoffman heard the call
               attended San Sebastian Catholic Church in St. Augustine, but as      to the priesthood later in life and entered the seminary just
               a teenager, his faith was lacking.                                   three years ago. Originally from Reisterstown, Md., he moved
                  “I always felt like I was missing something. It was like I was    to Jacksonville in 2000 to continue his work in the railroad
               drinking salt water – I could never get enough,” Matt said.          industry. When he first felt the tug towards a different path in
               “There was always this hunger, this restlessness in my heart that    life, he considered joining the Trappists, a cloistered
               eventually I found in the church.”                                   community in Conyers, Ga. But after attending a retreat there,
                  It was at a diocesan youth event that Matt started to feel        he realized there was one thing he would greatly miss if he
               the tug towards priesthood. And he decided to answer God’s           became a monk – a connection to the people.
               calling earlier than most. He entered the seminary right after he       “After that, I knew what I needed to do,” said Bob. “I drove
               graduated from high school.                                          back to Jacksonville and immediately inquired about joining
                  “The man I am today is because of the formation I received. I     the seminary.”
               can’t imagine my life without it,” he said.                             And after three years at Pope St. John XXIII National
                  And nine years later, Matt is excited about his ordination.       Seminary in Weston, Mass., Bob says he feels ready for the
                  “I feel completely free. I know without a shadow of a doubt       priesthood.
               that He has called me freely to the priesthood,” Matt said.             “I’m looking forward to being able to celebrate the holy
               “There’s nothing else I want to be doing with my life than serving   sacrifice of the Mass,” he said. “As well as just being able to serve
               the people of the Diocese of St. Augustine as a priest.”             the people and bring them closer to Christ.”

                               To learn more about our newly ordained priests, check out our video interviews at www.dosafl.com.

                                                                                                           MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC        21
SPECIAL
                                                                               Montfort Father Hugh Gillespie

                                                                                 To prepare the diocese for the consecration,
                                                                              Montfort Father Hugh Gillespie will be spending one
                                                                              week at each of the five Deaneries in the diocese.
                                                                              Throughout these five weeks, Father Gillespie will
                                                                              meet with schools, parishes, and lay organizations to
                                                                              explain what Marian consecration is and to prepare
                                                                              worshippers for this devotion.
                                                                                 Father Gillespie is a member of the Montfort
                                                                              Missionaries and is the author of Preparation for
                                                                              Total Consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary. The
                                                                              book is a roadmap for a 33-day preparation for
                                                                              Marian consecration according to the spirituality of
                                                                              St. Louis de Montfort. Each day includes a prayer,
                                                                              short readings, and meditations to guide the reader
                                                                              to a greater understanding of Christ, and specifically
                 A statue of Our                                              how Catholics can grow in their faith through greater
               Lady of La Leche at                                            devotion to the Mother of God.
               the Cathedral Basilica
SCOTT SMITH

               of St. Augustine.
                                                                                 In his book, Father Gillespie explains that St. Louis
                                                                              de Montfort “devoted all the energy of his vocational
                                                                              life to living and proclaiming a true devotion to

              Preparing
                                                                              Our Lady as the most powerful and direct means of
                                                                              becoming fully mature in the spirit of Jesus Christ.”
                                                                                 While many Catholics may be familiar with Marian
              the Diocese for                                                 consecration, Catholic beliefs about Mary are also often
                                                                              the source of misunderstandings. Most Catholics have

              Consecration to Jesus                                           probably received questions or comments about Mary at
                                                                              one point or another. Why do Catholics have so many

              through Mary
                                                                              statues and paintings of Mary? Why do Catholics pray
                                                                              the rosary? Do Catholics worship Mary? In proclaiming
                                                                              the importance of Marian devotions, it is also important
              BY THOMAS CLARK
                                                                              to clarify these misconceptions and provide the context

          O
                                                                              for Catholic doctrine regarding Mary.
                    N OCTOBER 11, 2020, the Diocese of St. Augustine will        The goal of Marian devotion is always to develop a
                    celebrate the “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary   closer union with Christ. St. Louis de Montfort writes
              and Crowning of Our Lady of La Leche,” in commemoration         that “if we seek to establish a true and solid devotion
                                                                              to the most holy Virgin, it is only in order to more
              of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the diocese. This   perfectly establish devotion to Jesus Christ and to offer a
              special event aims to bring the whole diocese together and      secure and easy means of coming to him.” Mary, rather
              raise awareness about consecration to Jesus through Mary.       than obscuring or replacing Jesus, is an example and
              22   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
intercessor for souls who strive to grow closer to Christ.   effects it has had on his students. Deacon DeLuca is
   Father Joseph Kuhlman, a priest at the Cathedral          also working with several lay Catholic organizations
Basilica of St. Augustine, provided the following quote,     in the diocese, such as the Knights of Columbus, the
originally from Archbishop Fulton Sheen: “Let those          Order of Malta, the Council of Catholic Women, the        The goal
who think that the church pays too much attention            St. Vincent de Paul Society, and others, to spread the    of Marian
to Mary give heed to the fact that our Blessed Lord          word about Marian consecration.
                                                                                                                       devotion is
himself gave ten times as much of his life to her as            As the diocese continues to prepare for its 150th
he gave to his Apostles.” If we wish to know and love        anniversary, all Catholics should keep an eye out for     always to
Christ, we should learn from the example of Mary,            opportunities to get involved through their parishes,     develop a
who knew and loved Christ the most out of all of his         schools, and lay organizations. Whether it is renewing    closer union
followers.                                                   a previous consecration or taking a new step in the
                                                                                                                       with Christ.”
   Deacon Robert DeLuca, a campus minister and               faith, consecration to Jesus through Mary provides a
religion instructor at Bishop Kenny High School in           way to grow in faith.
Jacksonville, is passionate about consecration to Jesus
through Mary and is coordinating efforts to prepare the
diocese for the upcoming consecration.                       Save the Date
   “We don’t worship Mary,” said Deacon DeLuca. “We             Make or renew your total consecration to Jesus through Mary at
worship one God, a Trinitarian God – Father, Son, and        one of the following Masses:
Holy Spirit. But God chose Mary to deliver the Savior        • Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche,
to the world.”                                                  High Springs.
   After a Marian pilgrimage to Czestochowa, Poland in       • Oct. 12 at 10 a.m., Assumption Catholic Church, Jacksonville.
2014, Deacon DeLuca has been an advocate for Marian          • Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, St. Augustine.
consecration, especially after seeing the powerful           For more details, email DelucaB@bishopkenny.net.

                                                                                           MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC      23
The 2019 Florida
Eucharistic Congress
SPREADS MESSAGE OF HOPE
“For I know the plans I have
  for you” Jeremiah 29:11
BY SAVANNA KEARNEY

      HOUSANDS OF PEOPLE from across Florida
 T    gathered at the 2019 Florida Eucharistic
Congress, March 29-30. The weekend was

                                                                                                                                                   WOODY HUBAND
an opportunity for people to unite under the
Eucharist, with Mass and Adoration, praise and
                                                              Bishop Felipe Estévez gives a talk during the Spanish track.
worship and an amazing lineup of speakers.

   Friday night kicked off with a keynote from Father
Robert Spitzer of EWTN’s Father Robert Spitzer’s Universe
regarding Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist, using
Scripture, science and Eucharistic miracles as proof of
his actual presence. Following his talk, the Comunitá
Cenacolo beautifully performed live Stations of the Cross.
   The following morning, various organizations,
parishes, and schools from across the Diocese of St.

                                                                                                                                                   BRANDON DUNCAN
Augustine processed through and around the Prime
                                                                                                 RUDY FOSCHI

Osborn Convention Center. After a keynote address
urging the Catholic laity to believe in and draw strength
from the transformative powers of the Eucharist,
                                                               The Fil-Millennials perform                       Young adults participate in the
Archbishop Terrence Predergast of Ottawa celebrated
                                                             traditional Filipino folk dances.                 procession.
Mass alongside the clergy of the diocese.
   The incredible lineup of speakers continued after
lunch, including Father of Mercy Wade Menezes,
EWTN’s Teresa Tomeo and her husband Deacon
Dominick Pastore, Jesse Romero, Sarah Swafford, and
Andrew Laubacher, with music by local band Stella and
Miami-based band The Call.
   The event ended with traditional Filipino folk
performances by the Fil-Millennials, as well as
Eucharistic Adoration.
   Be sure to save the date for the 2020 Eucharistic
                                                                                                                                                   WOODY HUBAND

Congress, May 15-16, at the Prime Osborn
Convention Center. Next year’s congress will be a
special celebration of the Diocese of St. Augustine’s
150-year anniversary.                                         Bishop Estévez leads the Eucharistic Procession.

24   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                                   WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                                                                                              WOODY HUBAND
 The teen track put together “blessing                       A large crowd processes around the                     Archbishop Prendergast distrubutes
bags” to give to those in need.                            convention center.                                      Holy Communion during Mass.

                                                                                                   WOODY HUBAND

                                                                                                                                                              RUDY FOSCHI
                                          WOODY HUBAND

                                                             Local band Stella performs at the                      Miami-based band The Call performs
 Father Robert Spitzer                                     teen track.                                             during the Spanish track.
                                          WOODY HUBAND

 Archbisohp Terrence Prendergast of
Ottawa celebrates Mass.
                                          BRANDON DUNCAN

                                                                                                                                                              WOODY HUBAND

 Jesse Romero signs copies of his book.                     The Comunitá Cenacolo perform live Stations of the Cross.

                                                                                                                  MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC   25
Around the Diocese | Community

                 Father Fred Parke
                 Retires as Pastor of
                 Assumption Parish
WOODY HUBAND

                 BY LILLA ROSS

                  Father Fred Parke says his mother          Diocese of Syracuse and served there for     of the Home of the Mother, who came in
               always told him that you should leave a       a decade before moving to Jacksonville       2006, have had a major impact on the
               room better than you found it. That’s a       to be closer to his aging parents. He had    parish and school.
               philosophy he said he has applied to his      planned to stay three years, but Bishop         “They minister in the school and serve
               pastorates.                                   John J. Snyder offered him a permanent       as a witness to remind us what we are
                  When Father Parke retires in June, he      position, and he took it.                    all about,” Father Parke said. “They
               said he feels satisfied that he is leaving       He served St. Joseph Parish for about     do two days of recollection each year,
               Assumption Parish in Jacksonville in          five years and spent 11 years at St.         rosary club, all kinds of things. They are
               good shape. During his 17 years as pastor,    Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Palm Coast,    around all the time and really help form
               he built a family center, a gymnasium, a      where he built the church and the school.    our students’ Catholic identity. It makes
               23-classroom addition to the school and          But as proud as he is of the buildings,   a difference.”
               a free-standing adoration chapel.             he said he is even prouder of the               Father Parke said he will be staying
                  “I did a lot of building, but I couldn’t   Catholic identities he has helped build,     in Jacksonville and plans to stay active,
               have done it without the generosity of the    especially in the parish’s young people.     helping where he is needed.
               people,” he said. “I tell them, ‘I pushed,       He has taught a weekly religion class        He is thinking about collecting the
               you paid, but God made it happen.’”           to 7th and 8th graders at Assumption         humorous columns he has written over
                  Father Parke was ordained in the           School. And, he said the Servant Sisters     the years and putting together a book.

               26   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
BRANDON DUNCAN

                                     BRANDON DUNCAN

                      Father Tim                      Father Andrzej
                    Lindenfelser                         Mitera
BRANDON DUNCAN

                           Father Bernard Ahern

                 Three Priests
                 Recognized
                 for Milestone
                 Anniversaries
                   Two priests of the Diocese of St.
                 Augustine will celebrate their silver
                 jubilee this year, marking 25 years of
                 priesthood and service to God’s people.
                   Father Tim Lindenfelser, pastor of St.
                 Anastasia Parish in St. Augustine was
                 ordained a priest on May 7, 1994. Father
                 Andrzej Mitera, pastor of St. William
                 Parish in Keystone Heights, was ordained
                 on May 27, 1994.
                   Bishop Felipe Estévez will celebrate a
                 Mass to honor the jubilarians on Tuesday,
                 May 7, at 4:30 p.m. in the Marywood
                 Chapel, 235 Marywood Drive, St. Johns.
                   Father Bernard Ahern, a senior priest
                 at St. Joseph Parish, will celebrate 65
                 years of service on June 12. The parish
                 will honor Father Bernie at the 5:30 p.m.
                 Mass on June 8.

                                                                       MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC   27
Around the Diocese | Community

                 Father Greg Fay
                 Retires from
                 San José Parish
WOODY HUBAND

                 BY LILLA ROSS

                 Father Greg Fay has spent 43 years serving the Diocese of         As pastor of San José, he oversaw $480,000 on repairs and
               St. Augustine, and he says he couldn’t have done it without      upgrades to the parish, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
               the friendship and mentoring of Monsignors Dan Logan, John          “I’m leaving the parish in good shape. Actually, San José
               Lenihan, and Mort Danaher.                                       runs itself,” Father Fay said. The parish has a good staff and
                 Father Fay will retire as pastor of San José Parish on June    strong lay leadership, which he says has made his job as
               30. But he’s not going anywhere. He has bought a retirement      pastor easy.
               home in the neighborhood and will continue to celebrate Mass        Father Fay also oversaw the construction of San Juan
               and the sacraments as needed without the responsibilities of     Del Rio Catholic Church and school, the renovation and
               running a parish.                                                expansion of Holy Family Church and the construction of
                 He moved from New Jersey to Jacksonville with his family       its school. He also was the project supervisor for Marywood
               when he was 14. He was a member of Christ the King Parish        Retreat Center.
               and graduated from Bishop Kenny High School. He attended            While the buildings were important, Father Fay says it’s his
               St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach           interactions with people that have been the most meaningful.
               and completed his seminary training at Pontifical College           As diocesan youth director, he started the Search Retreats,
               Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.                                    which he said were an effective outreach to young people.
                 He was ordained in 1976 at his home parish, Christ the King,      As diocesan resettlement director, he helped refugees from
               by Bishop Paul Tanner.                                           Vietnam, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, as well as the
                 His ministry has taken many forms – youth ministry,            Mariel Cuban Boat Lift.
               refugee resettlement, the classroom, the chaplaincy,                “It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “You don’t realize how
               and suburban parishes. All of them, he says, have been           many lives you touch. I’m starting to baptize babies of people
               challenging and rewarding.                                       I baptized decades ago.”

               28   ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019
Jacksonville, where she attended
                                                                                                            Assumption Catholic School and
                                                                                                            Bishop Kenny High School. Half-way
                                                                                                            through high school, her family moved
                                                                                                            to Lake City and then Orlando, where
                                                                                                            she met her husband of nearly 55
                                                                                                            years. His job ultimately brought Judy
                                                                                                            back to Jacksonville permanently.
                                                                                                               She started working as a secretary
                                                                                                            for St. Joseph Parish in the late 70s
BRANDON DUNCAN

                                                                                                            and then started her position with the
                                                                                                            diocesan refugee resettlement program
                                                                                                            in 1980.
                                                                                                               Judy left her mark on a number
                   Pictured with Judy Pinson from left, Msgr. Michael Morgan, Father Greg Fay, Deacon
                                                                                                            of different offices and positions in
                 Pat Goin, Deacon David Williams and Msgr. Eugene Kohls.
                                                                                                            the diocese, including the offices of

                 Judy Pinson Retires After 40 Years                                 stewardship, the Catholic Foundation, planned giving and as
                                                                                    the victim assistance coordinator.
                 with the Diocese of St. Augustine                                     During her time in the Chancellor’s office, she attended
                                                                                    to the complex legal and financial details of property and
                   Three bishops, four chancellors and 40 years later, Judy         construction across the 17 counties of the diocese.
                 Pinson’s time serving the Diocese of St. Augustine has                Judy said her favorite thing about her job was assisting and
                 come to an end. Although her official title was chancery           attending to the parishes and clergy of the diocese.
                 administrator, Judy wore many hats during her time working            “I guess you could say I put my heart and soul into it.
                 for the diocese.                                                   I loved it.”
                    Born in Columbus, Ohio, her family eventually moved to             Judy’s retirement was effective Feb. 28.

                 St. Vincent’s HealthCare                                                                  fleet of doctors-offices-on-wheels that
                                                                                                           visit areas of our community where care
                 Foundation President                                                                      is needed most. Her leadership has been

                 and Chief Development                                                                     recognized both locally and nationally.
                                                                                                           In 2013, Jacksonville Magazine named
                 Officer Jane R. Lanier,                                                                   Lanier one of the most influential

                 Retiring                                                                                  people in Jacksonville healthcare. In
                                                              COURTESY OF ASCENSION ST. VINCENT

                                                                                                           2014, the Catholic Health Association
                                                                                                           honored her with the Sister Mary
                    St. Vincent’s HealthCare Foundation                                                    Concilia Moran Award.
                 president and chief development                                                              “I couldn’t possibly list all of the
                 officer, Jane R. Lanier, will retire July                                                 meaningful ways Jane has positively
                 12, 2019. Lanier, an active parishioner                                                   contributed to the mission and ministry
                 at St. Matthew Parish, has provided                                                       of St. Vincent’s HealthCare throughout
                 extraordinary leadership for the St.                                                      her distinguished career. She inspires
                 Vincent’s Foundation since 1999.               Throughout her career at St.               compassion and generosity in others
                    “It has been my great honor to lead       Vincent’s, Lanier and her team have          and has successfully engaged countless
                 the St. Vincent’s HealthCare Foundation.     raised more than $150 million. Her           members of our community as partners
                 I joined this wonderful organization         expertise has helped facilitate numerous     in ministry to support the life-saving
                 because I wholeheartedly believe in its      developments and innovations for St.         and life-affirming work we do,” said
                 mission and I will always support it. I am   Vincent’s, including significant expansion   Tom VanOsdol, president and CEO of
                 from Jacksonville, with deep roots here,     of the health system. Her work also          Ascension Florida.
                 so I look forward to continuing to serve     helped fund and further develop                 Virginia Hall, now the Foundation’s
                 this community while spending time           numerous programs within the health          vice president, will assume the role of
                 with my husband, grandchildren and the       system, including growing the Mobile         president and chief development officer
                 rest of my family,” said Lanier.             Health Outreach Ministry into an entire      upon Lanier’s retirement.

                                                                                                           MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC   29
You can also read