SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE Bishop Estévez ordains four men to the priesthood
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC 9
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
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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 2019During 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.
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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 11Itzel 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
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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 2019Stephen 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 13Maddie Millar with her
English teacher,
Mrs. Ashleigh Bradley.
HIGH
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SCHOOL
14 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019By 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 15Members of the St. Pius V Community Project, from
left, Tracie Loftis, Father James Boddie, Jr., Celia Miller,
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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 2019black 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 17WOODY HUBAND
18 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC MAY/JUNE 2019SERVING
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 19WOODY HUBAND
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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 2019WOODY HUBAND
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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 21SPECIAL
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 2019intercessor 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 23The 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
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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
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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 2019WOODY HUBAND
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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.
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RUDY FOSCHI
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Local band Stella performs at the Miami-based band The Call performs
Father Robert Spitzer teen track. during the Spanish track.
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Archbisohp Terrence Prendergast of
Ottawa celebrates Mass.
BRANDON DUNCAN
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Jesse Romero signs copies of his book. The Comunitá Cenacolo perform live Stations of the Cross.
MAY/JUNE 2019 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC 25Around the Diocese | Community
Father Fred Parke
Retires as Pastor of
Assumption Parish
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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 2019BRANDON 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 27Around the Diocese | Community
Father Greg Fay
Retires from
San José Parish
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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 2019Jacksonville, 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 29You can also read
