From the Pastor
January/24/2010
This weekend, we take up that all-important collection to help the most distressed nation in our hemisphere – Haiti. The 2nd collection at each Mass this weekend will be one of the numerous ways in which we can help our brothers and sisters in that country that is only an hour away by air, yet so far away in economic and political stability. Catholic Relief Services has been able to maintain its local office there, and is joining a legion of other officially recognized organizations to reach out to the survivors and try to hold down the death toll. Sadly, the Vicar General of the late Archbishop was also killed in the collapse of the cathedral and diocesan offices, along with other priests and seminarians, which also injured the sister of our Father Danis. She is recovering in the Dominican Republic, as are many other injured survivors. In my last parish, my former associate pastor as well as the current associate pastor lost family members: brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. Over 40 seminarians were killed, along with several priests and sisters. Please commend them in your prayers, and then reach deep into your heart and pockets to help. The canned goods that we seek will be for our brothers and sisters in our Haitian mission right here in Delray Beach at Our lady of Perpetual Help Mission. Those people, who have lost many family members and relatives, are sending what money they have to purchase food and water for the survivors. We can help them by providing food for their homes from our supply.
Our annual Diocesan Services Appeal for the 2010 year begins with the video this weekend explaining the different dimensions of charitable outreach programs that are offered in this area under the auspices of the Catholic Church because of your extended generosity. Seminarians are educated (who might otherwise not be able to afford the opportunity to study in our seminary without your help); programs that promote a respect for life are promoted; spiritual, educational and ministerial help for migrant workers and their children are made possible; counseling for individuals and families (including those affected by divorce or addiction problems) is made available; housing and care for the elderly and sick throughout our diocese are made more affordable; and maintaining some of the Catholic schools in poorer economic areas and extended care services for children are provided – to name just a few of the benefits accruing from your valuable support of the DSA. This week, we ask that you contemplate what sacrifice you will make to enable God’s work to get done through His Church, and next week, we will ask you to make a commitment for this year, including a pledge to be made in the presence of Our Lord, and honored in the course of the next ten months. This week, all registered parishioners will receive the bishop’s personalized letter with a campaign brochure, personalized pledge card and return envelope. All of the pledges that were honored last year virtually helped us to reach our parish goal, without dipping into needed operational funds. For this, our bishop and I are grateful for your support. Our goal this year will be $209,000, and I know that by your sacrifices and careful gift-planning, we’ll achieve that goal, once again.
Thank you for your support of the annual local Rosary for Life this past Friday opposite the County Court
House, joining our Bishop Barbarito. Many of you are the same people who join me each month to pray against the “death peddlers” at the abortion clinic in West Palm Beach. For this, I am grateful. It is only through your prayers for God’s help and legal actions that we can win the victory over the “culture of death.” Without God’s help, it is impossible!
Congratulations to the men and boys, friends and associates who attended this past Saturday’s half-day Annual Spiritual Rally for Men at the Cathedral with Bishop Barbarito. It was truly a fabulous opportunity to join other such men in an effort to get back on the true course set for us by our Redeemer. The morning was filled with prayer, music, inspirational talks by “Dion” (of the “Dion and the Belmonts” fame) and Peter Herbeck, Confession, and other testimonies. The highlight is always the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and homily by our bishop. May you be uplifted in your family and work life and spread that Christian feeling to all others you meet.
Next week, we begin Catholic Schools Week. It is a special time for our parish because of the great school and program we have. Thanks to the leadership of Mrs. Vikki Delgado and her team of associates and teachers, we have an excellent Catholic institution to help us bring the best of knowledge of God and His creation to our youngsters . For a detailed list of the CSW events, please read Sister Maria’s column elsewhere in this bulletin.
Very Rev. Canon Tom
Our annual Diocesan Services Appeal for the 2010 year begins with the video this weekend explaining the different dimensions of charitable outreach programs that are offered in this area under the auspices of the Catholic Church because of your extended generosity. Seminarians are educated (who might otherwise not be able to afford the opportunity to study in our seminary without your help); programs that promote a respect for life are promoted; spiritual, educational and ministerial help for migrant workers and their children are made possible; counseling for individuals and families (including those affected by divorce or addiction problems) is made available; housing and care for the elderly and sick throughout our diocese are made more affordable; and maintaining some of the Catholic schools in poorer economic areas and extended care services for children are provided – to name just a few of the benefits accruing from your valuable support of the DSA. This week, we ask that you contemplate what sacrifice you will make to enable God’s work to get done through His Church, and next week, we will ask you to make a commitment for this year, including a pledge to be made in the presence of Our Lord, and honored in the course of the next ten months. This week, all registered parishioners will receive the bishop’s personalized letter with a campaign brochure, personalized pledge card and return envelope. All of the pledges that were honored last year virtually helped us to reach our parish goal, without dipping into needed operational funds. For this, our bishop and I are grateful for your support. Our goal this year will be $209,000, and I know that by your sacrifices and careful gift-planning, we’ll achieve that goal, once again.
Thank you for your support of the annual local Rosary for Life this past Friday opposite the County Court
House, joining our Bishop Barbarito. Many of you are the same people who join me each month to pray against the “death peddlers” at the abortion clinic in West Palm Beach. For this, I am grateful. It is only through your prayers for God’s help and legal actions that we can win the victory over the “culture of death.” Without God’s help, it is impossible!
Congratulations to the men and boys, friends and associates who attended this past Saturday’s half-day Annual Spiritual Rally for Men at the Cathedral with Bishop Barbarito. It was truly a fabulous opportunity to join other such men in an effort to get back on the true course set for us by our Redeemer. The morning was filled with prayer, music, inspirational talks by “Dion” (of the “Dion and the Belmonts” fame) and Peter Herbeck, Confession, and other testimonies. The highlight is always the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and homily by our bishop. May you be uplifted in your family and work life and spread that Christian feeling to all others you meet.
Next week, we begin Catholic Schools Week. It is a special time for our parish because of the great school and program we have. Thanks to the leadership of Mrs. Vikki Delgado and her team of associates and teachers, we have an excellent Catholic institution to help us bring the best of knowledge of God and His creation to our youngsters . For a detailed list of the CSW events, please read Sister Maria’s column elsewhere in this bulletin.
Very Rev. Canon Tom