From the Pastor
July/16/2009
As you read this article, twelve of us Knights of Columbus (some with sons) are making our way, once again, into the rain forest of eastern Guatemala. Among the numerous projects at our own mission in Ak’Tenamit, that will occupy our time and efforts, will be the building of study tables for the students, bunk beds for the dormitories, and repairs to some of the earliest projects built over ten years ago (various elements of that jungle environment have ways of gradually eroding some of the earliest efforts at establishing a permanent school and clinic in the jungle). Though it’s not an easy trip because of the climate, terrain and lack of some necessary materials, the men make the most of their time in that country, bringing the good will of our parish, the Catholic Church and this country to God’s people in this remote area.
Most of the men on the trip have been here before, and will note the progress that has been made by the local people even since our most recent foray into the wilderness. The mission’s school enrollment has gone up, and the Guatemalan government is encouraging Steve Dudenhoefer’s program to be replicated in several other areas of that country. This is a significant step, because previously, that nation’s constantly changing governments didn’t express much interest in Ak’Tenamit. The only real help came from a few groups, such as U.S. parishes, the Knights of Columbus, Rotary International and some organizations from foreign countries. Now that much attention on the success of this program has gone international, the Guatemalan leaders cannot ignore the significance of the Father Tom Moran Educational Center, and on the large region it serves. It’s encouraging to know that your support, both moral and financial, has helped to have a significant impact on our work and theirs. I thank you for your continued efforts to help the local people develop their own talents and resources to stay and serve the local community. Your gifts and sponsorships really do make a difference! May God bless you for your generosity, and may His hand protect us on our trip and prosper the work of our hands!
Though we are living in difficult economic times, I especially want to thank all those parishioners who have committed themselves to helping us draw closer to our parish goal in the annual DSA (Diocesan Services Appeal). The charitable network of our many diocesan agencies and organizations cannot function unless we are ready to assist them with our stewardship of God’s gifts to us. May He continue to bless those who make and honor their commitment!
On the weekend of August 1st and 2nd, Katie Bowie, a young parishioner, deeply involved in the Catholic based ministry called FOCUS (a Fellowship of Catholic University Students), that brings together Catholic
students on secular campuses of colleges and universities, will speak to us after Communion. She will tell us of the work of her stewardship in the organization, as well as the ways that we can assist in promoting that worthwhile work.
We welcome Spring Transleau, long-time leader of our parish youth program, to her new role in forming
and directing our new Catholic Women’s Apostolate, a multi-dimensional ministry that promotes the social, educational and spiritual growth of women beyond high school years. We also welcome Heather Hackett in her new role as director of our parish youth ministry, including the EDGE and LIFE TEEN programs for Middle and High School-aged children. Both of these women will be seeking your assistance in their work in these ministries.
Our seminarians for the summer, Wesler Hilaire and Jude Jean-Pierre, have completed their English language courses at FAU, and are preparing to enter their respective seminaries for the Fall term. Wesler will enter St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, and Jude will enter St. Jean Vianney in Miami. We thank them for their service over the summer, and pray that God will bless their coming year with an abundance of grace to persevere in their calling. May God bless our diocese with an increase in vocations to the priesthood, religious life and diaconate. May He also inspire the young men and women of our parish to consider these, too.
This Sunday, after any of the first 3 morning Masses, i.e., from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., we invite you to have some coffee, donuts and fellowship. I thank our own parish Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this monthly get-together, and invite the men of our parish to consider becoming a Knight of Columbus. Congratulations to our new Grand Knight, Chris Grant, and his fellow officers who were just elected to their positions.
Very Rev. Canon Tom
Most of the men on the trip have been here before, and will note the progress that has been made by the local people even since our most recent foray into the wilderness. The mission’s school enrollment has gone up, and the Guatemalan government is encouraging Steve Dudenhoefer’s program to be replicated in several other areas of that country. This is a significant step, because previously, that nation’s constantly changing governments didn’t express much interest in Ak’Tenamit. The only real help came from a few groups, such as U.S. parishes, the Knights of Columbus, Rotary International and some organizations from foreign countries. Now that much attention on the success of this program has gone international, the Guatemalan leaders cannot ignore the significance of the Father Tom Moran Educational Center, and on the large region it serves. It’s encouraging to know that your support, both moral and financial, has helped to have a significant impact on our work and theirs. I thank you for your continued efforts to help the local people develop their own talents and resources to stay and serve the local community. Your gifts and sponsorships really do make a difference! May God bless you for your generosity, and may His hand protect us on our trip and prosper the work of our hands!
Though we are living in difficult economic times, I especially want to thank all those parishioners who have committed themselves to helping us draw closer to our parish goal in the annual DSA (Diocesan Services Appeal). The charitable network of our many diocesan agencies and organizations cannot function unless we are ready to assist them with our stewardship of God’s gifts to us. May He continue to bless those who make and honor their commitment!
On the weekend of August 1st and 2nd, Katie Bowie, a young parishioner, deeply involved in the Catholic based ministry called FOCUS (a Fellowship of Catholic University Students), that brings together Catholic
students on secular campuses of colleges and universities, will speak to us after Communion. She will tell us of the work of her stewardship in the organization, as well as the ways that we can assist in promoting that worthwhile work.
We welcome Spring Transleau, long-time leader of our parish youth program, to her new role in forming
and directing our new Catholic Women’s Apostolate, a multi-dimensional ministry that promotes the social, educational and spiritual growth of women beyond high school years. We also welcome Heather Hackett in her new role as director of our parish youth ministry, including the EDGE and LIFE TEEN programs for Middle and High School-aged children. Both of these women will be seeking your assistance in their work in these ministries.
Our seminarians for the summer, Wesler Hilaire and Jude Jean-Pierre, have completed their English language courses at FAU, and are preparing to enter their respective seminaries for the Fall term. Wesler will enter St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, and Jude will enter St. Jean Vianney in Miami. We thank them for their service over the summer, and pray that God will bless their coming year with an abundance of grace to persevere in their calling. May God bless our diocese with an increase in vocations to the priesthood, religious life and diaconate. May He also inspire the young men and women of our parish to consider these, too.
This Sunday, after any of the first 3 morning Masses, i.e., from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., we invite you to have some coffee, donuts and fellowship. I thank our own parish Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this monthly get-together, and invite the men of our parish to consider becoming a Knight of Columbus. Congratulations to our new Grand Knight, Chris Grant, and his fellow officers who were just elected to their positions.
Very Rev. Canon Tom