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EASTER 2014 FOR SAINT JOSEPH’S PARISH COMMUNITY VOL. XXI, ISSUE I

ReflectionsS T. J O S E P H’ SS T. J O S E P H’ S

Reflections

Dear Church Family,

What a wonderful reception I’ve received these past few months. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. Many people came to the “welcome luncheon” after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on February 2 to greet me personally. They shared with me their life and involvement in the parish. I enjoyed getting to know them and hearing about their love of and dedication to St. Joseph’s and their passion for the particular ministry in which they belong. It was a good time to get to know each

other. My thanks to all who worked to make the welcome luncheon a success.

Thank you to all who did such a good job during the interim between Father Dan Cody and myself. Especially Father Mike Morgan, who, along with his busy schedule at the Diocese as Chancellor and Vicar General, was able to take on the duties of administrator here at St. Joseph’s for five months, which made it possible for me to go on Sabbatical in Rome. I owe a debt of gratitude to him and to all the clergy who assisted him in making this transition go so smoothly.

I also sincerely thank staff members, Kathy Signorile, Jackie Gould, Gerry Serfilippi, Eileen Hewitt, Carron Tooke, Chris Kelly, Dodi Flora, Sheila Peterson, Christy Lobenger, Rhonda Rose, Theresa Twisdale, and many others for using their skills and good work ethics to make my transition here easier and enjoyable. Their devotion to St. Joseph’s is obvious.

God blessed us as we began this new chapter in our lives. I am sure we will have many more joyous times to share our memories as we make new ones in the upcoming months. It is my hope, as we learn more about each other, we also continue our journey by walking closer with God. During the weeks before Easter, we were asked to take stock of our lives. We reflected on the things we have done as well as things we have failed to do. We took time to discern the changes in our lives and determined which course of action we intend to take. After we did our inventory, we asked God to forgive us our sins through the sacrament of confession and penance. Now today, on Easter Sunday, we come together at Mass to thank God for the comfort in the gift the resurrection of Jesus has brought us.

To believe in the resurrection of Jesus is to be comforted, comforted at a level so deep, nothing in life is any longer ultimately a threat. In the resurrection, the hand of God soothes us, and the voice of God assures us, frightened children that we are, all is good and all will remain good forever and ever.

Sociologist of religion, Peter Berger, outlining what he calls “rumours of angels in everyday life,” gives us the following reflection:

Consider the most ordinary, and probably the most fundamental of all - the ordinary gesture by which a mother reassures her anxious child. A child wakes up in the night, perhaps from a bad dream and finds himself surrounded by darkness, alone, beset by nameless threats. At such a moment the contours of trusted reality are blurred and invisible, in the terror of incipient chaos the child cries out for his mother. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that, at this

Message from Father Thanh

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

EASTER 2014 2Message

moment, the mother is being invoked as a high priestess of protective order. It is she (and, in many cases, she alone) who has the power to banish the chaos and to restore the benign shape of the world. And, of course, any good mother will do just that. She will take the child and cradle him in the timeless gesture of the Magna Mater who became our Madonna. She will turn on a lamp, perhaps, which will encircle the scene with a warm glow of reassuring light. She will speak or sing to the child and the content of this communication will invariably be the same - “Don’t be afraid” - everything is in order, everything is all right.

When the mother assures the child there is nothing to be frightened about, she means it, and she means it (without her even realizing it), not so much on the basis that there are no immediate dangers to the child or because she, herself, is able to protect the child, as on the basis

that, ultimately, everything is all right. What she senses, which makes her able to comfort the child, is there is nothing to be afraid of, even if something should kill us or we should kill ourselves, because at the deepest level, we are all in the hands of graciousness and love and not in the hands of maliciousness and terror. To say, “Don’t be afraid,” and mean it, is to say, in the end, the power of goodness is stronger than the power of malice, dead bodies come out of graves, all our mistakes will be forgiven, and all terrors are phantom.

This is the power of the resurrection! This is what we mean when we say, “I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.” The resurrection means more than just the fact that God raised the body of Jesus from the dead. It means God’s power to raise death to life buoys up every moment of life and every aspect of reality. The very atomic structure of the cosmos feels and knows this resurrecting

CONTINUED FROM COVER

power. This is why it (like us, when we are healthy) pushes forward blindly, buoyed up by a hope that it cannot understand.

Do you want to understand the power of the resurrection? Let’s meditate on Michelangelo’s Pieta: A woman holds a dead body in her arms, but everything about her, and about the scene itself, says loudly and clearly,“Don’t be afraid. It’s all right. Everything is all right!”

In closing, please continue to pray for Bishop Felipe Estévez, our diocesan shepherd who through God’s grace has used his skills to make very difficult decisions to ensure good leadership for all his flock. Pray for me, that I will prove worthy of his confidence in my abilities to lead all of you at St. Joseph’s.

In Christ and Mary,Thanh NguyenPastor

February 9, 2014

To all the parishioners of St. Joseph’s,

I come from St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville, NY, and have been a Eucharistic minister for 35

years. I am visiting my daughter and, at last Saturday night’s Mass, I had the pleasure of listening

to your new pastor, Fr. Thanh, tell his life story. I was so touched. I imagined myself going through

all he went through and I was in tears. It is something that the young people should think about.

This man is remarkable. Today, even though he is in charge of a big church, he shows us his humility

and love for all of us. Fr. Thanh, you are walking the same road as Jesus. I never saw a priest so

sincere and, if I move to Florida in the future, I will be very proud to have you as my pastor! God

bless you. I pray for you. Please pray for me. Peace be with you always.

Sincerely,

Igino DiPaolo

“God is the One

who catches you first!

You’re looking for Him,

but He is looking for you first.

You want to find Him,

but He’ll find you first.”

Pope Francis I.

(“Pope for a New World”. Time 26 March 2013: 19. Print.)

– Quote provided by Sr. Andrea Zbiegien –

EASTER 2014 3School News

Catholic Schools Week at St. JosephA Week of Celebrating – Communities of Faith, Knowledge and ServiceBy Pam McMillan

Promoting the theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” St. Joseph Catholic School celebrated Catholic Schools Week, January 27 through the 31, with a series of meaningful events on campus. Each year, the week’s theme and programs are designed to underscore the benefits of a faith-based education for St. Joseph’s families, as well as the residual benefits to our church and surrounding community.

Events for this year were no exception, as students, faculty, and staff participated in a myriad of activities promoting the message of how a Catholic education pays off now and into the future.

The activities started with a wonderful Mass presented by the sixth graders. The students

were so blessed to have Adoration of the Eucharist in the chapel with parents invited to attend. The other activities included an outstanding performance by the Bishop John J. Snyder High

School band, chorus, and Cardinettes; an enthusiastic, faith-filled presentation

by parishioner Brian Shields of Lumen Entertainment on God’s

plan for our lives and living this through faith every day; Seminarian David Keegan’s story; the collection of over 450 jars of peanut butter for Catholic Charities; the traditional

Te a c h e r A p p r e c i a t i o n l u n c h e o n g e n e r o u s l y

sponsored by Enza’s for the second year in a row; recognition

of our priests, deacons, and sisters; and a closing assembly themed “Yes I

Did, Positivity, Pass It On!” The students really

Student council representatives help load all the peanut butter collected for Catholic Charities.

Students enjoyed the visit by the Dairy Queen mascot, Curly, and the Dilly bar ice cream treats which were passed out.

enjoyed their treat of Dilly bars and visit from “Curly” donated by the Beaches Dairy Queen.

One of the most successful and significant efforts was a collection of loose change and donations to benefit The Value of Life Project for Lumen. Lumen Entertainment, Inc. is a non-profit organization that seeks to inspire the sixty-six million Catholics nationwide with entertaining, evangelical, and educational media. The Value of Life Project relays the message that everyone is loved and created by God and this is something to smile about.

Supported by a comprehensive marketing program developed and distributed by the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, St. Joseph School, like hundreds of others across the country, embraced this opportunity to reinforce with families why the religious educational environment is an important and wise choice for their children.

Students participating in Brain Bowl, an academic challenge among the classes.

EASTER 2014 4Ministry News

Are you a practicing Catholic gentleman 18 years of age or over? If you are, consider joining the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest lay Catholic organization with over 1.8 million members. With the Knights, you can enjoy the company of men whose service to God, our parish, and our community is guided by the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

You’re probably wondering what the Knights are all about. We are pro-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; pro-Holy Catholic Church; pro-pope, bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and religious; pro-Mary; pro-Rosary; pro-prayer; pro-life (from the moment of conception to natural death); pro-family; pro-marriage; pro-children (especially those with disabilities); pro-Special Olympics; pro-Pledge of Allegiance (we helped put “under God” in it); pro-flag; and pro-National Anthem, just to name few things we care about.

These are not just words, but calls to action. Every Sunday afternoon, each mother and father presenting their child for Baptism at St Joseph’s is recognized by the Knights for saying “Yes” to Life. Our Council helps to support two Diocese of St Augustine seminarians, spiritually and financially. Just recently, the local Council conducted our Citizens with Disabilities Fundraising Drive where, in the

past few years, the funds were used to support Girl Scouts SMILE Camp, Catholic Charities Camp I Am Special, the Boy Scouts Special Needs Jamboree, and to supply new wheelchairs for Veterans at Lake City VA Medical Center.

On the state level, the Knights’ Florida State Council helps to support the State Special Olympics and to assist seminarians in every Florida diocese. At the National

level, the Knights continue to support our Holy Father in Rome, Pope Francis I, with millions of dollars

annually. The National organization also sponsors a scholarship program for seminarians and

a special scholarship program to help seminarians who are preparing to become military chaplains. These are just a few

examples of what the Knights are doing locally, at the state level, and nationally, and it

doesn’t stop there.

When an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, the Knights of Columbus started a fund which supplied every child who lost a limb in the tragedy with a prosthetic limb and then helped provide physical therapy for those children. Did I mention the Knights also sent wheelchairs to Haiti by the shipping container load? That’s the Knights of Columbus.

Consider becoming a Knight. It’s the Experience of a Lifetime.

YOU SHOULD BE A KNIGHTBy Frank Johnston

Grand KnightSt Johns River Council 10850KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

(904) 910-4689

www.KofC.orgwww.KofC10850.org


Divine Mercy House Needs Funding and Support!By Andrea Spencer

The Divine Mercy House has been an integral part of St. Joseph’s and the surrounding community for more than thirteen years. It has been the home for more than eighty women who have chosen life over abortion. So many babies have been rocked, loved, diapered, and sung to by the staff and volunteers. The lives of the women, who struggled in their journey to have their babies, have been changed by the support of donors, volunteers, the House staff, and the prayers of thousands of people who believe in choosing life over the alternative.

As a North Florida Catholic-based maternity home open to women of all faiths, the Divine Mercy House is now at a cross-road. While it has received a tremendous amount of love, prayers, and support, the House is at risk for closing its doors.

Divine Mercy House provides a broad range of services aimed at insuring the care of mothers and babies, while also positioning them for success when they leave the House. Their needs are diverse, and the services we provide are extensive, covering basic food and lodging, healthcare, transportation, counseling, education, and employment placement.

The cost of providing these services is substantial. One year ago, the ministry opened the Divine Mercy Thrift Shop to provide a new source of sustainable funding. Community support for the Shop with donated goods for sale and volunteer staffing has been wonderful. With its growing customer base, the Shop is now profitable but cannot now, if ever, fully meet the financial needs of the Home.

W i t h o u t a n i n f l u x o f contributions, the Board of Directors of Divine Mercy House fears its doors could be closed within the year.

“So much good work is being done with these women,” said Crystal Peterson, resident director. “The most recent stats indicate there are over 6,000 abortions in Duval County. The Divine Mercy House is haven for those who need a place to keep their baby.”

There are many opportunities for you to keep this important ministry running:

• One time contributions and the “Angel of Mercy MonthlyDonation” giving programs are accessible on our website at www.divinemercyhouse.org;

• Assist the Divine Mercy House Board of Directors developfundraising activities, volunteer, and or make donations to the Divine Mercy Thrift Shop.

Our passion for the mission and our goals have not wavered, but the Divine Mercy House needs all of our generous and sustained support. This home is indispensable to women in crisis pregnancies who might otherwise look to abortion as their only answer.

If you feel called to keep the Divine Mercy House and the Thrift Shop thriving and surviving, you can donate online at www.divinemercyhouse.org or contact any of the Board Members – Peter and Vickie Prince, Dan Ryan, and Andrea Spencer through the House website at [email protected].

Please keep us in your prayers and consider being a part of this important ministry!


Council of Catholic Women’s

A great time was had by all who attended the 2014 Spring Fashion Extravaganza on Saturday evening, March 15, put on by the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), held at the Cody Enrichment Center’s Tally Auditorium. We began the evening mingling with old and new friends. We enjoyed CCW members’ homemade appetizers, followed by a scrumptious dinner catered by Anthony’s Gourmet Catering, then finished with homemade desserts. The fashions were provided by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and modeled by our own women, men, and junior parishioners, which was doubly fun. The evening was hosted by Charlene Shirk-Mantarro and Jack Webb, who kept us laughing the whole evening. Jack even played the bagpipes for us.

Ann J.Clemente

While enjoying the event music by Bob Alvey, “The Sound Man,” we anxiously listened as our names were being called to win door prizes. All the while, the excitement built as attendees participated in the wonderful silent auction. Congratulations to all the many winners! The 50/50 ticket winner was Carolyn Beach.

Proceeds benefited our church, the community, and the Mary E. Holm Foundation. Every CCW member stepped up to the plate by volunteering, whether it was making appetizers or desserts, acquiring gift or ad donations, serving along with the Anthony’s staff, or setting up and cleaning afterward. The event was spearheaded by Trisch Broach. If you missed the fun

this year, you’ll want to look for the 2016 date of the next fashion show extravaganza.

The Audience Bob “The Sound Man” & Louise Alvey

Trisch Broach with hosts Jack Webb & Charlene Shirk-Mantarro

Trisch Broach watching Jack Webb play the bagpipes

Our Models

An Auction Gift


Pure FashionBy Lindsey Butler

Pure Fashion is at it again – bringing modesty back, not only through fashion, but also through hearts! This program dedicates itself to high-school girls, guiding them to become confident, competent leaders who live the virtues of modesty and purity in their schools and communities. Pure Fashion helps teens develop a desire to love and serve others that combats society’s “all about me” mentality.

In November 2013, Pure Fashion hosted a retreat at Marywood for our 34 high-school girls, focusing on what true love really means and how to recognize it, but above all, to remember our first love, Jesus Christ. Chelsea Gheesling, founder of Good Girl Comeback, was our guest speaker. She was able to talk with not only the girls, but also with their dads, whom we hosted for a daddy-daughter lunch. We received amazing feedback from the dads, all comments positive in not only her message but also her character. One of the dads said, “We could’ve listened to her for two more hours. We need to get her back here again for more dads.” The numerous comments from the girls were nothing but excitement and enthusiasm for the mission to which they have committed themselves. We were blessed also to host Nicole Buccholz and Maria Knuth, consecrated women from Atlanta, as well as two missionaries who helped us lead the girls through the day. Fr. Ed Shaner was also a big part of our day, leading us in a beautiful Mass that morning.

Closer to the holidays, Pure Fashion hosted a Mother-Daughter Christmas Tea. We were

graced by Kaye Simonetta, owner and director of Manners for Life, who gave us tips and pointers for conducting ourselves in a mannerly and professional way when in or around a food setting. San Jose Country Club presented a beautiful holiday theme, including hors d’oeuvres and, of course, afternoon tea. Several moms commented that it was such a nice and much needed time to spend with their daughters and expressed how much the world needs this mission of modesty. The girls learned quite a bit from Kaye and enjoyed an afternoon at a heightened scale.

Charlene Shirk was a big hit with the girls in January of this year, giving a talk on “Elegant Expressions” – maintaining modesty and professionalism in our talk and, more specifically,

in social media. Charlene has been a huge help and promoter of our Pure Fashion mission now as well as in the past, having been our emcee for past shows. With her experience as an anchor on

the news and her many other career and volunteer opportunities. Her eloquence and confidence in speaking resounded on a very real level with our high school girls.

In February we enjoyed Brenda Sharman, founder of Pure Fashion, who made the trip from Atlanta to join us for our session on Walking the Runways of Life! She shared her testimony with the girls, using her journey to highlight the flaws of society’s skewed definition of beauty and reiterating our beauty which shines because we are God’s children. Afterwards, Brenda gave the girls instructions on walking – on the runway! Brenda’s background in modeling and her beautiful personality made it really fun for the girls to practice their strut before the upcoming

show in May!

Coming up in May, we will have our Fashion Show! Our girls, having gone through nine months of formation, will advertise modest clothing that go along with their beautiful smiles and souls! It will be hosted at the University of North Florida on May 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. We are excited to announce that Marie Miller will be our guest for entertainment! Tickets will be available soon!

At this time, we are looking for sponsors to contribute to our mission of purity and, as always, we will appreciate your prayers! We are enjoying another year of bringing the focus back to modesty, not only in fashion, but also in our minds and hearts! After all, we were made in His image and His likeness – we are loved!


A Catholic Ministry Devoted to Strengthening Marriages

By Jim and Donna Wilkey

Catholic Engaged Encounter (CCE) is a weekend experience offering the time and opportunity to deepen marriage preparation with each other and with God. Although Catholic in origin, Catholic Engaged Encounter is open to any couple of any faith preparing for a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church according to Church law. Formal engagement is not necessary; a couple need only be seriously considering marriage.

Facilitated by a volunteer presenting team of married couples, including a priest, a couple learns valuable communication and conflict resolution techniques; explores the role of religion and values in their lives; and discusses important topics such as children, marriage as a sacrament, and the power of commitment. A couple writes and shares their talks with the couples attending a weekend. A prescribed agenda is followed, constructed by the International Catholic Engaged Encounter Ministry. This agenda includes five themes: the family we grew up in, sacramental marriage, communication, intimacy, and values. A couple considering marriage will be stimulated to discuss privately with each other all aspects of married life – always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. The emphasis is not on lectures or group discussions. This is a private experience in a quiet and informal setting. Personal reflection and couple dialogue are the main focus of the weekend.

We in the Community of Engaged Encounter volunteers comes together each month to share experiences from working on a weekend, conducting the business of planning eight weekends a year at Marywood Retreat Center, and enriching our own

marriages. Being a member of the community satisfies a compelling desire to strengthen marriages. Other

than being a presenter, various roles exist within the community of volunteers to serve with CEE. In addition to weekend presenters, some of the task options are called “Joy Jobs.” We need volunteers on

Friday night, checking in and registering couples for the weekend. You could also work “behind the scenes” to help

facilitate the weekend. You could become a prayer couple, praying for the new couples on a weekend. You could even just come and party with us each month . . . we like to do that, too. We usually have a meal together and even provide babysitters, if needed.

The Catholic Engaged Encounter team works hard to present a weekend. While members give of their time and talent to these couples, they also receive blessings. By ministering to new couples, they renew their own marriages. There aren’t too

many ministries where married couples can spend time together working on their own marriage while helping others. Couples who would like to attend an engaged encounter weekend may call the Diocesan Center’s Family Life Office at 904-262-3200. Those who would love to join and support our community are encouraged to call our current local coordinators, Dawn and Jamie Oehmann, at 904-641-7615.

Adopt an IslandBy Karen and Paul Belkot

As Spring approaches, we once again begin to witness the beauty of the flowers, plants, and budding trees God has given us. At St. Joseph’s, we are particularly blessed to have many dedicated families who have adopted the islands all around the Church property. Taking on an island or two, or even three in some cases, is quite a commitment, requiring hours of work and dedication. Anyone wishing to join our ministry is welcome. Whether you adopt an island of your own or come to lend a hand when we have our twice-a-year clean-up days, we certainly appreciate

and need all the help we can get. Watch the bulletin for details on our Annual Clean-Ups.

The Walking Rosary Garden is a beautiful tribute to Our Lady, and we have several teams who alternate in taking care of the pruning, weeding, and cleaning throughout the year. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 904-716-2119.

You are all most welcome!

EASTER 2014 9Respect Life

Respect-Life Committee NewsMARCH FOR LIFE 2014 – The March for Life in St. Augustine was a great success. One source at the diocese estimates there were over three thousand participants, which is the largest crowd of participants since the March for Life was initiated by the Respect-Life Committee of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in 2007. If you have never participated in this annual pro-life event, you have missed out on a moving experience. Thousands of pro-life supporters from Florida and Georgia process through the streets of St. Augustine singing, praying Rosaries, and baring witness to the sanctity of life and to the injustice of abortion. A special thanks goes out to approximately forty St. Joseph’s parishioners who participated in this year’s event.

ROSE PROCESSION – For fourteen years, Peggy Truss has organized the annual Rose Procession for our parish. On the January weekend closest to the Roe v. Wade anniversary, the Rose Procession is presented at each Mass immediately following the offertory. People, each representing all the lives lost to abortion for a particular year, walk down the center aisle of the church and place a rose in front of the altar. It is hard to believe, when Peggy presented the first rose procession, only twenty-seven people were needed. This year, Peggy needed forty-one volunteers. The purpose of the rose procession is to remind us that millions of innocent lives are slaughtered yearly, but it is also a reminder that each of us, as Catholics, is called to oppose the culture of death. You are being called, please answer.

STAND FOR LIFE – On the Roe v. Wade anniversary each year, several hundred people from parishes throughout the diocese surround the Federal Courthouse for one hour to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. It is noteworthy that Stand for Life, although a considerably smaller event than the March for Life in St. Augustine, actually attracts media attention. We had about twenty-five St. Joseph’s parishioners participate in this year’s protest. Most of us park south of the river and enjoy the ride across on the skyway. It is free, and usually the parking is much easier. This year, because of construction on the I-95 overpass, there was some difficulty getting from the parking lot on Kings Avenue to the Skyway station. Hopefully, it will be cleared up by next January.

SATURDAY MORNINGS – Every Saturday morning, a group of St. Joseph’s parishioners spends one hour praying and standing as witnesses for life in front of the All Woman’s Health Center at 4331 University Blvd. South. The Respect-Life Committee and the Knights of Columbus from St. Joseph’s have been doing this since 2000. These public demonstrations are peaceful and legal but are in desperate need of your help. We used to have twenty-five to thirty people picketing on the sidewalk, but we now typically only muster five or six. Please consider joining us. We are only at the location one hour, 8:00 until 9:00 am, so it is hardly a sacrifice, but it may be this small sacrifice of your time that saves an innocent life. Don’t miss this chance to be a hero.

Respect-Life Committee St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Jacksonville, Florida www.sjrl.com

The Respect-Life Update is a free monthly newsletter. If you would like to subscribe, contact the committee at [email protected] or call Russ and Carron Tooke at 268-3349.

Russ Tooke

EASTER 2014 10Medical Mission

YORO, HONDURAS MEDICAL MISSION

The Years Pass So QuicklyWhen Doing The Lord God’s Work In the Mission Fields!

GregHemsoth

St. Joseph’sSt. Joseph’s

Our medical mission this year was an awesome experience and I saw many of our team members being touched by God in so many different ways.

Likewise, I was touched once more to be able to serve the less fortunate children and adults in Honduras on our annual medical mission. There are so many poor people, as almost 80% of them live in such extreme poverty. Honduras is second only to Haiti for the number of such people in all of the Americas and the Caribbean nations!

I knew this would be a bitter-sweet mission for me, since I have discerned in much prayer time (going back at least six months) that I need to take a two to three-year sabbatical from the planning and executing of these yearly mission trips. My parents in Ohio are in their mid-90s and need more care and help as they continue to live in the house my father built 62 years ago. I feel God is asking me to honor my mother and father, and I will do so. There will be time enough, God willing, for future mission work. For the future, my mission work will be my parents. I am resolved to doing His Will for me and my parents. It is only recently I have come to embrace His Plan.

This medical mission will be remembered for so many “firsts.” God was working on all of us, and each of us has his or her own story to tell. When the time is right and team members feel like talking about this mission, you will hear some of the same accounts, filtered by each one’s individual life experiences. Some of us will take longer to “get back to normal,” and that is OK, as God made us all different and alike in many ways.

What were the “firsts” on this mission, after so many previous missions when none of these events happened? They literally happened every day of the mission, even when we were traveling on the old, USA-built Blue Bird team bus! I will not relate all of the “firsts,” but I will tell you of some which impacted me. I knew God was in charge, so I accepted it all and learned.

In Muchilena, we had more Honduran doctors and nurses join our mission than ever before, and what a blessing they were to our team and to the people we served in that small coastal village! I was blessed

to be “adopted” by a local family of ten Hondurans; two wonderful parents and eight children. I departed for Honduras ahead of the team to help the first village get set up for our clinic and to have some discussions with a wonderful, missionary lady, Georgina Caso, from Tampa, Florida, who runs a medical clinic and six other outreach activities in the area villages. One day, I was sitting on her mission villa porch around lunch time while she was away conducting business in Puerto Cortez. I had been praying and then asked God to please make available a meal of fish for my evening meal at a local restaurant on the shore. It had been two weeks since I had

eaten fish, and I was famished for such a meal! I looked up when I heard someone at the gate and saw my future “adopted” dad, Manuel, and his youngest daughter who was about twelve years old. He was carrying a plate of fried tilapia with all the trimmings. We could barely communicate, but I knew God had immediately answered my request for a fish meal for lunch. I did not even have to wait for dinner that night. There have been only a few times in my life when God worked so quickly. Praise God in all things!

After departing that village and picking up more team members at the airport in San Pedro Sula, we came upon a traffic fatality while we were on the long bus ride to Yoro; a horrible crash of an SUV vs. motorcycle that left the motorcyclist dead in the middle of the road. He had been speeding and likely hit a bump or a pot hole and crashed into the SUV. It was truly a devastating sight, and I immediately asked Dr. Santiago to open his prayer book and find a prayer for the repose of the soul of the departed man. As we on the bus were praying, other Hondurans along the roadway were covering the man’s body with newly cut palms. This is a “first” you never want to have happen, but it was a reminder that life is precious and sometimes short.

Another “first” was when I visited an older lady with Fr. John in the morning and Dr. Santiago in the afternoon of our first clinic day in the Yoro area. Her family lived up a hill from the school where we held clinic that day. When I went with Fr. John, he explained that she had a burst appendix the previous September and then, when they were operating on that, she had a heart attack. She survived both and was doing well, but she had requested

2014

Last Rites, so he asked if I wanted to go with him. When we arrived, they said she really wanted Reconciliation, so Fr. John went inside for the Sacrament while I tried to talk with an aunt and grandson. We went back to the clinic, but in the afternoon, Dr. Santiago decided to give her an exam and see what meds had been prescribed by the Honduran doctors. After the exam but before we departed, Dr. Santiago told me the woman thought I was a priest since I had been with Fr. John and was wearing my mission cross. He explained I was not a priest, rather the director of the mission. Her smile was so sweet when she looked at me, so I walked over to her and said a prayer for God to be with her always. I wish I could remember the words I used, but it was the Holy Spirit who gave them to me. Two days later, we were told that the lady had died in her sleep the previous day, so Fr. John left the clinic to be at her funeral with another priest who had arrived to be with the family. I was very likely the last person to say a prayer for this woman before she died. I thanked our loving God for being there and bringing us together for a last prayer!

Our second day of clinic work in a village close to Yoro was a “first” as well, due to the lengthy day and the late hours for our dental team. The dental patients kept coming, and we helped them all. It was the first time our dental department was the last to finish. Several of us held flashlights, so the doctors and dentists could see what they were doing. The single light bulb, high in the ceiling, did not offer enough light, but we were fortunate to have electricity in that village as many others still do not. We were really stretched thin that day and had a long bus ride back to our hotel in Yoro, in the dark, which we never do because of the bad roads. However, God gave us Henry, a great bus driver who cared about us and kept us safe.

All of our hearts were touched by The Children’s Nutritional Center in Yoro. On the last day in the Yoro area – before going to Copan for a day and a half to rest, reflect, and revive – we spent time with the very small, undernourished children from three months to four years of age. We stop there every year. This year, we saw twice the number of children, another “first.” These children are taken from their homes in the remote villages where they are not getting enough nourishment and are literally brought back to life at this Center by loving volunteers who feed them and care for their every need. One little girl tugged on my pant cuff and, when


Greg Hemsoth, the coordinator for the Medical Mission to Yoro, Honduras, plans to take a sabbatical from this ministry for the next two to three years. After much prayer and prompting from God to “Honor thy father and thy mother,” he will focus more on the care of his parents who live near Toledo, Ohio. His parents are in their mid-90s and need more care and attention from Greg and his siblings.

This sabbatical is only for Greg’s ministry within Friends of the Missions, Inc., the non-profit organization which sponsors the trip to Honduras. Greg will continue his leadership and involvement in his other ministries at St. Joseph’s, including People of Praise, The Eucharistic Ministry, and God’s Healing Prayer Ministry. Friends of the Missions, Inc. requests applications for this leadership position, so the medical mission to Honduras will continue. Application forms will be available soon.

Greg has served in this mission work for ten years. It started when he received a phone call from Sue Brunson of the Cathedral Parish in St. Augustine,

looking for a last-minute substitute to join the mission to Honduras. For about six months, prior to this phone call, Greg had been touched by hearing the hymn, “Here I Am, Lord.” No song had previously struck him in the same way, or followed him. When Sue’s call came, he knew the Lord was leading him to go on the mission.

Moving from participant to leader in a few years, Greg

has overseen the nine-month period of planning and preparation for several years. He coordinates the trip with a committee in Honduras which chooses the villages to be visited, organizes the publicity prior to the trip, and prepares the Honduran team. Greg is ready to assist, advise, and train the applicant who will take over his role in fund raising, planning, and recruiting the team.

Early in his leadership, Greg recommended his favorite psalm, Psalm 91, as a prayer for the mission team. Although many view this psalm as a prayer for physical protection and safety, Greg sees its implications for the spiritual life. The Holy Spirit has led him to understand to “do what you need to do to save and protect your soul, so that you will be with God in heaven.” Greg’s decision to take this sabbatical is part of his effort to be an “obedient servant” in his faith journey.

A special person who has supported Greg during his years in this ministry is Diane, his loving wife. He gives her much credit for practical help during the months of planning and for her emotional and prayer support. She has been his quiet partner through all this time and has also accompanied the team on four trips. The Hemsoth twins, Jenifer and Jessica, now in their own medical careers, have been on two of these mission trips.

As a member of St. Joseph’s and a team member, I can’t end this article without a loud THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Greg for his leadership, work, effort, patience, and guidance in this ministry. Although, on my first trip to Honduras, I wondered how the team would coalesce and get the work done, I was amazed by what happened day to day. Much of this was due to the expert planning and oversight Greg had invested months before the team arrived at the airport, and his ongoing support and guidance while we were there.

Those interested in applying for the leadership position for the medical mission to Honduras, please contact Greg at: Friends of the Missions, Inc., c/o Greg Hemsoth, Director, 2643 Tacito Trail, Jacksonville, FL 32223; or email [email protected].

Time for a SabbaticalFEBRUARY 22, 2014

I looked down, she lifted her arms and smiled at me, as if saying, “It’s my turn now!” She reminded me of my twin daughters at that age. I held her tight and told her that God loved her. She was so precious and so very healthy looking, and I wondered what she must have looked like a few years earlier. Did she look like the “skin and bones” children, the newer arrivals, who made up many of these beautiful children?

Yes, it was a mission of “firsts,” and it will be my last mission to Honduras for a few years. I will miss the mission work, but I will miss the people the most. God gave them to me ten years ago. I came to know and love them, and I thank God for this blessing in my life. At age 56, I became a missionary and will continue to be a missionary, God willing. The years pass quickly when doing God’s work in the mission fields. My new mission lies before me, my parents care. Pray for me, as I pray for you!

Psalm 91Security Under God’s Protection

I 1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 Say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” 3 God will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague, 4 Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge; God’s faithfulness is a protecting shield. 5 You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come. 8 You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see. 9 You have the Lord for your refuge; you have made the Most High your

stronghold, 10 No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. 11 For God commands the angels to regard you in all your ways. 12 With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You can tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon.

II 14 Whoever clings to me I will deliver; whoever knows my name I will set him on

high. 15 All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress; I will deliver them and give them honor. 16 With length of days I will satisfy them, and show them my saving power.

Mary MorrisWilliams

Greg with Georgina Caso in Muchilena

Fr. John Willmering and Greg Hemsoth in Punte de Ocote

Greg Hemsoth with Marina’s family in Yoro

Greg Hemsoth holding a child from the

Yoro Nutritional Center and Fr. John seated,

holding a baby


All Mission Photos by Greg Hemsoth


This is the second Medical Mission I have participated in. I saw many who live there and assisted us the previous year. I was expecting this years’ experience to be similar to last year’s, but it wasn’t. I was touched even more by the gratitude the villagers showed us. I expected blessings, hugs, handshakes, etc. from the patients we saw, but wasn’t as prepared for how it would feel. Assisting the doctors at the clinic was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Hearing the villagers say, “God Bless you all for coming to our village,” put a smile on my face. Getting patients’ hugs just milliseconds after their having teeth pulled brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the children smile, color, and play reminded me of when I was their age. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces, I felt God smiling down at me. My parents were among the new missionaries to join in this wonderful experience. Being able to share this experience with them meant so much to me. Knowing that my parents taught me to do unto others as you like others to do unto you, I wanted to assist in any way that I could. After the first clinic, my parents asked, “Is this what you did last year?” I said yes and saw how proud they were. I thank God every day for this wonderful experience and for allowing me to share it with my parents.

– Diana Cruz –

My experience on this blessed journey to Honduras was exceptionally wonderful. My daughter went to Honduras last year and described what she had done and what she would do if she went again. I had many signs like messages, dreams, the meaning of the homilies presented by our dearest priests at church, and my daughter’s wish to help more. Jesus’ call of duty was very loud and clear.

We had many tasks, and I worked with the most generous, caring, and friendly mission team. I let the professionals do what they do best, and I helped the Red Cross volunteers from Honduras to keep the line in order since I spoke Spanish. We were welcomed by smiling faces, despite walking many hours to see us for such a short time. I couldn’t believe I listened and talked to more than 200 people daily about their sad and heartbreaking situations. I broke into tears for them so many times because of their sorrows. Other times, I played games with the kids with things we brought for each location to make it easier for the parents.

Jesus led me to care for His children in need. I love Him even more for entrusting me with this journey. Their love and faith in Jesus gives them hope that, one day, His angels will come to aid them. In fact, we are in need of more doctors; the language is not a barrier.

The people told me, “I thank God for sending you to help us.” “You are like angels; generous, caring; and your incredible kindness does helps us both physically and emotionally.” “Our time of need is long and challenging, but your assistance makes it easier knowing you will come back again.” “Please believe that you make a difference in our lives.”

– Genny Cruz –

Since this was my first mission trip, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Needless to say, the experience exceeded everything I imagined. I found the Hondurans to be happy people, even in the midst of such poverty. One of the things which really struck me was that, even though they waited for several hours to be seen by the doctors, they didn’t complain. Hour after hour, they stood in line waiting, and yet they continued to smile. They seemed to smile all the time, and it was contagious! It was obvious to me how grateful they were for the help we were giving. I received several hugs and an occasional kiss on the cheek just for giving someone a cheap pair of reading glasses. I suddenly realized that, to them, it wasn’t just a cheap pair of reading glasses. And soon, it wasn’t just a cheap pair of reading glasses to me either. I thought I was going on the mission solely to offer help to these people. I didn’t expect them to give me so much in return. Their simplicity and strong faith has given me a sense of peace I didn’t realize I was lacking. A part of me will always be in Honduras, and I pray that it’s God’s plan for me to return again next year.

– Sue Johnson –

This was my first medical mission. On the third day of our trip, I was working in the Pharmacy. An elderly woman came to get her doctor prescribed medication which consisted of adult vitamins, pain relievers, and eye drops. After I filled her order, I handed and explained each item to her. She looked at me with a very disappointing look and said, “Doctor, I read the Bible every day, but I cannot see the words on the pages. It is very difficult for me to read. I was hoping to get glasses in order to be able to read my Bible. Can you please help me?”

I looked into her eyes and saw they were in fact a little cloudy. I was not sure if it was from the tears of disappointment forming in her eyes, or if there was something else happening which we could not diagnose. I replied to her “Yes, I will take you to the eyeglass station and make sure you are given glasses,” and proceeded to walk her there to get her seen immediately.

The eyeglass station was manned by Robert (a missionary) and George (a local interpreter). The one thing which seemed odd to me was George is blind. Out of all the places for George to help, he was placed at the Eyeglass Station. How ironic.

She was immediately seated and given a set of glasses and a sheet for her to look at and read, in English. Really! She tried on a few more glasses until she found a pair with which she saw the things very clearly. She let out a scream and said “I can see the words clearly. I will be able to read my Bible with these glasses! Thank You, Lord, Thank You, Lord! You answer my prayers!”

That’s when I knew why I was on this mission. I was helping our Lord spread his message, if only by eyeglasses. She hugged and kissed me with such gratitude. I looked at her and said, “We are here as servants. You can now read the Bible with these glasses. We are honored to assist you. God Bless you and your family.” With that, she looked at me and said, “Amen,” as a tear of joy rolled down her cheek.

She left the clinic with new resounding happiness that her sight was restored by the aid of a simple set of reading glasses. As she walked toward her home, I could see her from a distance looking up to the heavens with outstretched hands. AMEN!

– Pablo Cruz –

It is always good to make a mission trip just before Lent begins. It reminds us just how much we have. In the Bible, Jeremiah compares us to trees, and it is difficult to transplant a tree in a foreign soil, even for a period of ten days. Our roots are pulled out. We have to depend on, and trust, people we are not normally with. This is when you know what wonderful graces God has given you. You need to trust, and that means to let go of your fears and really trust God. Know there is always someone in the group in which to turn. Sometimes, it is hard to approach someone you don’t know, but you will never know until you face that fear.

You are there by the grace of God and in the presence of God in those who are around you. That grace may be found in the most unexpected person. The rules are different, and true friendships blossom. It is part of that trust which is so important because that person is a part of God. Honesty becomes painful when we try to impress others; and when we are on a mission, all pretenses have to be left at home. We each need to accept the other person for who they are.

As trees we are uprooted and are feeling the drought in such a strange place. But our nourishment comes from those around us. It may be in our group, or come from someone with whom you cannot even converse, but somehow we know our nourishment is there because the presence of God is in this place.

Culture shock is a part of this feeling of drought. How can they live like this and still seem happy? It is because God is present in their world. They somehow seem closer to Him because they aren’t pretending to be someone or something they are not. They welcome us, but serve us. Yet, we came to serve them. How does that happen? They bring us their best coffee, cups, lunch, and china, and dress in their best to come see us.

Remember, God blesses us with his presence. He blesses us with his wisdom, and with forgiveness. He is there to help us through

difficult situations, and still allows us to praise Him, because He has given us all we have.

Thank you for letting this little Kansas country girl join your mission. I always bring something special home from each of you. Each of you has shared a grace from God with me. I hope you received all the graces offered to you. Let the smallness present in each of us open up to that grace offered.

God Bless and thank you again. I hope God allows our paths to cross again and, in the meantime, continue to PRAY for all those serving the Lord. AMEN.

– Donna Karber –

One of the things which really amazed me about the mission trip was the way God used people, regardless of their talents. Before the trip, I asked myself, “What could I really do to be useful to a medical Mission?” It was great to see God use the talents of 23 team members to accomplish what we did for so many of his poor people. Without speaking the language or having a medical background, I was able to see God’s hand directing the tasks needing to be done.

Seeing the children, enjoying our time spent with them, was also very rewarding. I was glad I made the effort to be part of the mission.

– Robert Taylor –

I spent a lot of time working in dentistry, assisting with the extracting of teeth. Since I cannot speak Spanish, sometimes the only thing I could do to reassure patients it was going to be okay was to offer a smile or to rub their hands during the procedure. Then the best “reward” was given to ME; a hug or kiss from someone who really appreciated our help. I knew, at that moment, it was God’s plan for me to be part of this mission. We take for granted much of which the people of Honduras consider to be a luxury, such as a toilet that flushes, hot showers, paved roads, or even doors on their homes. It makes you stop and realize all the blessings God has given us, which we don’t think about. I had an amazing experience with a remarkable group of people with whom I will forever share a bond.

– Lisa Comeaux –

The Catholic missionary work in Honduras is provided by the Franciscans and the Jesuits. We have done our medical missionary work in conjunction with Father John Wilmering, a Jesuit who has been there for some forty years. Father John is in his mid-70’s, slowing a little but still full of energy and passion. He has been an inspiration for all of us who make this journey to Honduras. He serves some forty villages – communities in the hills of Honduras. His 4-wheel-drive land cruiser is a familiar sight.

When we do these mission trips, at times we have doubts about what we are doing and if we are making any difference. I asked that of Father John this year. “Are we making a difference and does this help you in reaching the people?” His reply was, “Tim, it does make a difference. These people know you are coming, they know that you are the American Catholics, and they know that you are coming because you care about them as their brother and sister Catholics here in Honduras.” The message was clear, and there was no doubt. It makes a difference.

The success of these efforts requires the medical staff, and we cannot do it without the helpers, nor can we can do this without the support of our parish and diocesan members who give money, reading glasses, and rosaries. Lastly, your prayers and support for us are so important to our success as well in a week-long effort that touched some 2,000 lives. But the journey also touches each one of us who comes away a different person from the experience. We are touched by the people we serve, and this year many of our missionary group were touched and inspired by others within our group who showed patience, kindness, and who worked hard. Thank you for your support.

– “Dr. Tim” McCormick –

MESSAGES FROM OUR MISSION TEAM


Parish Medical Mission

NEWS

Our dedicated team of 22 volunteers gives a big GRACIAS to all those who sacrificed for us to have a successful medical mission to the people in the Muchilena and Yoro areas of Honduras. Our ten-day medical mission journey was one of the largest in the last ten years and, by the end, many of us were exhausted, but very pleased. We served 2,159 people with medical and dental exams and donated medicines. God always renews us when we help Him, so guess what? Plans for our next medical mission to Honduras in February, 2015, have started. We could not do these missions without our Loving God. God is good, all the time!

The following individuals and groups were vital to our mission’s success in bringing health care and much needed medicines and supplies to the people we served:

• SJCC’s Knights of Columbus, St. John’s River Council #10850, Over-All Mission Sponsor – donated $5,000. Harry Kimball worked hard to get us the grant from the Knight’s State Council. Wow, you men are God’s Gift to our parish, to our medical mission, and to the people we were able to serve through your generosity!

• Three, 1-Day Sponsors – with above totaling $6,500 (our sponsorships were down $4,500 from 2013).

• The CCW, with Mary Morris Williams, a previous mission team member collected over 2,000 toothbrushes and 500 tubes of toothpaste. Many children of all ages had never brushed their teeth in the remote areas we served. The sugar cane they chew rots their teeth, and our doctors and a dentist, Dr. Sonya, from the Yoro area extracted over 1,200 teeth.

• Sue Haywood and Denise Sink – helped organize the collection of over 3,500 rosaries from several groups and individuals. Parishioner Heather Cross and her family made a third of the rosaries. Another third came from Pat Greenfield at St. Anastasia C.C., and another third from our own Religious Articles Store via Trisch Broach. The rosaries are vital to the people who have very little to call their own.

• Tudor Jones III, Pharmacist – donated many vital and costly medicines at the request of team member Caitlin Heffner, a third-year volunteer and nurse.

• Our donors – those who gave $20 and those who gave hundreds of dollars, all totaled another $3,000, helped us to go on another medical mission to the poorest of the poor people.

• Our prayer warriors – those who gave of their time to pray for our mission’s safety and success and for the good health of the people we served. Many people prayed “Psalm 91” on our team’s behalf before and during our mission and for our safe return home. We could feel all those prayers lifting us up in our daily struggles and needs. We Praise God for honoring His Promises in “Psalm 91,” our mission team prayer by which we were blessed.

* We had no ministry this year to donate the 600-plus new reading glasses needed each year.

The 22 team members of the Honduran Medical Mission, together with the Honduran dentists, doctors, and support staff, gave almost 2,500 patient exams; over 10,000 prescriptions for medicines; over 1,200 tooth extractions; over 550 new reading glasses (which we had to buy this year); and hundreds and hundreds of smiles, hugs, and prayers. Once again, we were assisted by a recently reformed, Honduran Red Cross operating out of Yoro. All 40-plus of us became a team of caring people who helped the people, children, and adults to have much better health care and a better life.

In addition to paying their own expenses, the Medical Mission Team donated many mission supplies as well as vitamins and acetaminophen in large quantities for children and adults. Many parishioners also donated vitamins and acetaminophen through the CCW and other groups.

The 2,159 villagers we served gave each team member the beautiful and wonderful blessings of their big smiles, gentle hugs, loving comments, and heartfelt prayers!

If you are able to donate funds for next year’s mission, please contact Greg at (904) 262-0002, or [email protected] OR send a check made out to Friends of the Missions, Inc., to Greg Hemsoth, Director, Friends of the Missions, Inc., 2643 Tacito Trail, Jacksonville, FL 32223. You will receive a letter stating the amount of your tax-deductible donation for the 2014 tax year and a Mass of Thanksgiving.

Praise God, Another Successful Honduran Medical Mission!Greg Hemsoth, Director

Dear Greg, Caitlin, and all the members of the medical brigade – those who came this year and those who’ve been supporting us from Florida,

To all of you, thank you, many thanks! Greg, as I said before, my words don’t begin to thank you enough for all you’ve done to help us these many years. Know that we’re all grateful for all you’ve done for us in Honduras. And we know that you’ll continue to help us from there.

Caitlin, thank you for letting us know that everyone returned without any major problems. Let’s hope that you and everyone else are able to return to your regular jobs and find satisfaction in what you’re doing.

Greg, I forgot to ask you. What’s the status of the project to convert rubbish into fuel, water, etc? It’s been a while since I’ve heard anything about that project.

To all of you, thanks for continuing to remember us in your prayers. May God bless you and repay you for all your hard work and your sacrifices to help the poor people here.

Gratefully yours,

Fr. John WillmeringYoro, Yoro Province, Honduras2.11.14


It has been an amazing experience planning and leading the annual medical mission to Honduras for so many years. I thank everyone who has helped me so, together, we all might have a successful parish mission in God’s eyes. Praise God for His love of the poor!

•First,IthankSueBrunson,nowdeceased,foraskingifIcouldfind someone to be a substitute for a person who dropped off her team ten years ago. I knew God was calling me, so I said I would be the sub.

•IthankJakeSchroederformentoringmeandrequestingItakeover the leadership role in this medical mission and for always being there for me with encouragement and prayers. I also thank Jake for bringing me into Friends of the Missions, Inc. as a Board of Directors member.

•IthankFr.DanCodyforhishelpandassistanceandalmostalwayssaying “yes” to my requests. I appreciated you as my shepherd!

•We can’t have missions without volunteers who take a step infaith and decide to go on a mission. They give of their time, talent, and treasure, but they receive so much from God in return! Thank You All!

• All the docs, nurses, pharmacists, and helpers, who went toHonduras, a third-world country, and way out of most of our comfort zones - Gracias!

•Thanks tomyamigosyamigas inHonduras,who steppedupand became team members working right along with us as we all helped the people have better health care. I especially thank Fr. John Willmering, Mario, Rudy, Wagner, Marina, Dr. Sonya, and so many more, like the bus drivers, who kept us safe, especially Nelson, whom we all loved, prior to his untimely death.

•Gracias toGeorgina inMuchilenawhosharedsomuchofher

time to teach me about long-term missionary work and how she works with her neighboring villages on her many errands of mercy.

•Thankstotheparishstaff,whoassistedinsomanyways–Kathy,Jackie, Eileen, Carron, and Chris. The bulletins were always filled with the good news of the mission. We could feel your prayers!

•ThankstoDodiFloraandthePREPchildrenfortheirdonationsand their prayers for us and the poor people who needed medicines.

•Thankstoourparishschool,RhondaRose,andTheresaTwisdalefor supporting our mission early on and keeping us always in their prayers.

•To the CCW, Knights of Columbus, People of Praise, PrayerPartner Email group, Prayer Blanket Ministry, God’s Healing Prayer Ministry, and many other groups at SJCC and in the Jacksonville area as well as throughout the diocese – thank you all so very much for your help!

• Thanks to Deacon Chris Supple, who helped at our teammeetings and didn’t say “no” to his wife, Kathleen, a three-year team member, when she joined our medical mission. His prayers for us were awesome!

• Gracias to all of our mission priests, especially Fr. Ron, whoendured three missions with us and was a true blessing from God. Catholic Churches in Honduras opened their doors at his urging so we could have Masses.

• My Mission Committee of Dr. Rosado, Dr. Carlson, and Dr.McCormick, with Anita Cruz and Denise Sink. You all helped so much, and I love you all!

•AspecialthankstoDeniseSink,mymissionassistantforthelasttwo years. You are the best, and our friendship and our love for the poor will endure.

•Gracias,RogerLestinaandAngelaAllala,Reflections Editors, for those extended deadlines and for such wonderful coverage of our missions.

•Gracias,Fr.Thanh,foryoursupportofourparishmissionandyour love for mission work. I look forward to working with you on future missions and the opportunities for all of our ministries to be involved in Catholic missions.

•Thankyou,thankyou,thankyoutoDiane,mywifeandbestfriend, for all the prayers, help, assistance, and love you have given to our missions! Jessica and Jenifer, our daughters, have been on two missions and continue to support them with their gifts and prayers – Gracias!

•Thank you to all thedonorswhohave given freely of theirfinancial support over these many years. You are truly our “at-home” missionaries, for we couldn’t go on missions without your gifts.

•Finally,GraciastoGodforhavingmybackonthesemissionsandfor teaching me about the poor, whom I needed to come to know, go to serve, and give my love. God is an awesome teacher if we take the time to hear His voice and act on His urgings for our lives. Doing so will bring us all closer to Him. So, get off the sofa, say a prayer, and go on a mission. It could change your life for the better. God awaits your decision!

Note: The back of our medical mission t-shirt reads, “I am Catholic, my life is the mission!” I didn’t know what that meant ten years ago, but now I live it, I embrace it, and I know it is God’s gift given freely to anyone who says “yes.”

Gracias y thank you y gracias . . . Praise God, always and in all ways!

GRACIAS y THANK yOU y GRACIAS!

Our medical mission to Honduras costs over $25,000 each year. We are still most greatly challenged by the poor economy, the small number of volunteers, and the higher costs of medicines. This year, we had a ten-day mission. Our team bus costs went up, as did our hotel lodging costs, and other mission-related expenses.

Our individual team fees pay for all of the medical mission expenses, and our volunteer team members pay for their airfare. Paying for nine nights of hotel accommodations; a 24/7 school bus charter; a guide; translators; food; excess luggage; clinic supplies; mission supplies; small donations to the Yoro Catholic Church, Yoro St. Ives Children’s Nutritional Center, and Muchilena’s St. Martin de Porres Mission; pre-mission and post-mission bills; etc. usually leaves us about $10,000 short of paying all our bills.

Our mission is in the black, just barely. Our costs for medicines totaled over $9,000. Our donations came in at about $9,500. Your donations pay for all the medicines we buy, so we just made our budget. Since we did not use all of the medicines purchased and, by law, we could not bring them back to the USA, we were in a good position to donate them to the small Medical Clinic in Muchilena and the Children’s Nutritional Center in Yoro. Praise God for His Abundance as these medicines for children and adults will last these two facilities for at least three months. When God touches hearts to donate, He makes sure the donations are multiplied and used properly, as He sees fit!

A new approach to fund raising was started in September of 2011 for our 2012 Yoro Medical Mission, and it has been successful for these past missions and in 2014. Along with many other individual donations, the “sponsorship” donations helped us raise $3,500 for the 2012 mission. The sponsorship and regular donations totaled $7,000 for the 2012 mission.

For the 2013 Mission, we had tremendous success in our sponsorship donations. We raised $10,500 in total sponsorships, up $7,000 from $3,500 the year before. This year, for our 2014 Mission, we saw a decline in numbers, as we had $6,500 donated via sponsorships, $4,000 less than 2013.

What loving and giving hearts you all have for the medical mission work we do!

It was a diocesan-wide effort as companies, religious groups, people from all over NE Florida, and caring donors from St. Augustine, Jacksonville, many area Catholic parishioners, and others in the Diocese of St. Augustine donated much needed funds for our medicine purchases.

We prayed for all of our donors while on the mission, but we highlighted, by name, the very generous gifts of money from the companies, groups, and people shown below who were our full-mission and day-mission sponsors.

Sponsorships For Medicines Down, But Still SuccessfulYou can donate anytime for our 2015 medical mission to Honduras. Our mission team and all of the people who received health care and medicines wish to thank all our donors and especially the following 2014 Full-Mission Sponsor and 1-Day Sponsors:

Without your support,we would not have had

a medical mission. Thank you!May you be blessed

always and in all ways.

2014 YORO MEDICAL MISSION

Full-Mission Sponsor – $5,000

SJCC’s Knights of Columbusand State Council

1-Day Sponsors – $500 per day

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EASTER 2014 16Parish News

SIR, YES SIR!When God Is Your Commanding OfficerBy Kathy Signorile

I will never forget that early day in April 2005. I had left my secular job for a “lunch break” telling my supervisor I had something important to do at lunch and would possibly be returning a little later than normal. Well, I was correct. It was two hours later, and I was finally headed back to work. Thinking back, I don’t even remember the walk from Fr. Cody’s office to my car. I’m pretty certain I must have floated, because my feet seemed never to have hit the ground.

I remember calling my husband, Jim. As my hands were trembling with excitement, I finally managed to blurt out, “Honey, I did it,” which at the time were the only words I could muster out of my mouth. I was so happy. For the past twenty-five years of my existence, I had been searching for the one job I felt would define me as a person, that I could connect with, that would reflect who and what I am, . . . and it was finally mine.

Working in the rectory office with Fr. Cody and the “girls” not only fulfilled my desire to serve God in any way I could, but also meant, as far as I was concerned, I had landed the job that would be mine forever. I remember thinking, “I’ve got this; my future is set; I will work in this office until retirement, . . . end of story.”

I eventually settled down in my new position, and life went on, just going through the day-to-day happenings of work for Jim and me and school for our two boys. I lived a happy existence in my “job for life.”

As they do for all of us, the days and years passed. My oldest Son, James, enlisted in the Navy where my niece, Mindy, was already serving. One nephew, Nicholas, joined the Army with two more nephews coming behind him in the Army Delayed Entry Program. If you’ve ever had family members in the military, you know once they are in, you suddenly have several more family members in the military because their roommates,

friends, and co-workers adopt you into their one big happy family.

As often as I could, I began supporting my deployed family and friends with care packages. I also assisted a few civic and social groups, a Girl Scout Troop, and the RCIA ministry gather items and ship them to our deployed troops. Never putting any real thought to this, I didn’t mind helping. I actually enjoyed the idea that others wanted to help our troops. I helped when it was convenient and was happy to be asked.

It was a Thursday in June 2010. There was nothing particularly different about the day or the evening that I can remember. I had gone through my regular routine of work, home, dinner, a little light television, and finally bed. I cannot completely explain what happened during that night’s sleep, but I can tell you it has changed my life forever.

I woke the next morning in a bit of a fog, somewhat confused, and with a definite feeling of “Are you kidding me?” I couldn’t decide if it had been a dream or reality, but I absolutely knew one thing: God had spoken to me during the night. God explained to me it was very nice I was helping others send packages to our troops, but that was not His plan. His plan was for me to put my life into helping our military because my little bits of help here and there were just not going to “cut it.” He wasn’t harsh, but I can tell you He was very matter-of-fact in his delivery, and I just knew He meant business. God not only shared with me his plan but gave me the name of the ministry and instructions of whom to contact, what to do step by step, and how to fundraise. He also said I needed to meet with Fr. Cody about all of this as soon as possible. There was only one problem: I had to tell my husband.

Unfortunately, there were two things against this. First, I am what I call a ten-minute wife. I tend to tell my husband everything will take only about ten minutes, and then two to three hours into the project, I realize, yet again, my timing was off. This tendency causes us to run behind on a regular basis, which drives my husband bananas. The second was even more controversial. You see, during my quest to find my “job for life,” I ventured into the field of Mental Health for approximately three years. I loved the work but did not possess the ability to remain non-emotional during others’ times of crisis. One thing I had learned during this time, and unfortunately had shared with Jim, was that odds were, when a crisis was in full-scale crazy, the client would almost always hear God’s voice.

Now, I was not only going to tell my husband I was adding another “project” to my life, but also I heard it from God’s voice. Ha! This was going to be fun.

It took me until that Saturday evening finally to get the courage to tell Jim. I started by saying, “I have to tell you something,” which is always greeted with a small sigh and the roll of his eyes. I said, “Just listen and promise you won’t yell.” He was very patient during my recount of the Thursday-night events. Actually, I wasn’t completely certain he was even listening, for he never looked up from his project the entire time I spoke. When I finished, I took a deep breath and said, “Well,

what do you think?”

Jim didn’t miss a beat. He looked straight into my eyes and said, “You have to do this immediately,” and with that, I knew it was truly God’s will.

We met with Fr. Cody the following Monday, and from that day to this, St. Michael’s Soldiers has been a part of our lives that can be explained by no other word than a miracle.


We began collecting donations immediately. Everything started in our front guest room but then expanded to include our garage. For the past three years we have been able to use space donated to us by Fields Cadillac and have expanded to four offices and a huge supply closet. We have been blessed with hundreds of amazing volunteers who assist with everything from offering simple prayers to knitting prayer cloths, packing boxes, and conducting full-scale fundraising.

At this point, St. Michael’s Soldiers has made a difference for thousands of our deployed military. In the past four Christmases alone, we have touched the lives of over 3,250 of our deployed military, not to mention what we’ve sent during the many months in between. We were honored to attend the Purple Heart Ceremony for Wounded Soldier Local Hero 1st Lt. Ryan Timoney for whom we also arranged a Hero’s Welcome Home. We have also assisted other wounded soldiers and their families during their times of need.

It has been a little tricky the past four years balancing my work at the rectory, service for St. Michael’s Soldiers, and duties at home, but they have been the most fulfilling years of my life, and as far as I am concerned, I wouldn’t change a thing. “I have this, my future is set” . . . again!

You know that feeling you sometimes get that says, “I’m missing something, but I just don’t know what?” Well, I began feeling this around July of 2013. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but somehow I knew something was again in the works. I just had a nagging feeling for months there was something else He had to tell me. Of course, during this time, I was in the middle of planning Fr. Cody’s retirement, getting him ready, getting the office ready, organizing a fancy reception, and so forth, and I’m pretty sure my listening skills were not as functional as they normally would have been, so God decided to use a secret weapon.

I was sitting at home with Jim one surprisingly quiet night, when he turned to me and said, “Honey, you’re going to have to leave your job at St. Joseph’s and work St. Michael’s Soldiers full time.” Of course, I responded with, “I can never do that; that is completely impossible; no way José.” Jim just quietly repeated himself, word for word, to which I responded, “I know.”

It was finally there. The words had been said, and reality was finally out in the open. Once again, my future was not “all set.” Suddenly, I knew, these were the words I had been hearing for months and were giving me the nagging feeling I was missing something. God had been speaking to me for months. I just wasn’t ready to hear Him.

So I began praying I would again open my ears to God and that He would show me the way. In looking back, I should have always known this was where my future was headed. There has never been a door we knocked on that didn’t open. There has never been a request from any military member we have not been able to fulfill. We’ve managed to obtain everything from toiletries and snacks, to warm clothing, to sports equipment, to a microwave. We even convinced the Green Bay Packers to pack a couple of boxes filled with Packer Memorabilia and ship it to a homesick fan in Afghanistan.

Our troops need us. They offer their lives for us every day, and they need and deserve to know that their sacrifices matter, and that the people back home appreciate everything they go through. I am very thankful to our loving and generous St. Joseph’s Parish Family members who enable us to make certain we touch as many lives as possible.

God always has a way of showing us we’re not in charge. I often smile as I think of the lyrics to a song recorded by my friend Johnny Van Zant: “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.” I smile because I realize I must have given God a couple of really huge belly-roll laughs as He listened to me proclaim my future.

As this Easter Season draws to an end, I guess I can say things are bittersweet. I am saying both goodbye and hello: goodbye to nine years of serving our Church, our parishioners, and our beloved pastors and priests; hello to pursuing the dream of helping our military men and women on a full-time basis. I pray all of you will join me on this journey as we make a difference for the true heroes and she-roes of our country. And by the way – I’ve got this, my future is set . . . .


L ast March 9, our 2013-2014 RCIA Catechumens and Candidates participated in the Rite of Sending at the 10:00 Mass. Father Thanh asked the sponsors of the Catechumens, “Have they taken seriously their formation in the Gospel and in the Catholic way of life?” “Have they given evidence of their conversion by the example of their lives?” “Do you find them ready to be presented to Bishop Estévez for the Rite of Election?” Their sponsors answered affirmatively. Then Father Thanh asked of us, the community of St. Joseph’s Parish, “Are you ready to support the testimony expressed about these Catechumens and include them in your prayers as we move toward Easter,” and we answered, “We are.” Then our Catechumens affirmed their decision to become Catholic by coming to the sanctuary and signing their names in The Book of the Elect.

Next, Father Thanh queried the sponsors of the Candidates, “Do you consider these Candidates ready to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist and be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church?” and their sponsors answered, “We do.” Of us in St. Joseph’s community, Father Thanh asked, “Are you ready to support the testimony expressed about the Candidates and include them in your prayers as we move toward Easter.” Once again we answered, “We are,” and our Candidates came forward and signed in The Book of the Elect. Following the signing of names, we offered prayers for our Catechumens and Candidates, and they were dismissed to participate in the Rite of Election at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine.

The Rite of Election began at 2:00 that afternoon. Using questions similar to those in the Rite of Sending, Bishop Estévez first queried the sponsors, the assembly, and the Catechumens concerning their readiness to be received into the Catholic faith. Upon affirmation by all, Bishop Estévez proclaimed, “Let their names be offered for enrollment.” Then, one by one, each Catechumen, accompanied by his or her sponsor, was individually and

Welcome into the Fullness of the Catholic FaithBy Roger and Linda Lestina

2013 – 2014 RCIAMEMBERS OF THE ELECT

TARA BAER

DAVID BAIRD

AMY BREHM

ANDREW BROCK

ERICK COLBERT

PENELOPE COWAN

DOMINIC DIGIACOMO

KRISTINE D’ESTERHAZY

CATHI EVANS

MICHAEL FILAKOSKY

BARBARA HUBER

JONATHAN JOHNSON

SONJA LEE

ELIZABETH MCFARLAND

MICHAEL MCFARLAND

CORBIN MILLER

NICKLAUS MONAHAN

PEGGY NISTON

CHRISTOPHER PARLATO

REBECCA PARLATO

KACY PERRONE

JOHN SIMONIN

SHAWN SLOAN

NICOLE SPORTSMAN

DADO USTOVIC

DANA VALLENCOURT

CHRISTINE WALL

ANN-MARISSA WASCHKA

DANIEL WELCH

AINDARA WYNN

formally presented to Bishop Estévez for his blessing. The Bishop then accepted the Catechumens as members of the Elect, and called them to the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Next, in the same manner as with the Catechumens, the Bishop queried the sponsors, assembly, and the Candidates; blessed each Candidate individually; and called them as well to the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Following the presentation of the Candidates, the directors of the RCIA Process for each parish brought The Book of the Elect to the Bishop, and he signed below the names of the members of the Elect. Following the Rite, the Elect, their sponsors, and their families enjoyed refreshments and an opportunity to take individual photographs with Bishop Estévez.

During our Easter Vigil Mass on April 19, we the community of St. Joseph’s Parish will welcome the following Elect into full communion with the Catholic Faith, the blessed fulfillment of their months of prayer, discernment, and study.

RCIA

EASTER 2014 19Focus on Faith

The ResurrectionSt. Paul is a master of the written word. He is succinct and on point. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, he simply says he is passing on to them “what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This tradition was handed down from those who actually saw the risen Lord. Paul then goes on to reference actual witnesses: “appeared to Kephas [Peter], then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all . . . he appeared to me” (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

The Scriptures further attest to the physical reality of his post-resurrection presence. The disciples not only see the Risen Christ, but they are urged to touch his solid flesh: “Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have” (Luke 24:39). Thomas is invited to examine Jesus’ wounds simply to verify the body which was crucified is now present. Yet, all this being said, it still requires God’s grace and an act of faith to believe Jesus is raised from the dead and that his resurrection is our new life. We petition God for his grace, and then we profess our belief.

As always, facts have consequences. The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers a beautiful summary in paragraphs 654 and 655: “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life . . . that reinstates us in God’s grace. . . . It brings about filial adoption so that men become Christ’s brethren, as Jesus himself called his disciples after his Resurrection. Finally . . . the risen Christ himself is the principle and source of our future resurrection; ‘Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. . . . For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be made alive’ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). The risen Christ lives in the hearts of his faithful . . . ‘have tasted . . . the powers of the age to come’ (Hebrews 6:5) and their lives are swept up by Christ into the heart of divine life, so that they may ‘live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15).”

Our new life in the resurrected Christ has the power to take human life to a whole new level. It heals where there is brokenness. A new relationship is forged. Through Jesus Christ, God lives in us and us in Him. Death does not have the last say. In the Liturgy of the Easter Vigil, we sing, “This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death.” We too shall rise from the dead, break the bonds of death.

Our present and our eternal future are sealed in the mercy, forgiveness, and love of God. Alleluia.

TomKelly

de Boulogne, Valentin (Disputed). Saint Paul Writing His Epistles. Oil on canvas. c. 1618 - 1620. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, United States.

ASK FATHER

How is the actual date for Easter calculated?

Easter is a movable feast which means it does not occur on the same date every year.

The Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) set the date of Easter as the Sunday following the paschal full moon, which is the full moon that falls on or follows after the vernal (spring) equinox.

Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday because Sunday was the day of Chris’s Resurrection. The paschal full moon also has significance because it was the date of Passover in the Jewish calendar, and the Last Supper (Holy Thursday) occurred on Passover. Easter Sunday then is the following Sunday.

The Church does not use the exact date of the paschal full moon because it can occur on different days in different time zones. Actually, March 21 is considered the date of the vernal equinox. Approximation facilitates uniformity of celebration in the universal church.


Even ObamaBy Susan Rezsonya

I am writing my story for all my fellow parishioners who prayed for me and continue to pray for me since last May.

On May 7, 2013, I went in for my second stent – my first was two years earlier. I kept my Miraculous Medal around my neck as I have been wearing Mary’s Medal since 1998, when I had breast cancer and promised Our Lady I’d never take her medal off if she helped me through the illness. The nurse was lovely and said I could keep my medal on and she would just turn it around for me. During this procedure, my aorta burst. Now, I was on a drug which keeps you awake but “in la-la land” – you feel nothing but can hear everything. My doctor said a four-letter word, followed by “Jesus Christ!” very loudly. I heard both things and said to myself, “Why is he saying this and taking my God’s name in vain? – he is working on me.” I am not sure, but I probably said something similar to, “What’s the matter?” Well I didn’t wake up for a week after that!

The OR team called in a cardiothoracic surgeon (specialist) to do the repair on the aorta – usually you die from a burst aorta. He did a single by-pass on me. I was taken to ICU, but not before my heart had stopped three times on the table and I had two minor strokes – but thank God I have no residuals (after-effects). The surgeon’s assistant, along with a chaplain, came to my husband in the waiting room and told him they didn’t think I was going to make it because my heart kept stopping. Poor John, all alone. His reply was, “No, I can’t lose my wife! You have to save her.” John asked the chaplain if he was a Catholic priest. He was not, but John was able to get Father Bernie to come up to the hospital. However, since I was in surgery, they would not let Father Bernie come in. Now, you all know dear Father Bernie. To me, he is a true saint of God, and he became very adamant, saying he was a chaplain in the Vietnam War and was in the OR every day. Unfortunately, he had to come back later, which he did. He was such a comfort to my John, who was in terrible shape. My husband had to call our son, who was working in Arkansas, and tell him to come home now! Imagine, my poor boys going through all that.

Since I was so ill, I was kept in a hospital-induced coma for a week, with all kinds of machines and tubes everywhere. John and my son, Johnny, kept vigil. Then there was Father Cody, another wonderful saint of God, who came up twice to the ICU to bless me. When I saw him, I said “I’m alive, Father!” He told me he never thought I would make it! Mind you, poor Father Cody is in

constant back pain and can hardly walk. How he made it up to Memorial Hospital and walked all the way to the ICU, only the Lord knows. So much love, so many prayers for me from many sources.

I had a near-death experience. Now, I did not know I was dead, and where I was, I saw a foggy light. I was on a table surrounded by complete silence. As if they were on a conveyor belt, a whole line of people came filing by me. I did not see faces, but this continued for a very long time. I said to myself, “Who are all these people? What’s going on?” I still didn’t realize I was dead, or near dead. The clothes of all these people kept getting older and older, but it never dawned on me until much later that these were all my ancestors! After the people finally stopped, I felt the most beautiful, all-encompassing HUG. It was the most wonderful hug and warmth penetrating my entire body. Then, I heard Jesus say in my head, “The love you have received, you must share with everyone.” I knew this was Jesus, even though I wasn’t granted the grace of seeing Him. I asked, “Even Obama?” Jesus’ response was, “Even Obama!” I decided, right there and then, I would love Barrack Obama – and Michelle – and pray for their conversion. I was filled with so much love. This wonderful gift has enabled me to experience an all-encompassing joy, and I haven’t been depressed during my illness, nor my continuing recovery.

My niece, Jacqueline Ciccarelli, a CCU nurse in New Jersey, told her mother – my sister, Jackie – that “Aunt Susan is the sickest person in the hospital.” My niece kept in constant touch with my husband and the hospital staff. Now, my husband and son kept vigil over me daily, only going home at night to sleep.

On day seven, I was brought out of the coma. The doctors had told John they didn’t know what to expect, and he should be prepared for the chance I would never be myself again. They did not know if I would be normal after all I had been through. I awoke to hear my son, Johnny, reciting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy out loud over me. As many of you know, this is a very powerful prayer that, when said over a dying person, ensures God’s Divine Mercy on them, even if they are with serious sin. I opened my eyes, smiled, and attempted to speak – but mouthed the word “Johnny.” I was back! John and Johnny were with me every day, and they could see I was beginning to be myself again. I awoke one night and felt for my medal, which was no longer around my neck. Instead, I felt a long line of metal staples. When I asked John about my

medal, he said not to worry, it was home. The staff had taken it off my neck and given it to him.

I was intubated with tubes down my nose and into my throat for eleven days, resulting in paralyzed vocal cords and the inability to speak. I was in ICU for sixteen days and then transferred to rehab for another eight or nine days, after which I finally came home. My sister came down and stayed for a couple of weeks. She was my angel. Neighbors, church friends, and Women’s Club friends all brought food, flowers, plants, and Mass cards and “Get Well” cards. I have a shopping bag full of them. My dearest friend and neighbor, Yojana Shah, had her entire Hindu Temple praying for me as well as her relatives in India, whom I have come to know. I am so grateful.

My heart is very strong, thank God, but my vocal cords are still paralyzed. I can talk, but limited, and I cough a lot. I had to have a tracheostomy in September because, as my speaking improved, my breathing became very difficult. I also had to have a feeding tube put in as I couldn’t swallow after the trach was placed. The feeding tube was removed in December, Thank God! Since October, I have gone to a wonderful Chinese doctor for acupuncture. I really detest needles, but he specializes in massage as well, and that is wonderful. I am still recovering and thank God for every day he has given me.

I had to take Mary’s medal off when I had the tracheostomy in September, but told her I’d put it back on as soon as I could. I was in the ladies room at church during a 5:30 p.m. Mass, and a lovely little girl, accompanied by her mother, told me she liked my necklace. I thanked her warmheartedly. I had received so many stares and felt self-conscious about the trach, so her complement was very welcome. Her mother told me she would like to see a Miraculous Medal hanging from it. This could not have been a coincidence. I told her I’d try to put my medal on when I got home. Well, it fit and did not interfere with the trach tube sticking out. Mary is back around my neck as I promised her long ago.

I thank you all for reading this. I also thank you for all the prayers. People come up to me in church and say they are still praying for me. I would not be here with my wonderful family if I had not receive all those prayers.

Remember, as Jesus told me, I must share the love I have received with everyone. In sharing this with you, I hope you are aware of Jesus’ love for all of us. If we, in turn, pass this love on to everyone else, our world will be a better place. God bless you all!


Legalizing Child EuthanasiaThe Belgium legislature has voted to remove all age limits to that country’s euthanasia law, opening the way for Belgian doctors to kill terminally ill children. Supporters of the law tout the most extreme possible scenarios as justification for extending euthanasia to children, claiming it will ease suffering. You can bet this measure is really the government’s means to ease its financial burden of caring for terminal patients. This is a move, not to limit suffering, but to limit medical access to those who are deemed not worthy or whose care is too expensive.

News organizations, quick to point out Belgium’s Catholic majority, are reporting 75% polled are in favor of this measure. A Vatican spokesman has questioned the validity of that poll. It is also reported that safeguards are being put into place to ensure the suffering child fully understands euthanasia, receives psychiatric counseling, and has parental approval. What few news organizations are reporting is an amendment to the bill also expands Belgium’s euthanasia law to include dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Will those hapless victims be protected by a requirement that they fully understand euthanasia?

Euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide laws are products of selfishness and despair. We are not wise enough to know when our lives or anyone else’s lives should end. Who really believes the unscrupulous, whether it’s a government or an overburdened caregiver, will not pressure a terminally ill patient to accept euthanasia? Who really expects a child suffering from both an illness and depression to be in a state of mind to chose between life and death or to resist pressure from doctors or parents?

Russ Tooke

The bill’s supporters want us to believe it would only be a slight number of children who would ever be euthanized. This is the same argument that always

accompanies the demand for legalizing euthanasia. Belgium reported a record 1,432 adult patients euthanized in 2012, a 25% increase from the previous year, and the number killed in 2013 is expected to be greater.

Are we to trust the “safeguards” put into place? Euthanasia has been legal in Belgium since 2002, and there have been several studies published by the British Medical Journal and Canadian Medical Association Journal documenting the widespread abuse of these laws, including the administration of lethal drugs without a patient’s consent. Links to these studies can be found on the

Lifesitenews.com website. Search for the article, written by Alex Schadenberg, titled “Belgium’s child euthanasia ‘safeguards’ will be flagrantly abused.”

Since approving the bill to provide for child euthanasia, Belgian lawmakers have supposedly expressed surprise at the disapproval directed at them from other countries. Really? They would have had to be incredibly naive not to expect shocked indignation. They knew there would be an outcry, but, just like those who advocate partial birth abortion, late-term abortion, assisted suicide, forced sterilizations, same sex marriage, mandated contraception and other “shocking” insults upon the dignity of life, they don’t care. Why should they? The lesson of history is on their side. People may hear of it and disapprove, but as long the trough of distractions continues to serve up sensationalized scandals, sporting spectacles, and inane sitcoms, interest will fade, and people will forget the injustice – the innocent and helpless will continue to be killed.

GRANDMA’S CORNERBy Barbara Crawford (a.k.a. grandma)

Grandchildren are always fun, but particularly at Easter, Christmas, and birthdays. My personal experience as a child at these times was strained. As children, we were to be seen and not heard. My grandparents were advanced in age by any standard and were not to be bothered. Maybe this is why I choose to be the “fun” grandparent, playing and reading to my grandchildren. I want them to know me, not be afraid, and just to be themselves. Perhaps due to my childhood experience, I tend to be a bit liberal with candy,

stuffed animals, books, etc., whatever I think the children would want. I enjoy watching the action, but participating is so much more interesting. I want the occasions I spend with them to be memorable for all.

Have a Holy, happy Easter and remember to appreciate all your children, grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all extended family.

Sr. AndreaZbiegienSFCC/D.MIN

Easter. . .Spring SurprisesPassion. . .Death to Resurrection “Unless a seed fall into the ground and die.”Loving Jesus, You fell onto the ground. . . You were so trampled. . . Let us ponder. . .I ponder meanings for me. . .(I cannot do the pondering for others!)Seed. . . What will it be? Nutritious vegetable To grace our table? Magnificent flower To enliven our home? To delight a loved one? Bulb. . . Wintering Ruminating Stretching to become Amaryllis or Hyacinth? Tulip or Daffodil? Determined to be Lovely colors Pinks or purples? Whites or yellows? Egg. . . To hold To nourish To ponder mystery A fuzzy chick? A duckling? What life Comes forth To touch To feel To see. . .?Mystery to ponder New LIFE. . .Resurrection!


He took a hundred pounds of clay And then He said “Hey listen”

“I’m gonna to fix this-a world today”“Because I know what’s missin’”Then He rolled His big sleeve up

And a brand-new world beganHe created a woman

and-a lots of loving for a man.(Song written by Kay Rogers, Luther Dixon, and Bob Elgin and

performed by Gene McDaniels)

M y mother appreciated all the beautiful children God gave her. In turn, she wanted us to learn of his goodness, and revere Him because of it. Every Sunday morning, before anything entered our mouths (food or water), she called us into the living room for family prayer and devotion. After breakfast, we were sent to Sunday School at the old Baptist church. On this, the Lord’s Day, we were especially monitored on behavior, down to omitting our favorite music, all because it was Sunday.

My mother even insisted we had certain types of clothing put aside, labeled “Sunday clothes.” Though struggling to raise seven children, she made sure we had garments, even if she had to make them herself. Each child knew to wear these clothes only to church, or to school for special occasions. That’s the way she was raised; to put God first. Come Easter season, in observance of Jesus’ shedding His blood, she took on a professor’s role. She often reminded us, “Don’t let the Lord bleed in vain.”

Although there was no requirement to recite the Ten Commandments, we were required to live them. Sometimes, my mother ordered our Paschal attire. Sometimes she would take time to make them. When this happened, it was conducive to a story from her childhood.

One such story was when my mother was about six years old. She was walking with her maternal grandmother down a long dusty road in Anthony, Florida. Though they’d done this many times, this particular spring was different. Her grandmother had decided to buy my mother, Little Elouise, a piece of cloth in her favorite color, pink, and make her a new dress for Easter. Mother’s eyes gleamed with joy for the love from Granma. Upon arriving at the local general store, Elouise was allowed to pick out the bolt of fabric she wanted! Her grandmother retrieved a matching spool of thread, a hook, needles, pins, tracing wheel, thimble, and about 1/8 of a yard of green material. The choice of the small piece of green cloth puzzled the six-year-old, but she never questioned it. As they walked back home, the little girl skipped with excitement over how pretty she would look on Easter Sunday!

Elouise eagerly watched her grandmother unfold the pink material as she contemplated a design. Her

grandmother took her measurements, cut brown paper and drew lines allowing for tucks, then pinned each pattern piece in place. She then cut out each part: bodice front and back, skirt front and back, and puffy sleeves. For the final touch, she made a rose, using the green material for three leaves and skillfully fastening them behind the rose bud before sewing the floral attachment onto the left side waistline of the dress.

In less than a week, six-year-old Elouise joyously sported a brand new beautifully crafted pink dress

for Easter Sunday 1923, made from Granma Adeline’s love. Genesis 1:26-27 reminds us we are made in God’s image. I like to think of how carefully He made each one of us. Like Granma Adeline, He had in mind how each masterpiece would turn out. He rolled up his sleeve and began molding that lump of clay, handcrafting it to His will. Each eyelash is like every stitch, impeccably placed. The very hairs on our heads are numbered (Matthew 10:30). Each wrinkle is like the designer’s cut, deliberately formed to perfection. Each indention is like pattern lines, encircling to ensure this one stands out. Each twinkle in the eyes, brilliance of mind, represents a strong thirst for Him, like

the special added rose. Then there is a uniqueness from others, just as each leaf was carefully placed behind the flower.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still.

(Christian hymn written by Adelaide A. Pollard)

Like a real Master, every gift this person will have throughout his or her life is like each button sewn in to keep all the beauty together. Every second, every minute, every hour, has been worth it.

Mother insisted we humble ourselves be quiet, and appreciate His presence at the first Sunday communion services. She forever reminded all of her children: “Know that the Lord is God, our maker to whom we belong, who’s people we are, God’s well-tended flock” (Psalm 100:3). To the end of her days, Mother put God first, in words and in deeds. She forever reminded us that every breath we took is His blessing. When she died in my arm, I could not cry, for I realized she had flown to her Maker, the Risen Lord, Jesus, the Lord of Seamstresses, the King of Sculptures. I am certain the garment she now wears is immeasurably superb.

Happy Easter to Every Masterpiece! You ARE Special!

His Masterpiece

GwendolynElouise Butler

Sr. AndreaZbiegienSFCC/D.MIN

“God is LOVE. . .”

LOVE. . .

Out-going. . .

out-flowing


Whoever abides in LOVE

Abides in God and

God abides in that person!

Lust. . .

Self-absorbed. . .

Self-centered. . .

Destructive.

Debilitating.

Why the crucifixion?

Ultimate out-going

Ultimate out-flowing

Ultimate self-giving

Ultimate self-sacrificing

For us!

For redemption

and true LOVE

For resurrection

and true LIFE


Nothing but total, selfless giving

Could redeem our selfish, carnal,

Natures in need of GRACE

That share in God’s own LIFE!

God, grant me the Grace of

building my relationship with You.

“God is LOVE!”


Experience of Devine Mercy

My mother was a vibrant woman living in the Chicago suburbs and caring for her handicapped son. One of her joys was updating her condo with new furniture and regularly having the walls painted. She loved to entertain, and she especially loved having me, her only daughter, visit from Florida. One such visit promised to be tense and filled with anticipatory anxiety due to a whole host of the usual family issues which

seem to hang around until we let them go. In an effort to quell the anxiety, I visited the adoration chapel at St. Joseph’s in the “middle church.” At the door of the chapel, a small table held a variety of pamphlets, including one explaining St. Faustina’s Chaplet of Devine Mercy. I picked it up and read it. I took out my rosary and proceeded to kneel down and say the chaplet from the pamphlet for the first time. I remember the power of saying, “Heavenly Father, I offer you the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.” When I left the chapel that evening, my anxiety about the upcoming visit had completely

vanished. But that is not the “kicker.” The next week, as I entered my mother’s condo, after kisses and hugs, I remarked about the new paint job in her living room. I’ll never forget how she turned to her glass-topped coffee table and picked up a red, hardcover book. She said, “The painter left this here for me, but the print is too small. Do you want it?” It was Sister Faustina’s Diary. My mother had no idea I had been introduced to the chaplet the previous week, but Someone else did.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

2. The Our Father Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

3. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

4. The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

5. Eternal Father(on the Our Father bead before each decade)

Eternal Father,I offer YouThe Body and Blood,Soul and DivinityOf Your dearly beloved Son,Our Lord Jesus Christ,In atonement for our sinsAnd those of the whole world.

6. For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion(on the 10 Hail Mary beads of each decade)

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,Have mercy on usAnd on the whole world.

7. Concluding Doxology(after five decades)

Holy God,Holy Mighty One,Holy Immortal One,Have mercy on usAnd on the whole world.(Three times)

Optional Concluding PrayerEternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself (Diary, 950).

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23

4

5

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How to Recite the Divine Mercy ChapletUse ordinary rosary beeds

(Diary, 476)

DonnaWilkey

EASTER 2014 24

LENTEN/EASTER SERVICES and MASSES

April 17 Holy Thursday Reconciliation, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Mass, 7:00 p.m.

April 18 Good Friday Reconciliation, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Live Stations of the Cross, 2:45 p.m. (Rectory Parking Lot) Reconciliation, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Solemn Liturgical Observance with Holy Communion, 7:00 p.m.

April 19 Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass, 8:30 p.m.

April 20 Easter Sunday Masses: 6:30 a.m. (Sunrise), 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 Noon Latin High Mass, 11:15 a.m. (Historic Church)

APRIL13 PALM SUNDAY14 SJS Easter Break Begins17 HOLY THURSDAY18 GOOD FRIDAY - No School19 HOLY SATURDAY St. Anne’s Circle Easter Egg Hunt20 EASTER SUNDAY

22 SJS Classes Resume26 Women’s CRHP Weekend PREP 1st Communion27 Women’s CRHP Weekend PREP 1st Communion DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY28 Baptism Seminar

MAY2 First-Friday Healing Mass3 First-Saturday Mass SJS 1st Communion K of C Spaghetti Dinner5 SJS No School7 PREP May Crowning11 Mother’s Day14 PREP End-of-Year Banquet17 Men’s CRHP Weekend

18 Men’s CRHP Weekend22 SJS Pre-K Last Day of School26 No School - Memorial Day27 Baptism Seminar21 CCW Bunko Night28 SJS 8th Grade Banquet29 SJS Last Day - Noon Dismissal30 SJS 8th Grade Graduation

JUNE2 Parish Council Meeting4 Clay Last Day of School5 St. Johns Last Day of School6 First-Friday Healing Mass Duval Last Day of School

7 First-Saturday Mass Bishop’s Pentecost Mass15 Father’s Day16-20 Vacation Bible School23 Baptism Seminar

JULY4 Independence Day First-Friday Healing Mass5 First-Saturday Mass

12 Red, White & Blues Festival19 CCW Bunko Night28 Baptism Seminar

AUGUST1 First-Friday Healing Mass2 First-Saturday Mass12 Clay 1st Day of School13 SJS 1st Day of School

14 SJS Pre-K 1st Day of School18 Duval & St. Johns 1st Day of School25 Baptism Seminar

Happenings

PARISH CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER1 No School - Labor Day5 First-Friday Healing Mass

6 First-Saturday Mass Participation Weekend7 Participation Weekend

David & Kerianne AcraCarlos Agosto-BaezMike & Jennifer BoccioDavid & Tara BotolinoLarry & Kathie BrewerAudra BuckinghamCharles & Josephine BurgioRobert Carmichael & Aldona SzczensniakJonathan & Noressa CaseMichael & Linda CavalloMarilyn CharlesJames DanehyRamon & Israelita DizonCraig & Lindsay DreyerChristian & Karin DuarteOlivia DunnRogger & Johana Ferreira

William & Nancy FondriestCarlos & Lydiana Franco-AponteCalderon GriselGeorge HessonJoseph & Leslie Marie HowellJim & Barbara HuberGordean HunnGenevieve JacobsTimothy JeffriesStephen & Lorna JonesAlbert & Ylli KalajDavid KlugaAndelko & Kristen KrsulicJeremy & Lauren LarsenJeffrey & Margaret LawlerJoseph & Linda Leo

Carlo LeombrunoRamon & Carmen Lopez-BaezJohn LynchPatrick & Audra MacabascoElvis ManguneRaul & Ivy ManlapigJames & Stacy MatelskiJohn McCormackMark & Robin McCrea Michael McGuireStuart McNallyVictor & Amilta MontanezMichael & Lucimar MuschJuan & Maritza NunezCaitlin O’NeillMark & Hannah Picinich

New ParishionersWe are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish family who registered between November 25, 2013, and March 17, 2014.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have reached their 14th year.

If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the

Reminders about Obligations during Lent (from the USCCB):

“paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.

Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.

SOURCE: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/lent/catholic-information-on-lenten-fast-and-abstinence.cfm

Christina PigneyEd & Tina Marie PikeAmy PinedaKol & Kristian PjepiAnthony & Denise PilinRobert & Albana QelemeniDan & Tamara RenardDamien & Elena RendMichael & Jessica RodriguezTom & Veroica Roman-SzostakJosephine SanchesGregory & Brittany SasserRey & Maria SaulogValentin & Gita ShilakuChristopher & Amber SimmsAlex & Rosie Smiley

Jeanette SoffiantiniWill & Megan SwillieSharon SymkoRegina TanteWesley & Teresita TaylorJared & Kimberly TharpDelores ThomasMaria TiomicoMario & Sylvia TorretijoMartin & Christine Van AsscheJoseph VautrinJose & Desiree VindasDauray WardenMark & Martha WatsonPaul WilliamsMaria Zorrilla

Spiritual DirectorFather Thanh Nguyen

Editorial StaffAngela AllalaRoger Lestina

Layout, Design andProductionAngela Allala

St. Joseph’s Reflections is the newspaper of

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Jacksonville, Florida.

It is published incelebration of Easter,

Participation Sunday inSeptember, and Christmas.

The mission of St. Joseph’s Reflectionsis to build community

by informing and educating parish members, strengthening

the bond between them, inviting and inspiring their

participation in parish ministries and activities, and encouraging

and supporting their outreach to the Jacksonville community.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church11730 St. Augustine RoadJacksonville, Florida 32258Phone: (904) 268-5422

Fax: (904) 292-0248www.st josephsjax.org

PASTOR:Rev. Thanh Nguyen

PAROCHIAL VICARS:Rev. Bernardine Eikhuemelo

Rev. Bernie Ahern

reflectionsreflections st. josph’s...students enjoyed the visit by the dairy queen mascot, curly,...

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