“Above all, love each other

deeply, because love covers

over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

I had a great Memorial Day. Most holi-

days mean more work, more masses

and more homily preparation. Not Me-

morial Day, it is a quiet day. I did cov-

er the hospital but thanks to doctors

who also wanted an easier day there

were not too many patients. I went to

the gym and worked up a good sweat

and a good appetite. I came home and

prepared for the first official cookout

for the summer, nothing fancy just the

basics - hot dogs, burgers, corn on the

cob, watermelon and ice cream. The

burgers were quite big but sizzled

smoothly on my new grill. I should

have stopped at one but me being who I

am, didn’t. Along with all the other

goodies I was stuffed. I also felt a bit

guilty. We cleaned up and announced

to my mother “I’m going to the gym.”

“What? You already went”

“I know but I got to burn off all the

food I ate.”

I am not sure if it works that way but I

do know what works. Giving to others.

We all make mistakes; we all sin. De-

spite our best efforts we fail and some-

times miserably.

What to do? Rather

than beat yourself

up and wallow in

guilt, help others.

“Love covers a

multitude of sin.” It

also brings out the

best in us. We feel

better as well.

When you do good you become good. It

transforms you.

This edition highlights the many ways our

young people are putting others first.

There are many others but this gives a

small peek at how our youth are serving

here at St Peter.

Read it, enjoy it and be inspired to do the

same. I am not so sure a quick work out at

the gym will burn many unneeded calo-

ries but I do know acts of generosity can

offset our sins. That’s not a bad tradeoff.

Love

Father Tomp

PS—Putting People First

Hearts for God,

Hands for People

www.stpeterdeland.org

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Children 1

Mouth of Babes 2

Music Ministry Time 3

Eagle Troop 610 4

Kid’s Center Thoughts 5

Altar Service 4 All 6

Pups on a Mission 7

PPF—Put People First 8

J U N E , 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 2

St. Peter

Catholic

Church DeLand, Florida

386-822-6000

Forming Deeply Committed Catholics,

the Gospel by Worshipping

Regularly, Praying Often & Serving Others.

Living the Generous Life We Are Blessed...So We Bless Others

Living

Serve Like Children

Service by Youth: From the Mouths of Babes by Mary Rinderle

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. P A G E 2

Childhood to young adulthood—days filled

with school, friends, sports, computer

games, parties, family fun! But, for many

of our youth here at St. Peter’s, there is an-

other dimension to life—a dedication to the

service of others. These kids commit to

serving their families, their school, their

church, and their community, ultimately

making a commitment of service to others

for their God. Here in their own words a

group of St. Peter 8th graders and some

home schooled students tell what service to

others means to them.

“At the end of the day, serving others

is not only beneficial to them but to

(us) as well. Just remember that

ways to do your part are right in

front of you!”

--- Ashley T...,

Service Clubs, Library Aid, Altar Server.

“Sometimes actions preformed

to serve others are small, but

they can still make a difference.

Serving others benefits everyone

including the person serving. It

teaches you important life lessons

and attributes like patience, kindness,

and commitment.”

--- Jack T...,

Visitation House Volunteer, Interfaith Kitchen

server, Beach Clean-up.

“I try to help the world as much as I

can. By serving the world, I can

make it a better place while

strengthening and improving myself

at the same time.”

--- Katie T...,

Service Clubs, Conservation, Mission Dinners.

“Service is a measure of character.

The more you serve, the better a

person you will be. Both generosity

and service have a way of coming

back to you later. Service is an op-

portunity to help others but also a

chance to have fun!”

--- Josh M...,

Altar Server, School Band, Boy Scouts.

“I find that serving others

is very rewarding. The

ways I help my family, my

peers, my teachers, and my

community make me a bet-

ter person. I will help peo-

ple all of my life.”

--- Demee B...,

Mass assistant for lower grades, Beach Clean-up,

Outreach to teachers and peers.

“Everything we do blesses us so much

more than we bless others. God al-

ways gives us a little miracle! We

work together as a family because it is

what our parents have asked us to do

and what God has called us to do. On

our refrigerator is a sign that has al-

ways been there: As for me and my

house, we will serve the Lord.( Joshua

24:15)” Emma B... 17,

Hannah B... 15

Jameson B... 13

For today’s busy

youth, it would be

easy to forget the needs of others. But

these kids and many others in our commu-

nity continue to respond to the challenge of

St. Paul in Acts 20:35.

“I have always pointed out to you that

it is by such hard work that you must

help the weak. You need to recall the

words of the Lord Jesus himself, who

said...

‘There is more happiness in

giving than receiving.’”

L I V I N G T H E G E N E R O U S L I F E

“Preach the Gospel... ….Use Words if Necessary”- St. Francis of Assisi

The Corporal

Works of Mercy:

1. Feed the Hungry (Food Pantry)

2. Drink for the

Thirsty (Food Pantry)

3. Clothe the Naked (Christmas Angels)

4. Visit the Imprisoned (Prison Ministry)

5. Visit the Sick (Ministry to the

Sick & Homebound)

6. Shelter the

Homeless (Outreach)

7. Bury the Dead (Ministry of

Bereavement)

How Can you Help ?

Show-Up

Get Started

Let God do the rest.

He will guide you to new

friends, relationships

and opportunities.

V O L U M E 5 I S S U E 2

"See "See

that you that you

do not look do not look

down on one down on one

of these little of these little

ones. For I tell ones. For I tell

you that their you that their

angels in heaven angels in heaven

always see the always see the

face of my face of my

Father in heaven.Father in heaven.

MathewMathew

18:1018:10

www.stpeterdeland.org

So…you think it’s easy to get up in front of a large

group of people and sing. Well, a recent St. Peter’s

grad (name withheld by request) holds a very differ-

ent opinion. He told me that when he was in kinder-

garten, he thought that he had wanted to be in the

choir; however, once he “got into the box, it was too

scary!”

According to Mrs. Kelly Mucci, Music Director, St.

Peter’s has two choirs for young people: the school

choir and the church choir. Sixty St. Peter’s 3rd-8th

graders (40 girls, 20 boys) currently volunteer for the

school choir which performs each Wednesday morn-

ing at the 8:15 Mass and on special occasions such

as Christmas and Easter. Their commitment to the

Music Ministry requires them to rehearse 45 minutes

weekly, arrive early on Wednesdays to prepare the

choir box, and dedicate extra time for rehearsals pri-

or to their Christmas and Easter performances.

In contrast, the church choir which performs at the

10:30 Mass on Sundays only has 25 members: 10

girls and 15 boys, all of whom are St. Peter’s parish-

ioners and in grades K-8. These young people re-

hearse Tuesday afternoons 4:00-5:00.

With no requisite audition, any child may volunteer

to be in either choir. The students don’t necessarily

read music, but do learn about range, pitch, etc.

With diligence, choir members have mastered songs

in English, Spanish, Latin, Tagalog and sign lan-

guage. One of their offerings, “Malo, Malo,” con-

tains the word “Hello” in 15 different languages!

Cantors and signers are required to audition for these

prominently visible positions. There are 20 cantors

(15 girls, 5 boys) in the school choir and 15 cantors

(8 girls, 7 boys) in the Sunday choir; they rehearse

l½ hours per week. Most of the cantors take private

singing lessons. Only one cantor performs at a

Mass. Of the 15 Signers (all girls), three are as-

signed to each Mass.

Mia Prado, a 2012 graduate of St. Peter’s and cur-

rently a freshman at Father Lopez High School, par-

ticipated in the School Choir from 4th-8th grade and

served as a cantor during 8th grade. Originally join-

ing the choir because her friends all were joining,

she discovered that it was “fun to learn new songs”

and “inspire other kids to sing.” Admitting to having

been “too scared to volunteer to be a cantor,” Mia

was approached by Mrs. Mucci to be a cantor based

upon her solo performances in several school musi-

cals including “Annie.”

For Mia, the biggest challenges in being a cantor are

preparing (knowing the music ahead of time) and

being in front of the entire congregation. She found

the experience rewarding in that she received numer-

ous compliments and that her self-confidence defi-

nitely was improved. Despite the hours spent in

rehearsals, Mia said she’d do it all over again be-

cause singing “is a great way to worship God; it

makes Mass more lively.”

To serve in the Music Ministry, not all

youngsters have to join the choir. Home-

schooled, 12 year-old Emily Isabella

Palmer is an accomplished violinist. Ac-

cording to her mother, Stetson University piano

professor Edit Palmer, at 4 years of age, Emily

said, “Mommy, I want to play the violin.” Emily’s

violin music has enhanced several of our Christmas

and Easter liturgies; her most recent performance

was at the St. Peter’s Ministry Appreciation Social

held in the courtyard February 23. Preferring classi-

cal music, Emily plays a full-sized hungarian violin,

studies with Stetson University music professor Rou-

ta Gomez, and currently is working on the “Bruch

Violin Concerto” for Easter services. Additionally,

Emily is a concert master in the Florida Young Art-

ists Orchestra; she leads a section of violins, and at

12 years of age is the youngest member ever to hold

that position. When asked her opinion about music

in church, Emily said, “Music makes Masses more

special and makes you feel good. Music is one of

God’s greatest gifts.”

Rounding out the Music Ministry at St. Peter’s is the

school band. These fourteen 4th-8th graders (7 girls,

7 boys) have performed at Father Lopez High

School, in several St. Peter’s concerts, and at Masses

for Bishops Wenski and Noonan; they also have

marched in the DeLand Christmas parade. While

some of the students take private music lessons, oth-

ers have developed proficiency with their instru-

ments (flute, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, piano,

and drums) during band class which meets once a

week for an hour; however, band members are ex-

pected to practice on their own at home.

In existence for only three years, the band has devel-

oped a fairly extensive repertoire ranging from Bee-

thoven to Christmas music and pop chart. “Theme

from Spiderman” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and

Stripes Forever” are two of the band’s favorites ac-

cording to band director Mrs. Mucci. At present,

band members are rehearsing for their spring concert

to be held in the Bosco Center.

What do all these choir members and musicians have

in common? They have an unswerving love for their

faith as well as an abiding commitment of “Putting

People First.” St. Peter’s truly is blessed to have

such a dedicated, selfless cadre of youngsters who

have embraced the concept of stewardship by gener-

ously giving of their time and talent.

If they can get involved,

how about us?

P A G E 3 Music Ministry by Ilene Vegazo Your Music, Their Gift of Time and Talent

Congrats!

8th Grade Graduates

P A G E 4

He said

to them, "Let the little

children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God

belongs to such as

these. I tell you the

truth, anyone who will

not receive the kingdom

of God like a little child

will never enter

it." And he took the

children in his arms, put

his hands on them and

blessed them.

Mark

10:13-16

L I V I N G T H E G E N E R O U S L I F E

When administrators for Visitation House,

Youth House, Duvall Home and our own

St. Peter’s Church needed some projects

done to improve their facilities, where did

they turn for help? The 17 member (and

growing) St. Peter’s own Boy Scout Troop

610 volunteered to tackle the work.

One of the requirements for an Eagle Scout

candidate is that he “plan, develop and give

leadership to a service project for a reli-

gious organization, school, or community.

Paving with concrete pavers beneath a two-

car carport adjacent to Youth House and design-

ing and installing four “Welcome” signs on St.

Peter’s property constituted Josh Mayr’s Eagle

Scout service project. Laying new sod and back-

yard landscaping at Visitation House comprised

Jacob Tyler’s Eagle Scout project. Deteriorating

timbers were replaced at Duvall Home as part of

Everett Merrill’s project; additional work involv-

ing replacement of ceiling fans and installation of

new lighting will be undertaken at Duvall Camp.

“Yes, our Troop has

three Eagle Scout candidates this year.”

Troop 610 was founded in 1975 by Walter Ritter-

bush who served as Scoutmaster until 1990; after

a 21-year hiatus, he returned as Scoutmaster in

2011. According to Scoutmaster Ritterbush, 62

merit badges were earned by troop members dur-

ing the 2011-12 Scout year. Merit badges were

awarded in categories as diverse as Camping,

First Aid, Swimming, Fishing, Cooking, Climb-

ing, Small-Boat Sailing, and Reading. The ac-

quisition of merit badges allows Scouts to pro-

gress through the 6 ranks of scouting: Tender-

foot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and

Eagle. Boys 11-17 are eligible to join the Boy

Scouts.

Approximately 50% of Troop 610’s members

attend St. Peter’s, with the balance coming from

St. Barnabas

Episcopal

School, Wood-

ward Avenue

Elementary

School, and the

Deltona area.

Star Scout

James Linden

joined the Cub

Scouts in first

grade because

he “thought it

would be cool”;

he is Troop 610’s Assistant Senior Patrol

Leader, a Den Chief who loves camping.

Star Scout Austin Hoyt is Troop Scribe

and a Den Chief; he joined Cub Scouts in

first grade to “learn stuff and make

friends.” When he had joined Cub

Scouts in first grade, Josh Mayr had set

himself the goal of becoming an Eagle

Scout. When 13 year-old Josh was

awarded Eagle Scout rank March 2,

2013, he became the youngest scout ever

in the Central Florida Boy Scout Council

to achieve this honor. He serves as Troop

Guide, mentors the younger boys and considers

the “leadership training and preparation for life”

to be scouting’s most valuable lessons.”

Indeed, Josh’s comment echoes the Boy Scouts

of America Mission Statement: “Scouting pre-

pares young people to make ethical and moral

choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them

the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” Each

Boy Scout pledges, “On my honor I will do my

best to do my duty to God and my country and to

obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all

times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally

awake and morally straight.” All Scouts adhere

to the motto “Be Prepared” and are “trustworthy,

loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,

cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

With the Boy Scout organization’s strong empha-

sis on ethics, reverence, and doing one’s best, St.

Peter’s reaps numerous benefits from Troop 610.

Considering the stewardship standpoint, the

scouts’ commitment to service as embodied in

their “Do A Good Turn Daily” slogan mirrors St.

Peter’s Putting People First campaign. The fact

that these are 11-17 year-olds delivering sizeable

service projects says that we all can do so. Lead-

ing by example, these scouts learn the value of

service to the community today, and see the on-

going impact a successful project has in the com-

munity for years to come.

If our young people can accomplish such signifi-

cant tasks, with their gifts of time and talent, how

can we think that we cannot take that first step to

become good stewards? To get involved or to

find out more information, contact Scoutmaster

Walter Ritterbush at 407-947-9390 or at bufa-

lo1075@yahoo.com.

Finally, in case you’re interested: Deacons

Bob LaPlante, Gerry Smith and Ed Rinderle

were all Boy Scouts. Father Tom was a Cub

Scout as was Rick Grinstead, our Director of

Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.

Soaring Like an Eagle By Ilene Vegazo St. Peter’s Boy Scout Troop 610

EditorEditor

Alan MayrAlan Mayr

Writers Writers

Fr. Tom ConneryFr. Tom Connery

Alan MayrAlan Mayr

Ilene VegazoIlene Vegazo

Laurie PittmanLaurie Pittman

Mary Rinderle Mary Rinderle

P A G E 5

From the Kid’s Point of View.

“When it rains we would still have a place to

go if we had a gym. Today we just sit.”

“We played a St. Peter’s vs St.Peter’s basket-

ball game last year, and it was an away-away

game.”

“We would be a lot better in basketball if we

had a place to practice. We have no where to

go when it rains.”

“Our volleyball team would be better too.”

From the Adult’s Point of View

Have you ever had a need to reserve meeting space?

The good news is that our ministeries have grown

and expanded. The bad news is that in doing so, we

have filled our meet-

ing space. We need

more space if our

ministeries are to

continue to grow.

We are stretching at

the seams.

No doubt the Family

Center will benefit

our school children

immediately and

directly, but it will

also benefit our

broader community.

Consider this: when

parents evaluate St.

Peter’s versus St.

Barnabas down the

road, the gym ques-

tion becomes a ma-

jor decision factor,

particularly if they

have an athletic

child. The school

continues to be sup-

ported by the Church and our annual festival. This

is a numbers issue. If we can boost enrollment we

help support the school. The old adage of one has

to spend money to make money, can be applied with

a twist. The school works hard to provide a solid

education, but school life is more than books, as

such a decision to attend St. Peter can be greatly

influenced by facilities.

The number of bible groups, and prayer groups,

that are requesting meeting space is on the rise, as

more people opt to stay together following their

Crown Ministry or various retreats. These spaces

are difficult to provide.

Our boy scouts have just graduated the youngest

Eagle Scout in the local council’s history, and have

two more scouts completing their Eagle Scout pro-

jects. Yet, they needed to change their meeting date

in order to accommodate another group. Being

good scouts, they co-operated.

We have built a Church, and grown, built a school

and grown, and in each case, each generations in-

vestment has enabled the next to spread the work of

God in a different and expanded manner.

Enhancing the draw of our school will ultimately

free more funds for ministry work. The space ena-

bles more to meet conveniently around Church.

Some say, “We did our part as we already built the

school.” For which we should take encouragement

that together with the aid of our Lord we have al-

ready seen so much achieved. Today, we are asked

as good stewards to consider directing some of our

time, talent, and treasure once again, on our next

generational gift, the new Family Life Center.

We hope with prayer you will see how your invest-

ment can build something that will stand long after

we are gone, as part of God’s efforts to multiply our

gifts for this community. If you doubt, take a look

what the last two programs have generated.

“Family Center” by Alan Mayr The kids perspective...

V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 2

The Spiritual

Works of Mercy:

1. Instruct the Ignorant

2. Counsel the

Doubtful

3. Admonish Sinners

4. Bear Wrongs

Patiently

5. Forgive All Injuries

6. Comfort the

Sorrowful

7. PRAY for the

Living and the Dead.

How Can You Change

the World?

Start with Compassion

Towards Those in Need

Christ Renews

His Parish

Retreat Dates

October 13-14 Women

October 20-21 Men

Your Date Night

With Christ

P A G E 6

L I V I N G T H E G E N E R O U S L I F E

“The “The

point is point is

this: this:

whoever sows whoever sows

sparingly will also sparingly will also

reap sparingly, and reap sparingly, and

whoever sows whoever sows

bountifully will also bountifully will also

reap bountifully ” reap bountifully ”

2 Corinthians 9:6

Altar Service for all by Laurie Pittman

Yes, Girls, We Can Do This Now. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be an

altar boy. I have four brothers who were all altar

boys and as far as I was concerned, anything

they could do, I could do. But you see, back in

the day, young girls were not allowed to be

“altar boys.” The admission of girls to the role

is relatively recent. In fact, it wasn’t until the

promulgation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law

based on the inclusion of both males and fe-

males that the term “altar boys” was replaced by

“servers”; as boys, girls, women and men also

perform this service today.

We are blessed at St. Peters to have such a

wonderful Altar Server Ministry. Our altar

servers assist the priest in the church and on the

altar during Mass and other liturgical services.

They are responsible for bringing and removing

items from the altar during Mass and assisting

the priests and deacons in the ceremony. The

results of a recent questionnaire passed amongst

the current altar servers at St. Peters revealed the

following:

(The responses to the questionnaire were provided by

4 boys and 2 girls ranging from 10 years old to 14

years old and have been altar servers from one to 6

years.)

Why did you become an altar server? It is

common for siblings to participate together. The

older sibling offered answers such as “to be

more active at Mass,” “...found out in First

Communion Class,” or “through St. Peter

School.” The younger siblings followed their

older brother’s or sister’s example, evidence that

a good idea or example can have a positive im-

pact on the rest of the family.

What’s the best part of being an altar server? Jake, Josh and Grant all agree it is “helping the

priest” and “being involved in making the Mass

happen.” Henry felt that “being

involved” in the sacrifice of the

Mass was the best part. Emily

liked witnessing the Mass from

the altar perspective, while her

older sister Isabelle felt making

Mass happen was a form of

serving God. What a beautiful

way to get involved, an example

to all of us.

On the flip side, the question

was what was the worst part of

being an altar server? The

answer was unanimous across

the board. The only negative or

“worst” part of being an altar

server was getting up extra early

for an early Mass, a small sacri-

fice to make for a rewarding

experience.

Would you en-

courage others

to become altar

servers? Every

one said they

would.

Why would you do that? Josh and Jake tell us

we need more altar servers and they personally

feel it has been a rewarding experience. Isabelle

feels it’s “quite an honor” and Emily expresses

“what a wonderful experience” she has had.

Henry knows “it is a good way to serve God”

and Grant thinks

“it’s kind of fun.”

So where do you sign up and how do you be-

come an altar server? Well, I think Josh had

the most detailed answer in explaining the pro-

cess. “First of all, you contact Mr. Kurt

Slofkovsky (who is the Altar Server Coordinator)

and relay your desired interest, and then Mr.

Slafkovsky provides you a training video. After

viewing, you shadow a current altar server for a

few Masses. When you are confident of your

abilities, the Altar Server Coordinator assigns

new servers to teams and you begin to serve at

Masses.” Everyone agreed the process is nei-

ther difficult nor time consuming.

The final question was: What was your most

unusual or gratifying experience as an altar

server? Josh and Jake both said that “funerals

were the most gratifying because even though

people are sad, they are thankful for your help

and let you know what a great job you’ve done.”

Isabelle and Emily both stated that the Altar

Server Award given out annually to the top altar

server of the year was the most special. (The

Knights of Columbus help sponsor the annual

award: a plaque, gift certificate, bowling party

or any other special recogni-

tion.) Henry and Grant both

felt that the most gratifying

experience was being able to

join in group participation hom-

ilies. Unusual and special ex-

periences generate different

forms of gratification.

Each altar server is scheduled to

serve once every two weeks at

the weekend Masses on a rotat-

ing Mass time schedule. Altar

servers also serve on holy days,

for funerals, and other liturgical

events.

If you are interested in joining

the Altar Server Ministry,

please call Kurt Slafkovsky at

(386) 956-3277 for information.

P A G E 7

V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 2

We are an

Adoration Parish.

Come and Pray

with us.

† 2215 †

Dear Lord

I pray that You give me the

wisdom to guide me on

this faith journey of

stewardship.

Help me to understand

that everything I have is a

gift from You.

Open my heart and my

mind so that I may use

these marvelous gifts to

give back to You here on

earth.

I pray Lord that You

welcome me into Your

kingdom at the end of my

life and that You are

pleased with what I have

done with all Your gifts.

Amen.

Pups on a Mission. By Alan Mayr OR Recycled Dogs with a Purpose

www.stpeterdeland.org

You’ve seen them, those well behaved

dogs in the church pews. Service dogs.

You see them and you immediately marvel

at the exemplary behavior, and good man-

ners. You can’t help but think “Why don’t

my dogs behave like that (forget even ask-

ing about my cats).” “I can’t get my kids to

behave this well, and they know exactly

what I am saying (I think). Perhaps I need

to talk to this dog’s owner, no its trainer.

A trainer – that’s what I need.

Hmm!“ [Well actually, most service dogs

are raised by “puppy raisers,” people who

are not trainers, but are raising and training

a puppy to be a service dog.]

Service dogs provide assistance to those

whose lives have been tragically changed

in one way or another. They provide ears

for the deaf, pawing them to let them know

when the phone rings. Hands to the para-

lyzed, fetching and delivering on com-

mand, and eyes to the blind. These furry

angels aren’t born with such skills, or un-

derstanding of commands. A 2-year wait-

ing list exists for service

dogs. Coincidentally, it can

take 2 years to train a dog the

over 60 commands they may

need when working with

their future owner. No small

commitment by man or dog.

Meet Ace. You’ve seen this

pup at 7:30 am Mass, a well

behaved border collie that

accompanies Carol where

ever she goes. As is often the case, God

reaches out and taps us on the shoulder in

some of the most unu-

sual manners. In Car-

ol’s case, she had de-

cided to get another

dog, after her last had

past away a few years

back, when she

learned that her newly

leased apartment

would not allow

“large” dogs over 35

lbs. However…there

is a state law mandat-

ed exception for those that

need or TRAIN service dogs,

and with that thought began

Carol’s new adventure. Her

first was a Golden Retriever

puppy that she raised as a

“puppy raiser” for her first

family placement. Four years,

three trained service dogs, and

an enormous improvement in

the quality of life for many in

need. All beginning with the

desire to bring a dog home,

foiled by and apartment rule.

Ace, her most recent, was ini-

tially rather shy, not having been handled

much as a pup prior to rescue, though in-

nately curious. Palm Sunday, he was more

than happy to introduce himself to the

Palm Sunday donkey. Carol has not only

trained Ace, provided him a purpose, but

helped him overcome his concern around

people. He is being trained for a deaf

child.

You need a lot of training

to be a dog trainer – but

not to be a puppy raiser.

Associated with South-

east Border Collie Rescue

here in Deland on Kepler,

they are one of four facil-

ities in the country raising

border collie service

dogs. Love dogs and

want to learn to train?

Give Jeri at Southeast

Border Collie a call, or stop by their train-

ing session every Sunday morning at 9 am.

They are looking for puppy raisers as well

as adoptees. All you need is a little pa-

tience, a little puppy love and a desire to

make a difference. Who said giving a little

time had to be difficult?

Yet after the initial response one can’t help

but marvel at this form of service, deliv-

ered hand-in-paw by a dedicated puppy

raiser and a willing dog. Even the dog-

children understand the rewards of giving

service.

St. Peter

Catholic Church

359 W New York Ave

Deland, FL 32720

Phone: 386-822-6000 www.stpeterdeland.org

www.stpeterdeland.org

Nonprofit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Mid-Florida, FL

Permit No. 20509

Want to improve your life? “Put People First.” From the mouths of babes come words of wisdom. How

is it that we as adults so complicate our lives, while our

children often can lead the way?

Mary made the wise choice waiting on Christ, while her

sister Martha continued to run around getting her chores

done. Who was responsible? Who made the better

choice, recognizing that Christ was visiting for the day,

and the chores could wait? How often do we let our daily

chores and jobs interfere with time we could spend with

our children that we can never recapture, or miss an op-

portunity to assist someone in need?

How often do we refrain from participating because it is

only a small thing, and will not change the world? Yet,

we never know when a smile, a word of support might be

that catalyst that changes a life. What were the pivotal

moments in your life? Who influenced you? Did they

know? Do they recognize the impact

they had in your life? Why does our

decision to get involved need to be an-

ymore complicated?

This issue looks at how children are

servicing our community, and how

they are making a change, some small,

some large, but all have taken a first step, and learned

how to serve others. A common theme in speaking to

these young people about service has been how their ser-

vice intended to benefit others, has proven to also be self

-rewarding in the most unexpected of ways.

This theme runs all around us, even in business; the more

problems solved or the larger the problem solved the

greater the reward. Apple did not create a great product,

they solved a big problem, and we rewarded them with

sales.

You cannot improve your life without making a change

and taking a first step. How we interact with others has a

big impact on the quality of our own lives. Whether

building a successful business, a successful career, coach-

ing a successful team, building friendships, or drawing

closer to God, success in life is derived from solving oth-

er people’s problems. In all cases we must take a first

step; we learn to serve others, to solve other’s problems.

We Put People First.

It doesn't have to be complicated, just start by picking a

ministry, by getting involved, and attending Mass.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.