We are Committed to F.A.I.T.H.
Being a Catholic means that we are looking to bring forth the
Kingdom of God in our midst. We know that God will bring it to completion,
but that we are to cooperate with the will of God. The Kingdom means
many things. It means a time of joy and thanksgiving. It means
there is no more pain, sorrow, and oppression. Obviously, because
of the human condition we will not see the fullness of that Kingdom until
Christ returns in glory. But we always look for new opportunities
to bring that one step closer.
I have committed our parish to the social justice organization
in our county now known as Fighting Against Injustice Toward Harmony (FAITH).
The covenant assembly in January included churches throughout the county
agreeing to join together to tackle problems that plague our area.
At that assembly it was agreed the first three areas we would research
would be crime and drugs, healthcare, and education. Since January
research committees have been established which are doing just that.
On May 15th the FAITH organization will gather at Greater Friendship
Baptist Church in Daytona. We have invited the superintendent of
schools for Volusia County, the police chief of Daytona Beach, and the
head of the Dept. of Corrections for Volusia County. There may be
others who will be invited, if it is deemed necessary to get action done.
I would like to see you there on May 15th!
During that action we will ask for specific things. We
believe that it is wrong that children in our public schools can’t read
and yet get advanced to the next grade level. We will ask to work
with the School Board and the Superintendent to rectify that situation.
Likewise, there are areas in our county, particularly in Daytona, but not
exclusively there, that are known for drug sales. There are other
areas that are not well lit. These areas invite crime and vandalism.
We want to have something done about this so people don’t need to live
in fear. Often crime is caused by addiction and substance abuse.
We are looking for ways to offer treatment and rehabilitation for substance
abusers. Currently there is very little offered in the branch jail.
We want to see that changed.
How is getting better lighting bringing forth the Kingdom? The
Kingdom of God is living in freedom not fear. When one lives in fear
they are further away from the Kingdom. We want people to be free
to raise their children and grandchildren to know the Lord and to have
places to grow in safety. Bringing forth the Kingdom happens one
step at a time. The steps begin on May 15th.
Denise Gagnier, Chesnel Jean Mary, Dick Goulding, and John Trowbridge
lead our parish team. You will be contacted to come on May 15th to
Daytona. If they do not call you personally, please respond when
you come to Mass. It is important for our elected and appointed officials
to know that people of faith are serious about seeing action done for justice.
That happens when they see numbers. We need you to make that a reality.
Live your Catholic faith publicly. Come on May 15th.
Pope’s Intentions for May: That Mary, as mother of the Lord may
be the model of faithfulness and generosity in following Christ.
Missionary Intention: That the Jubilee remembrance of the new
martyrs may bring about a renewed missionary spring.
Peace,
Fr. Chris
Ramon Nevarez will be commissioned a Pastoral Minister
on Saturday, May 20 at St. James Cathedral. All of St. Clare is invited
to this special occasion. Ramon has been the facilitator of our Chronic
Diseases Support Group for the past two years.
Diocesan Ordinations:
An ordination of permanent deacons will take place at Our Lady of Hope
in Port Orange on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 A.M.
An ordination into priestly life will take place at St. James
Cathedral on Saturday, May 27. Both ordinations are open to the public.
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
ADULT CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Preparation for adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
on Sunday, June 11 (Feast of Pentecost) will begin on Wednesday, May 24.
Please call the parish office to register.
FIRST EUCHARIST
First Eucharist will be celebrated at the 10:00 A.M. Liturgy
on Sunday, May 21.
May the blessings of this special day remain always in the hearts of
these young members of our Community.
Wanting to become Catholic?
The normal process for adults and children (age and above) to
become Catholic is through R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults). Those non-Catholics who would like to explore becoming members
of the Catholic Church always begin with an inquiry. The inquiry sessions
will be held Tuesday evenings during at 7:00 P.M. for one hour. The inquiry
process is for any adult who is unbaptized or baptized in another denomination.
There is no commitment unless you are ready! Feel free to ask your questions,
or bring an interested friend!
GOT A MINUTE? HOW ABOUT A WEEK?
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul extend an invitation to single Catholic women between the ages of 19-55 to partner with them in aiding persons who are poor and in need, for one week sometime throughout the year. This live-in program with the Sisters includes communal prayer, volunteer ministry to persons in need, and time for reflection on the Vincentian Spirit of Love. Opportunities to serve exist in the following places: District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Northern Florida. For further information, contact Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., Post Office Box 358, Gloverville, S.C. 29828 or call (803) 593-5158.
PUBLIC MEETING
Volusia County Human Services invites you to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the Deltona Library, 2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona. The meeting's purpose is to provide information on services available and to elect a representative to serve on the Volusia County Human Services Advisory Board.
SOME FACTS ABOUT CARING FOR YOUR LAWN
Grass will have extra growth in the spring, regardless of whether it is fertilized or not. Fertilizers are applied to aid the winter turf recover and to promote dense, healthy turf and root development. Not fertilizing can result in a thin off-color lawn subject to invasion of weeds and crabgrass.
Evergreen plants such as pines, aborvitae, azaleas and others that retain their leaves may develop brown leaves. Moisture evaporating from the leaves causes the browning of the edges or tips of the leaves and needles.
Replenish mulch around your trees and shrubs to help retain moisture and to keep the weeds down. Good types of mulch are shredded bark, pine needles, nuggets or shredded cones and chipped hardwood. Spread three to four inches deep.
Make sure all lawn equipment is in good repair. Check sprinklers for proper spray coverage. Inspect the lawn mower blade. A sharp blade will cut grass more cleanly.
Prune spring flowering plants right after the blooms fall. Pruning these plants in the fall or winter will remove next year's flowering buds.
Watch your lawn closely for early signs of harmful insects. Sucking insects and mites target shrubs and evergreens. Aphids can distort the shape and appearance of leaves. There are sprays to control these insects.
Questions to test your watering knowledge:
1. What is the best time of day to water your lawn?
2. How do I know if my grass needs watering?
3. How often should I water?
4. How much water is enough?
Answers:
1. Early AM or evening.
2. Grass looks darker, walking on grass leaves footprints, and soil
is light-colored and powdery.
3. Heavily once or twice a week.
4. Once inch of water on all lawn areas.
** Information from TruGreen Lawn Talk, Issue 1.
STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE INITIATIVE
Join us on June 3 for a Jubilee 2000 day of reflection on the culture of violence and our call to discipleship in the new Millennium. Leave behind your stressful life to pray, share and learn practical ways to follow a path of nonviolence modeled on Jesus' example. Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette Street, Port Orange, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. $5.00, lunch included. To register, call the Respect Life Office, (407) 277-7266, or email RespectL@aol.com.
DID YOU EVER WONDER?
Did you ever wonder, while you were attending Mass, what that brown
folder contained that is rought to the altar each time the Mass is celebrated?
Inside that folder are the parish petitions. You may have seen the folder
during the week, located in the narthex. Members of the community
are invited to enter their petitions in this folder, and our intercessory
prayer group will
pray every day for your needs.
The Together in Prayer ministry is made up of a group of parishioners, 31 and growing, who pray on a daily basis for the needs of the community, 365 days a year. We are a truly committed ministry! A copy of the petitions is distributed to each intercessor weekly. Each intercessor spends 20 minutes a day in prayer in the privacy of their home or wherever is convenient for them.
As Christians, we are called to help each other. Prayer is the best thing we can do for people. Everyone needs to be prayed for, and no prayer is wasted. Believe in the power of prayer.
As an intercessor, you will experience much happiness and satisfaction as you witness God's work among His people.
If you feel that God may be calling you to become an intercessor, we invite you to join us. There are application forms in the narthex on the wall near the office door with instructions. Also, would you please say a prayer for all of the intercessors? Thank you.
MOTHER'S MASS OF HEALING
Please join Bishop Dorsey for a Mass of Healing for families who have lost a child through abortion, stillbirth, miscarriage or other trauma. Mass will be held at St. James Cathedral (corner of Robinson and Orange Ave.), downtown Orlando, Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. For information, call the Respect Life Office at (407) 277-7266.
FLORIDA CATHOLIC WEB SITE NEWS
The Florida Catholic announces new web site features: A Community Bulletin Board feature now online offers FREE classified ads and announcements available to individuals, groups, organizations and businesses. Ads and announcements are posted by email from www.thefloridacatholic.org/bulletinbd.htm. Find local store bargains from your computer. Search for specific items you choose. Get notification of sale items by email - look for SaleSeeker at: www.thefloridacatholic.org/marketplace.htm. Visit The Florida Catholic main site for more new features. If you have any questions, contact Ron Wolf at 1-800-377-3438 or rwolf@flcath.org.
CALLING ALL GRADS . . . HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE!
We want to celebrate your achievement by recognizing you at our 10:00 a.m. Liturgy on Sunday, May 28. Please fill in the announcement below and put it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office by May 10.
NAME: ____________________________________________________________
(Please PRINT first, middle, last name)
I AM GRADUATING FROM: __________________________________________
A MOTHER'S PROVERB
Her habit is a soft, worn sweatsuit. She wears it to do her weekly
penance: laundry, dishes,
grocery shopping...
Her rosary beads are the chubby fingers of her children's hands. She
wipes pancake syrup from
each decade and prays: Mary, fill me with grace.
Her chapel is the bathroom. She lights a candle and locks the door to meditate in peace.
Her rule is simple: LOVE God, LOVE yourself, LOVE your family, LOVE your neighbor.
Her charisma is hospitality. She reaches out to the poor and lonely. Her home is a safe, inviting place.
She is a pilgrim on multiple journeys through marriage, motherhood, and perhaps a career.
Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her:
" Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all" (Prv. 31:28-29).
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
PASTORAL MINISTRY COMMISSIONING
On Saturday, May 20, Bishop Dorsey will gather with all Diocesan Pastoral Ministry candidates at t. James Cathedral to commission new Pastoral Ministers. Ramón Navarez will be among those commissioned. This commissioning concludes a 3-year Diocesan training.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who made the Tridium and Easter Celebrations a very prayerful experience for all.
To those who assisted in liturgical ministries: Deacons, Music, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Sacristans, Bread Bakers, Servers and Hospitality.
To all who participated in the Living Way of the Cross.
To our Christian Initiation team and the sponsors who assisted in the formation of those who were baptized, confirmed and received into full Communion.
To those who decorated and prepared the Church for the Tridium and Easter celebrations, and who provided donations for the flowers.
To those who came and celebrated with us during this Holy Season.
Celebrations of Special May Birthdays:
3 Vera Gerak 77
8 Klinedale J. Baker 77
14 Hilda Fournier 78
14 Salomon Valle 77
15 Antonette “Toni” Cecilli 86
20 Bernabe Reyes 78
21 Makayla Ramos 1 year
23 Hinginia Torres 76
26 Wesley Gonzalez 1 year
May’s Celebrations of the Sacrament of Marriage:
2 Phyllis & Donald Walker 41
5 Carmen & Donald Thompson
38
11 Celia & Dolores Pizarro 54
11 Maria & Angel Rodriguez 43
23 Maryann & Ed Woodward 41
26 Josephine & Michael Kleber 38
28 Ramonita