Catholic Islander News

Ash Wednesday

2012-02-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, and Deacon Clement Danet imposed ashes at the midday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on Ash Wednesday, February 22.

Fr. John Mark and Deacon Guillermo Huertas imposed ashes at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix.

Fr. Eduardo Ortiz Santiago and Deacon Bernard Gibs imposed ashes at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas.

Camera Team

2012-02-20T16:00:00.000-04:00

The camera team from Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas: Jose Cossio, Luis Chevalier, José Chevalier, Christopher Brooks, Timothy Olive.

Caregivers Workshop

2012-02-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Twenty-eight people attended a caregivers workshop at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on February 20. Tracy Sanders, a nurse who is a parishioner at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix and the founder of Continuum Care, facilitated the seminar.

Mass Celebrates Independence of St. Lucia

2012-02-19T12:06:00.000-04:00

Parishioner Agnes Verhoff is shown leading the choir at a Mass celebrating the 33rd anniversary of independence of St. Lucia. The Mass was celebrated at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on February 19. The choir sang in Creole.

Altar Servers Commissioned

2012-02-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

Msgr. Jerome Feudjio commissioned altar servers during Sunday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on February 19.

New Legionnaire

2012-02-15T20:21:00.000-04:00

Denise Sibilly made her promises as a new member of the Legion of Mary to Fr. Charles Crespo at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on February 15.

World Marriage Day

2012-02-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

The weekend before Valentine's Day celebrated World Marriage Day at all Virgin Islands parishes. Pictured right, Father John Mark and Deacon Guillermo Huertas distributed certificates to many couples at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix.

Parish Prayer Group

2012-02-12T11:26:00.000-04:00

The prayer group at St. Patrick Church on St. Croix celebrated its 30th anniversary with a Singspiration concert on February 10, a Mass of thanksgiving on February 11 and a pre-St. Valentine’s Day breakfast at St. Gerard Hall on February 12.

Raffle Winners

2012-02-12T10:13:00.000-04:00

Theresa Richardson asked Tyra Hunt and other children to help draw the raffle winners at a St. Valentine’s Day brunch in the St. Anne Chapel hall on St. Thomas on February 12. Ms. Richardson handled the entire fundraiser almost singlehandedly and generated 25 prizes and $5,000 in cash.

Keys and Sword Award Benefit

2012-02-11T21:27:00.000-04:00

The Keys and Sword Award benefit at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort on St. Thomas on February 11 honored the Dowling Family Foundation, Louis de Lyrot and the late Gerard Nicholson. Pictured right, His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, read the inscription on the plaque awarded to Aracely Nicholson in honor of her late husband, Gerard.

Healing Mass

2012-02-11T13:22:00.000-04:00

Father Eduardo Ortiz Santiago led a well-attended healing Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas on February 11.

Liturgy Workshops

2012-02-07T19:41:00.000-04:00

Father John Mark, diocesan director of liturgy, led a workshop for deacons and all liturgical ministers at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on February 7. He will lead a similar program at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on February 8 at 7 p.m.

Pasta-Making Class

2012-02-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

Chef Corey Magras, Class of 1994, returned to Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas on February 7 to teach sixth and seventh grade students how to prepare pasta and ravioli dishes from scratch.

Scout Sunday

2012-02-05T11:08:00.000-04:00

Scout attended Sunday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on February 5.

New Priest at Holy Cross Church

2012-02-04T21:12:00.000-04:00

Fr. Wojciech Kusek, CSsR, was born in Poland and was ordained a priest for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists) in 2004. After ordination, Fr. Kusek served in Szczecin, Poland, for four years and in the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey for four years (pictured above). He began his new assignment at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on February 1.

St. Mary School Auction

2012-02-04T19:09:00.000-04:00

Bishop Herbert Bevard was among those in attendance when St. Mary School on St. Croix held its annual fundraising dinner and auction at Divi Carina Bay Ballroom on February 4. He is pictured with auction committee member Rita Schuster.

Catholic Schools Week: Quiz Bowl Winners

2012-02-03T15:12:00.000-04:00

Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas won first place in the Law and You Program’s Academic Challenge Quiz Bowl hosted by the Virgin Islands Police Department’s School Security Bureau at the Magistrate Building on February 3. The Law and You Program instructs high school students on local laws and the crimes that affect them. Students from All Saints, Charlotte Amalie, Ivanna Eudora Kean, Ss. Peter and Paul and the Seventh Day Adventist high schools were quizzed on their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, Virgin Islands laws and the criminal justice system. Pictured left to right are coach Melissa Griffith, Robert Greaux, Deja Joseph, Alex Athanase, Ashley Forney, Dahlia Daniel, Bianca Sibilly, coach Elmo Adams, Beverlin del Rosario, Sarah-Ann Charles, Lelah Salem and Nick Heilemann.

Catholic Schools Week: Walkathon

2012-02-03T15:03:00.000-04:00

All students of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix participated in the annual 10-mile fundraising walkathon on February 3.

Catholic Schools Week: Fun Day

2012-02-03T12:53:00.000-04:00

St. Mary School was among the schools that closed Catholic Schools Week with a Fun Day on February 3.

Catholic Schools Week March

2012-02-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

Candace Bryan, Ahlam Salem and Alice Barber, students at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas, demonstrated the placards they carried during the annual Catholic Schools Week march along the waterfront and Main Street.

Catholic Schools Week: A Visit by the National Guard

2012-02-02T14:50:00.000-04:00

The Virgin Islands National Guard visited St. Joseph High School on St. Croix during Catholic Schools Week’s public service and field day on February 2. The guard landed its new helicopter on the soccer field and invited the students to try its inflatable obstacle course.

Catholic Schools Week: Honor Students

2012-02-02T14:30:00.000-04:00

The students at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix who made Honor Roll posed for a photograph outside St. Joseph Church after a holy hour on February 1.

Students from Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas were inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on February 2.

Catholic Schools Week: Muffins for Mom

2012-02-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas had a big turnout for Muffins with Mom this morning as part of the Catholic Schools Week. Dozens of mothers found the time to meet casually with their children's teachers and classmates.

Catholic Schools Week: Oratory Competition

2012-02-02T09:48:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick School on St. Croix held an Oratory Speech Competition in St. Gerard Hall on February 2. Amyah Estrill won first, Aleeyah Milligan won second and M’Kaila Caines won third place.

Catholic Schools Week: Shadow Day

2012-02-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

Basil Williams, head of St. Mary School on St. Croix, met his shadow, Devante Bailey, on Shadow Day, February 1.

Catholic Schools Week: Career Day

2012-02-01T12:31:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick School on St. Croix celebrating Career Day on February 1 during Catholic Schools Week. Pictured left, third grader Markeymah Cargile wants to become a ballerina.

Marva O'Neal's first graders and kindergarten students came to school wearing the uniforms of their intended professions.

Catholic Schools Week: Twin Day

2012-01-31T20:23:00.000-04:00

During Catholic Schools Day, students get to select their twin. Pictured right are Naomi Harris and Kyarra de Chabert.

Ryan Branch and Owen Stewart are in the second grade.

Catholic Schools Week: Senior Roundtables

2012-01-31T03:13:00.000-04:00

Seniors at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix were asked to facilitate half hour group discussions for the remainder of the student body and faculty on January 31. They gathered information on a topic (modesty, the effects of alcohol, materialism or bullying/cyber bullying). The four senior groups made the presentations as the other students circulated from one session to the other. The presenters used visual aids and one group demonstrated their perspective with a skit. All groups began their report with a prayer and included Bible passages on the topic.

Catholic Schools Week: Teacher Appreciation Day

2012-01-30T08:33:00.000-04:00

Students at St. Patrick School on St. Croix prepared and served breakfast at St. Gerard Hall on Teacher Appreciation Day, January 30.

Catholic Schools Week Presentations

2012-01-30T06:44:00.000-04:00

Angeles Cruz, class of 2010, spoke to the students of her alma mater, St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, on the themes of Catholic Schools Week in the St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge and Learning Center on January 30.

Prayer Group Celebrates 10 Years

2012-01-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

The Humble Servant Prayer Group celebrated its 10th Anniversary with an afternoon of prayer and praise in the Marian Hall of St. Ann Church on St. Croix on January 29. Fr. Stanislaus Birungi (pictured) was the main speaker and Fr. Anthony Abraham, the diocesan director for charismatic renewal, led the empowerment session. More than 200 people attended.

Santo Nino Celebration

2012-01-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, celebrated the Santo Nino Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas this morning. Pictured right, Filipinos sang hymns in their native tongue.

After Mass, all were invited to a reception in the cafeteria of Ss. Peter and Paul School. The program included Filipino culture and food. Pictured left, several youth performed a traditional dance.

Catholic Schools Week Opening on St. Thomas

2012-01-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, celebrated the opening Mass for Catholic Schools Week at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on January 29.

Students and faculty were among those who sang in the choir, brought up the offertory gifts and served as ushers.

Catholic Schools Week Opening on St. Croix

2012-01-28T18:49:00.000-04:00

St. Joseph High School on St. Croix launched Catholic Schools Week at Mass at St. Joseph Church on January 28. Students, teachers and parents were in attendance and students took part in serving the Mass and in the offertory procession. Pictured left to right, Fr. John Mark, pastor and principal; Benjamin Alicea (grade 11), acolyte Alvin Bedneau, Jonathan Morales (grade 10), and Deacon Neville Charles stood in the back of the church waiting to start the procession for the beginning of the Mass.

Father Patrick Lynch, CSsR, pastor of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix, celebrated at the Sunday Mass that opened Catholic Schools Week at St. Patrick Church on January 29.

International Food Night

2012-01-28T18:23:00.000-04:00

Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas celebrated its ethnic diversity with an International Foods Night on January 27. Students sold Chinese, French, Italian, Palestinian, West Indian and other foods.

Student Music Ministers

2012-01-25T09:11:00.000-04:00

Students at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix attend Mass at St. Joseph Church on Wednesday morning. Pictured left, choir members ministered from the choir loft on January 25.

Former Pastor Visits

2012-01-25T08:47:00.000-04:00

Father John McLoughlin, CSsR, former pastor of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix, returned to celebrate Masses on January 25 while the current pastor, Father Patrick Lynch, CSsR, was away.

March for Life

2012-01-23T21:50:00.000-04:00

Thirty Virgin Islanders, most of them youth, traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the National March for Life. Pictured right, they attended the morning youth rally and Mass at the Verizon Center on January 23.

Pictured right, Fr. Eduardo Ortiz Santiago, administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas, and Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, pastor of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix, were among the representatives from the Virgin Islands.

Our Lady of Altagracia

2012-01-22T12:30:00.000-04:00

Two communities celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, patroness of the Dominican Republic. Pictured right, the Spanish speaking community at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral started the Mass with a procession from the waterfront on January 22.

Fr. John Mark celebrated Mass honoring Our Lady of Altagracia at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on the actual feast day, January 21. While the traditional image is a painting, in this case a small statue was placed in front of the altar.

Parishioners' Wedding

2012-01-21T11:54:00.000-04:00

Father John Mark married two of his parishioners, Jules and Joanna Ramirez, at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on January 21.

Bishop Bevard Meets with Pope Benedict XVI

2012-01-17T14:38:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, and bishops of dioceses from Washington DC to Florida met with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, at the Vatican on January 16-21.

Pope Pius X stated in the Decree for the Consistorial Congregation in 1909 that a bishop needs to report to the Holy See an account of the state of his diocese once every five years, starting in 1911. The ad limina visits included individual and group meetings with the pope, encounters with Vatican officials and prayers at the tomb of St. Peter.

Farewell to Fr. Szorc

2012-01-15T15:58:00.000-04:00

The priests of St. Croix shared a farewell luncheon for Fr. Andrzej Szorc, CSsR, at the St. Ann Church rectory this afternoon. Fr. Szorc will be leaving on January 31 for his homeland of Poland. Pictured left to right are Fr. Kevin MacDonald, CSsR, Msgr. Michael Kosak, Fr. Szorc, Fr. John Mark, Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, Fr. Simon Opira and Fr. John Juszczak, CSsR.

Confirmation Class in Spanish

2012-01-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Angela Ramos-Michael of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas prays with her two students, Adonis and Juan Carlos, after their confirmation classes on Sundays.

Parish Fun Day

2012-01-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

Holy Family Church on St. Thomas held its annual Fun Day at the University of the Virgin Islands on January 15.

Pictured right, children played “Stealing the Old Man’s Bacon.”

Ushers Support Youth March for Life

2012-01-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

Leopold Sprauve, on behalf of the ushers of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, gave a $200 donation to help the youth who were participating in the March for Life in Washington, DC. The ushers raised the money from smoothie sales after Mass in the Hospitality Lounge on January 15.

Child Protection Training

2012-01-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

As youth and their chaperones prepared to participate in the March for Life in Washington DC on January 23, Callista Julien, director of the diocese’s Child Protection Services, administered mandatory VIRTUS child safety training in the clubhouse at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas on January 14.

Martin Luther King Award

2012-01-13T20:12:00.000-04:00

Sarah-Ann Charles, a senior at Ss. Peter and Paul School, was among the six students honored by the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas at a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., memorial on January 13.

The annual ceremony, which takes place in the synagogue within the context of the Reform Jewish worship service, honors one student from each of the St. Thomas high schools. Principals or guidance counselors nominated these students for leading lives that exemplify Dr. King’s teachings.

Ms. Charles is an altar server at St. Anne Chapel. Working with the Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) as the Virgin Islands Youth Ambassador against Drugs, Crime and Violence, she led a march and rally where she introduced the youth to outlets in the community where they could turn rather than turning to drugs, crime and violence. She volunteers with the Virgin Islands Resource Center for the Disabled, where she helps the disabled children with educational and recreational activities so they may increase their self-confidence and feel equal to other youth. She also volunteers with the Virgin Islands Horse Rescue, helping to care for horses that were taken away from their abusive owners so that they may be nursed back to health and be adopted by others.

In addition to the recognition, the students received a $500 U.S. savings bond and a book, Shared Dreams: Martin Luther King and the Jewish Community.

Pro-Life Prayer Vigil

2012-01-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

The St. Croix pro-life movement prays outside the offices of an abortionist on the second Tuesday of each month. Pictured right, Erol Bruce, Joan Davalos, Provi Bruce, Fr. Patrick Lynch, CSsR, Ivonne Smith and Ned Jacobs gathered outside the office of Dr. Johnston at Beeston Hill on January 10. The next pro-life prayer vigil will be across from Dr. Briscoe’s office at the Sunny Isle shopping center behind Scotia Bank on Tuesday, February 14, at 4 p.m.

Charismatic Renewal Conference

2012-01-08T18:54:00.000-04:00

Members of the service team people prayed over Father Anthony Abraham, the Virgin Islands’ diocesan liaison for Charismatic Renewal Services, before he spoke at the Catholic Charismatic Renewal 18^th Caribbean Conference in Trinidad on January 7-8. Photograph courtesy of Catholic News-Trinidad.

Three Kings

2012-01-08T14:36:00.000-04:00

The Three Kings brought the offertory at the Spanish Epiphany Mass at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on January 8.

The Three Kings stopped at the Spanish Epiphany Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas as well, and gave gifts to the children after Mass in the Hospitality Lounge.

Santo Niño Mass

2012-01-08T12:55:00.000-04:00

Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated a Mass honoring the Santo Niño de Cebú at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on January 8. Fr. John Juszczak, CSsR, pastor, and Msgr. Antonio Verzosa, parochial vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas and a native of the Philippines, concelebrated the Mass. The Mass highlighted the faith, music and culture of the Philippines. Pictured right, left to right, are Deacon David Capriola, Msgr. Verzosa, Bishop Bevard, Fr. Juszczak and Deacon George, a seasonal visitor.

Bishop Bevard also celebrates a Mass honoring the Santo Niño at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on January 29.

Breakfast for Life

2012-01-08T11:02:00.000-04:00

Members of the youth group at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas held a breakfast after Masses in the Hospitality Lounge on January 8 to raise funds for their trip to the March for Life in Washington, DC.

Rosary Walks

2012-01-07T07:24:00.000-04:00

Two groups, one in English and one in Spanish, participated in the monthly Rosary Walk in the neighborhood around Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on January 7.

The Rosary Walks are held the first Saturday of each month at 7:00 a.m. in an attempt to reclaim the neighborhood for Christ and his Church.

Youth Lector

2012-01-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

Michelle Olive because the newest -- and youngest -- lector at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas when she debuted her new ministry at Sunday Mass on January 1.

The Bells of St. Patrick

2011-12-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

Deacon Emith Fludd climbed high into the bell tower of St. Patrick Church on St. Croix to fix the bells on December 29.

Bishop Bevard's Christmas in Estate Fredensborg

2011-12-25T17:39:00.000-04:00

Bishop Herbert Bevard celebrated Christmas Mass under sunny skies for about 60 Spanish-speaking residents of Estate Fredensborg on St. Croix. Estate Fredensborg is a community that was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and re-emerged in recent years by squatters who could not find homes elsewhere on the island.

The Religious of the Good Shepherd, who organize the annual event, set up a makeshift altar (shown at the far right) in a lot littered with abandoned cars. Pictured here, Bishop Bevard with Sister Digna Rivas, RGS, sang the Spanish opening hymn, “Navidad, Navidad.”

Following Mass, Bishop Bevard called forth the children by name and presented them with gifts of clothing and shoes. The children were also given toys through the generosity of the parishioners of Holy Cross Church. A hot lunch was served as well.

Saw Christmas

2011-12-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

Ervin Francis played “O Holy Night” on his saw during Christmas Mass at St. Ann Church on St. Croix.

Chapel Celebrates 90th Anniversary

2011-12-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, blessed the new pews, sanctuary seating, choir loft chairs and windows at the 90th anniversary Mass at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on Christmas morning.

Christmas Morning Pageant

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Three Kings prepared gifts to present to the baby Jesus at the Christmas pageant prior to the 90th anniversary Mass at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on Christmas morning. These kings traveled far, all the way from the Philippines!

Christmas Midnight Mass

2011-12-25T01:56:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, blessed the crèche at the beginning of Christmas midnight Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas.

Bishop Bevard and Msgr. Jerome Feudjio at the consecration of the hosts.

Christmas at the Shelter

2011-12-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, sang with the Caribbean Chorale at Catholic Charities' Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas on December 24.

The Lord's Annointed pantomime dancers, based out of Holy Family Church, also performed at the shelter's Christmas luncheon.

Graffiti Street Toy Drive

2011-12-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

The cast and producers of the local television program Graffiti Street sponsored a toy drive for Catholic Charities outside the Kmart Sunny Isles store on St. Croix on December 24. Toys were presented to staff members Brenda Charles and Carlise Deland.

Toys for Tots

2011-12-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

More than 30 children received gifts, donated from the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program, at the Catholic Charities soup kitchen on St. Croix on December 22. Left to right, Aniyah Setenville, Dhakiya Hendrickson, Joseph Bowen, Jr. and Davonta Bowen showed their gifts.

Worship at the Soup Kitchen

2011-12-22T11:51:00.000-04:00

Rev. Eddie Williams of Community Baptist Church conducted worship services for more than 20 soup kitchen guests on December 22. Christmas lunch followed the service.

Keys and Sword Planning Meeting

2011-12-20T18:57:00.000-04:00

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, and Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas, met with volunteers at the cathedral's Hospitality Lounge on December 20 to further the plans for the Keys and Sword Award Benefit dinner dance. The third annual dinner dance for the benefit of the cathedral's restoration fund will honor the Dowling Family Foundation and take place at the Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort's Grand Harbour Ballroom on Saturday, February 11, beginning with a champagne reception at 6 p.m.

Teaching Tots about the Blessed Virgin Mary

2011-12-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

Anneliese Cerni, pre-k teacher at St. Mary School on St. Croix, took her students to Holy Cross Church to introduce them to the newly-installed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

40 Years of Catholic Education

2011-12-19T13:57:00.000-04:00

Jane Gonzalez was honored by the staff of Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas during a pre-Christmas luncheon at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral’s Hospitality Lounge on December 19. She has taught at the school for 40 years. Pictured left to right are Aisha Boschulte, school counselor; Kim Harrigan, office manager; Austin Walters, vice principal; Ms. Gonzalez; and Samuel Belmar, principal.

Tree Lighting

2011-12-18T22:23:00.000-04:00

The St. Anne Chapel choir was invited to sing at the Frenchtown Civic Organizations’ annual Christmas tree lighting in Frenchtown on December 18.

Voices Choir

2011-12-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

The Voices Choir sang at Mass at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix last Sunday. The choir ministers at the church one Sunday each month.

Bishop Bevard at the Cathedral

2011-12-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

Bishop Herbert Bevard greeted those leaving Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on December 18.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2011-12-18T10:54:00.000-04:00

Garn and Alison Johnson and their family lit the fourth candle of Advent at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas today, with sacristan Zephaniah Jean-Jacques assisting.

The Turbe family lit the fourth candle of the Advent wreath at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas on December 18.

Food Drives for Catholic Charities

2011-12-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on St. Croix sponsored a food drive for Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands. Food items were presented to soup kitchen staff on December 17. Sorority members Yolande Bryan, Avia Elcock Theophane, Sandra Setorie and Jean Canton are pictured left and soup kitchen attendants Brenda Charles, Florence Jean Jules and Delores Edwards (volunteer) are pictured right.

Members of the Girls Club on St. Thomas collected food outside Plaza Extra on December 17 for Catholic Charities’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-17T12:42:00.000-04:00

Father John Juszczak, CSsR, pastor of Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, installed an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the parish during a bilingual Mass on December 17. After an opening ceremony in the courtyard, a procession of parishioners carried the image, ordered from Mexico, into the church. This event was followed by a reception at McAlpin Hall. At his former assignment in Chicago, Illinois, Fr. Juszczak organized five pilgrimages to the shrine in Mexico.

Religious Education Christmas

2011-12-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

Fr. John Mark played guitar for the religious education students at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix at their Christmas party on December 17.

Christmas Pageant

2011-12-16T18:31:00.000-04:00

Students from St. Mary School on St. Croix dressed as shepherds and sheep at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Holy Cross Church courtyard on December 16.

Sunrise Masses

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

Msgr. Antonio Verzosa and members of the St. Thomas Filipino community began a novena of sunrise Masses at St. Anne Chapel this morning. Masses continue through Christmas Eve at 5:30 a.m.

Advent Mission

2011-12-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

Fr. Stanislaus Birungi of Uganda led an Advent Mission at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on December 12-14. Pictured above, he prayed a blessing over Sr. Loretta of the Missionaries of Charity on the last night.

Church Opens Free Kitchen

2011-12-12T15:57:00.002-04:00

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on St. John, launched a soup kitchen in the parish's Guadalupe Hall today to feed the homeless and less fortunate. About 20 people were fed.
The effort, launched by parishioners Maggie Metor, Avis Browne and Mary Athanase, has been named "Our Lady of Mount Carmel's Kallaloo Kitchen: Food for the Soul.” Parishioners donate and prepare the meal, which is served on Mondays at noon.

The soup kitchen will be closed on December 26 and January 2 and will reopen on January 9.
Pictured above, parishioner Bernadette Lafond prepared to serve the first meal.

School Christmas Pageants

2011-12-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

Shepherds and angels awaited to visit the baby Jesus in the Christmas program staged by students of St. Patrick School on St. Croix at St. Gerard Hall on December 11.

Shepherds and the angel Gabriel shared the joy with Joseph and Mary when Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas staged the Christmas story at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on December 11.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

Hispanics on St. Thomas participated in a brief procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe today. The procession led to the Spanish Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Installation of Acolytes

2011-12-11T11:30:00.001-04:00

Bishop Herbert Bevard installed six deacon candidates into the ministry of acolyte during Sunday Mass at St. Ann Church on St. Croix on December 11; a seventh candidate received this ministry in 2008. The reception of the order of acolyte allows the men to serve more fully at the altar during Mass and brings the candidates closer to ordination to the diaconate.

Pictured left to right in front: Deacon Denis Griffith, diocesan director of the permanent diaconate; Tony Murray of St. Patrick Church; Marlon Braithwaite of St. Ann Church; Hector Arroya of St. Joseph Church; Alvin Bedneau of St. Ann Church; and Deacon Joseph Mark, dean and lecturer in the diaconate formation program. In back: Reynold Modeste of Holy Cross Church; Msgr. Michael Kosak, vicar of the permanent diacons; Jose Diaz of St. Ann Church; Father Simon Opira, assistant director of the diaconate formation program; and Benjamin Parrilla of Holy Cross Church.

Preparing St. Anne's Anniversary

2011-12-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

As St. Anne Chapel's 90th anniversary approaches, workmen scraped the old paint off the exterior walls and restored the flashing for the rain gutters. The chapel will be painted this week.

Sunrise Advent Masses

2011-12-11T10:08:00.000-04:00

Filipino leaders this morning asked for traditional "Misas de gallo," a novena of pre-Christmas sunrise Masses, at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas. The Masses will begin this Friday, December 16, and run through Saturday, December 24, at 5:30 a.m., except Sunday, December 18. Traditional Filipino Christmas hymns will be featured at all the Masses.

Meanwhile, Hispanics at three parishes on St. Thomas and St. Croix will celebrate the traditional novena of sunrise aguinaldo Masses in Spanish on December 16–24. A light breakfast is served after each Mass in the parish social halls.

On St. Thomas, the Masses will be celebrated at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 6 a.m., except Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 7 p.m.

On St. Croix, the Masses at St. Joseph Church are at 5:45 a.m., except Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. The Masses at Holy Cross Church are at 6:30 a.m., except Sunday at 7:15 a.m.

Altar Servers Visit the Homebound

2011-12-10T17:52:00.000-04:00

Altar servers from Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on St. Thomas visited the sick/homebound on December 10 and gave them poinsettias. Pictured right, they visited Andrea Bryan. Next Saturday they will visit Bethlehem Shelter for the Homeless.

Preparing a School Chapel

2011-12-10T14:58:00.000-04:00

St. Joseph High School on St. Croix will soon have a chapel in building 8. Student Jonathan Morales, his father Ed Morales and Jules Ramirez scrubbed the floor and applied a floor sealant on December 10.

Rotary Serves Catholic Charities' Shelter

2011-12-10T10:59:00.000-04:00

Members of the St. Thomas Rotary Club have served lunch at Bethlehem House Shelter every Saturday for over a year now.

Fine Dining at the Shelter

2011-12-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort on St. Thomas delivers cooked food to Catholic Charities' Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless every second Saturday of the month.

Pre-Christmas Dinner for Deacons

2011-12-09T21:49:00.000-04:00

Franciscan House hosted a pre-Christmas dinner for St. Croix's 22 deacons and seven deacon candidates and their wives on December 9.

Postcard from Kosovo

2011-12-09T07:45:00.000-04:00

Father Alejandro Sanchez Muñoz, former administrator of St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas, is the brigade chaplain with the 157th MEB (Maneuver Enhanced Brigade) of Wisconsin National Guard. He is stationed at Camp Bonsteel in Kosovo until August.

Altar Servers Fundraiser

2011-12-07T20:37:00.000-04:00

Timothy Olive and Brian Turbe sold the St. Thomas altar servers’ Christmas t-shirts at the Christmas tree lighting at Havensight Mall tonight. The t-shirts remind people that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Readying for the 90th Anniversary Mass on Christmas

2011-12-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas is being readied for Christmas morning, when His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, will celebrate Mass on the 90th anniversary of the first Mass ever celebrated in the chapel.

The wooden hurrican shutters
are being sealed and painted

Lesley Richardson sanded
the exterior of the wooden
stained glass frames.

Rain gutters are being
removed and replaced.

Powerwashing removes all
loose paint. The entire exterior
of the chapel is being repainted.

Spelling Bee Winners

2011-12-07T12:32:00.000-04:00

Seventh grader Estelle Jules won the annual spelling bee at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas on December 7. She will represent the school in the District Spelling Bee in February 2012.

Twenty students from Grades 4 to 8 participated in the school bee. This year’s spelling list of words ranged from “cusp” and “scythe” to “mezzanine” and “extemporaneous.” The winning word was “barracks.” The participants received prizes ranging from trophies, medals, gifts and gift certificates from local businesses and a group pass to Coral World. The winners also received prizes from Scripps, the sponsor of National Spelling Bee. The event was directed by veteran teacher Jane Gonzalez.

Pictured from left to right: principal Samuel Belmar, champion Estelle Jules (grade 7), assistant principal Austin Walters, second place winner Gabrielle Quetel (grade 8) and third place winner Brittany Rivera (grade 6).

Steel Pan Concert

2011-12-04T18:30:00.000-04:00

The Prayers, Hymns & Praise Steel Orchestra performed a pre-Christmas concert at Columban Hall on St. Thomas on December 4.

Legion of Mary General Reunion

2011-12-04T15:43:00.000-04:00

Members of three Legion of Mary presidia on St. Thomas celebrated the 12th anniversary of the Curia Mary, Immaculate Conception, with its annual General Reunion at St. Anne Chapel’s hall on December 4. Pictured above, members from Holy Family Church’s Presidium Mary, Mystic Rose, gave their presentation.

Church Cleaning Crew

2011-12-03T08:13:00.000-04:00

Volunteers clean Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas every Saturday morning.

Rosary Walk

2011-12-03T08:04:00.000-04:00

The Rosary Walks continue from Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on the first Saturday of each month at 7:00 a.m. Pictured above, one of the three groups prays in Spanish. The group below is made up mostly of parishioners of St. Anne Chapel.

Christmas Choir Practice

2011-12-01T20:30:00.000-04:00

The choir at St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas is practicing for the Christmas Masses.

Planning Spanish Advent Events

2011-12-01T18:52:00.000-04:00

Fr. Charles Crespo and several leaders of the Hispanic community at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas met on December 1 to finalize plans for the Spanish Advent retreat on December 10, the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession on December 11 and the sunrise "aguinaldo" Masses on December 16-24.

Restoration at St. Anne Chapel

2011-12-01T14:16:00.000-04:00

A window was removed from St. Anne Chapel on St. Thomas today in order for a stained glass image of St. Barthelmy to be installed next week. The chapel continues to prepare itself for the Christmas morning celebration of the 90th anniversary of the first Mass ever celebrated there.

Cathedral Restoration Progresses

2011-12-01T11:44:00.000-04:00

Workmen are installing steel reinforcements high up on the walls of Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas in order for the building to resist shaking in an earthquake.