November 20, 2009 |
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October 2009 Holy Redeemer School lifts prayers into the airPosted: 10.23.09 
CHARLES HODGES | FC St. Francis feast day attracts animal menageriePosted: 10.09.09 
JIM SIEGEL | FC No doubt about it, people love their pets. Around the Orlando Diocese people and their pet “children” formed diverse groups at the annual pet blessings celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi the weekend of Oct. 3–4. St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, is known as the “Dr. Doolittle” of his day. Llamas, iguanas and barnyard animals were sighted around the diocese. At Corpus Christi Parish in Celebration, Father Gregory Parkes, pastor, with the help of “St. Francis,” Jordan Raines, blessed dogs and cats, a baby monkey and pet skunks — all regulars of the annual event. Commenting on the diversity of pets, Father Parkes said, “They are all God’s creatures.” At St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, the courtyard bustled with an assembly of reasonably behaved religious canines, a wee yappy pup or two, cats, even a hamster in a box — and their owners. And smiling Father Richard Walsh, pastor, encumbered with vestments, moving about, bucket of holy water in hand, blessing each tail–wagger said, “God be with you, doggie.” After all, this was St. Francis’ feast day. Suddenly, in the middle of his blessing, a giant owl executing a flyover perched high on a tree branch. The assemblage, noses in the air, watched, mesmerized. “I used to climb trees,” said Father Walsh, “but I don’t think I’d make it up this one.” Ain’t life a hoot? Bishop: Proposed San Pedro expansion respects God’s creationPosted: 10.07.09 Bishop Thomas Wenski announced Sept. 30 the filing with Seminole County of a request to rezone the 470 acres encompassing San Pedro Spiritual Retreat Center in Winter Park. The request provides for future growth of the center, expansion of the existing cemetery and an age-restricted residential village. The project design respects the natural environment and will offer generous landscaped and natural buffers for perimeters; walking trails throughout the property, according to the announcement. The National Association of Home Builders says 40 percent of U.S. households will be 55 years or older by 2012. The diocese sees a growing need for safe housing and care for its aging population. If approved, the residential village will include independent-living units, assisted-living facilities, a skilled nursing facility and a town center to meet specific retail needs of the community. “It is my hope that this request fills the spiritual needs of our Catholic community and their families through the expansion of the existing cemetery and also serves the growing, senior central Florida community by providing them an opportunity to age in place through space for safe housing, social and pastoral support, and continued care,” Bishop Wenski said. Leader of the black pack racks miles for charityPosted: 10.01.09 
VALETA ORLANDO | FC Walk more, it’s a startPosted: 10.01.09 
JENNIFER SURGENT | FC The annual fundraising event was designed to inspire healthy living and to raise money for the American Heart Association. The Start! message is to walk more, eat well – the two elements needed for a healthy heart. And that is exactly what Father Daly has been doing. Over the past year and a half, he has shed 35 pounds. “I’m eating less more times a day and exercising,” said Father Daly. He skipped his usual walk from the basilica to the beach to take part in the event. This year marked the fourth year the students participated in the walk. The group raised $100 for the American Heart Association. “Every little bit counts,” Father Daly said. Two Catholic programs air locally Oct. 3Posted: 09.29.09 The Mass solemnizing the designation of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe as a minor basilica will air on EWTN on Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. EDT. Bishop Thomas Wenski celebrated the Mass Aug. 22, the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Oct. 3 at 2 p.m., “Interrupted Lives: Catholic Sisters Under European Communism” will air on WFTV, Channel 9, the local ABC affiliate. The one-hour documentary explores the experience of Catholic women religious in Eastern and Central Europe who were trapped under Soviet domination at the end of World War II. From the 1940s until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Catholic Church and other religions were suppressed and driven underground. The documentary uses extensive interviews with “sister survivors” to illustrate how the women nurtured and spread the faith clandestinely for more than 40 years during communist rule, undeterred by threats of torture, exile and imprisonment. The program was by funded in part by grants from the Catholic Communication Campaign and the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. It is part of the “Vision & Values” series produced by the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, of which the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is a member. Catholic School teacher of the year nominations soughtPosted: 09.29.09 The Office of Catholic Schools is accepting nominations for its inaugural Teacher of the Year program through Oct. 9. A 21st-century Catholic School Teacher of the Year will be named in two categories: Catholic Elementary School and Catholic High School. Each winner will receive $1,000 and each winner’s school will receive a plaque. All nominated teachers will receive an application. Completed applications are due Oct. 30. The superintendent of Catholic schools will assemble a selection committee which will review applications and make classroom visits in November. Winners will be announced in January 2010 and will be honored at a special luncheon during Catholic Schools Week. For more information or to nominate a teacher, visit the Web site. RETURN TO TOP | RETURN TO DIOCESE OF ORLANDO FRONT PAGE
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