Florida Catholic | Diocese of St. Petersburg News Briefs

July 2008

Program guides Catholic citizens

Posted: 07.18.08

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Faithful Citizenship program offers guidance to Catholics struggling to make sound choices during this election year regarding their support or opposition to the public policies under consideration. Parish leaders, educators and families hoping to cultivate civic responsibility in themselves or others are invited to visit the Faithful Citizenship Web site, faithfulcitizenship.org, which includes youth and young adult resources, prayers, reflections and other paths for taking action. In addition, a DVD on Faithful Citizenship is now available through the USCCB publishing Web site, www.usccbpublishing.org.

According to the bishops’ conference, Faithful Citizenship “encourages Catholics to use the values of their faith to shape their participation in political life.” Defending human life, promoting family life, pursuing social justice and practicing global solidarity are some of the issues and topics covered through the program.

Morning Star School seeks alumni

Posted: 07.18.08

This August, the diocese’s Tampa-based school for students with special learning needs will celebrate its 50th birthday, and event organizers are trying to reach former students and faculty. Students and others associated with the school in the past are asked to call 813-935-0232 for more information. More details also are available through www.tampa-morningstar.org.

Professor honored by Catholic Press Association

Posted: 07.02.08

The Catholic Press Association has honored Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D., an associate professor of theology at Saint Leo University, for his book on the deaconate, “The Emerging Diaconate: Servant Leaders in a Servant Church.” Published by Paulist Press, Deacon Ditewig’s book received second place in the professional books category during the association’s Toronto convention.

“The future of church ministry,” the judges wrote, “will most likely fall more and more to the deacons. Ditewig’s book offers a rich and valuable history, theology and discussion of future challenges of the diaconate.” Deacons are Catholic clergy ordained by bishops to extend their ministry throughout the diocese. The Office of the Diaconate trains deacons and supports the deacon ministry in the St. Petersburg Diocese.

Deacon Ditewig is a deacon of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and currently serves at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’Lakes. The author of six books, he writes a column for Priest and Deacon Digest and directs Saint Leo’s graduate programs in theology.

Hospital offers free screenings to women

Posted: 07.02.08

Women age 20 and older can receive a free heart risk assessment at St. Joseph Women’s Healthy Heart Center, 4321 N. Mac Dill Ave., Suite 201, Tampa. The center, which is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital, will give the screenings from 8:30 a.m. to noon on July 17, July 31 and Aug. 7. According to the hospital, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women. The screening takes about 30 minutes. Those requesting the assessment should have no diagnosed cardiovascular disease or reported chest pain and cannot be under the direct care of a cardiologist. For information, call 813-872-3780.

Administrator named for Bon Secours

Posted: 07.02.08

Bon Secours Maria Manor has announced that John Vunk, who has served the last few months as interim administrator of the St. Petersburg nursing and rehabilitation facility, has been appointed the facility’s new administrator. In making the appointment, Karen Reich, executive vice president of Bon Secours Health System, said Vunk has served well since he was given the interim position a few months ago and has been “warmly received” by the facility’s staff, residents and residents’ families. Vunk has worked for more than two decades in senior services, and before taking over at Maria Manor was administrator of Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion in St. Petersburg.

“He is a great addition to our leadership team” Reich said. “John exemplifies the Bon Secours tradition and values of providing good help for those in need.”

Self-Help Centers offer legal advice

Posted: 07.02.08

Those who need help navigating the court system, but who want to represent themselves, can get some help at the new Pinellas County Clerk of the Court Self-Help Centers. The centers bring attorney advice at the rate of $1 per minute for those whose income is too high to qualify for pro bono services, but who need to consult with an attorney to make certain paperwork they need to file on their behalf is correct. Although attorneys associated with the center will not represent people in court, their services include assistance with filling out civil-action legal forms, such as those associated with family law, landlord-tenant disputes or small-claims suits.

There is a 15-minute minimum and time is assessed in 15-minute increments beyond the first 15 minutes. There are no income eligibility requirements to use the centers’ services. The program is offered at the Clearwater Law Library, 324 S. Fort Harrison Ave., 727-464-5150; and the St. Petersburg Law Library, 545 First Ave. N., 727-582-7941. A Spanish interpreter is available at the Clearwater location Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

‘Green’ living focus of workshop

Posted: 07.02.08

A workshop designed to help young adults lead lives that respond to the earth’s needs will take place Saturday, July 12, 1 p.m., at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish’s Xavier Hall, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

“Green: Living More Lightly on Earth” is an environmental event hosted by the parish’s young adult ministry. Mary Ann Holtz, a counselor and peace and justice advocate, will present the program. Arleen Spenceley, a member of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini young adult ministry group, said she heard Holtz give an inspiring talk at an environmental workshop in Tampa last April, and she and other young adults at her parish wanted to do more. “(Holtz) 100 percent practices what she preaches,” Spenceley said. “I’m a young adult and I absolutely loved it. Hopefully, other young adults will feel the same.”

Although the workshop’s content is geared toward ages 18-30, people of all ages are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Spenceley at whatcomesnext@stfrances.org or 352-584-1996.

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Program guides Catholic citizens

Morning Star School seeks alumni

Professor honored by Catholic Press Association

Hospital offers free screenings to women

Administrator named for Bon Secours

Self-Help Centers offer legal advice

‘Green’ living focus of workshop

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