v
september 2020
Our Prison Ministry Carries Out an Important Work of Mercy
Inside 3 “Coincidental” Stewardship
4
The Apostolate for Seminarians Strengthening the Church, One Seminarian — and Prayer — at a Time
6 O ur Human Life and
Dignity Team Works to Protect and Nurture Life at Every Stage
7 Experiencing the Heart
of Catholicism Through RCIA
F
or faithful Catholics, the words of Matthew 25 are quite familiar. It is the famous challenge of Christ, to “feed the hungry,” “clothe the naked” and meet and serve Him in the “least of these.” However, there is a group on the list that is often forgotten or ignored — that is, those who are imprisoned. “I really try to see Christ in each one of their faces — that’s what Jesus is calling us to do,” says parishioner Laura Moritz of those she visits in prison. “We’re called to forgive and bring them closer to Christ, and we should do that any way we can.” Each week, Laura and her friend, Monica Costantino, drive an hour and a half to visit Reception and Medical Center, a prison in Lake Butler. They bring the Eucharist and have a brief Communion service, followed by a (From left) Parishioners Laura Moritz and Monica Costantino visit those who are imprisoned, sharing Bible study, other forms of prayer, hope and God’s love with them. or sometimes, just conversations about faith. This past year, two of the men they visited became Catholic. The encounters are both humbling and rewarding. For Laura and Monica, it’s been an eye-opening experience, revealing the suffering and life experiences that often cause people to become incarcerated. “Everybody has a story, and there’s reasons why people are the way they are,” Monica says. “It’s made me more compassionate. I never
545 A1A North Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 285-2698│www.olsspvb.org
continued on page 2
Prison Ministry
continued from front cover
really thought of prisoners as people with lives and children, and it really opens your eyes.” “They’re just like me and you, if you allow yourself to get to know them,” Laura adds. “It is an amazing opportunity.” In addition to a deepening sense of compassion, the women have also found their own faith growing deeper. As they seek to explain Catholicism to those they visit, Laura and Monica have also been challenged to learn and understand more about our beliefs. “It’s made me have to delve into my faith,” Laura says. “I’m a cradle Catholic, so it’s made me learn more about why we do things, as Catholics.” “It’s made me want to grow in my faith and knowledge of the Church because I want to share it,” Monica adds. “[Those in prison] are just ripe for evangelization — they’re hungry for the Lord.” For those who would like to become involved in prison ministry, but are unable to physically visit the prison, there are other ways to serve. Prayer is an important way that people can share God’s love with those who are imprisoned. In addition, people can become a part of our Pen Pal Ministry, through which parishioners exchange letters with someone who is incarcerated. Being a pen pal is an especially valuable way to serve, especially when — in situations like COVID-19 — no visitors are allowed. “Not everyone is meant to go into the prison, but we know that it says in the Bible that we have to visit the imprisoned, and there are so many ways to do it,” Laura says. “Praying for them is one way, and the Pen Pal
program has really helped those guys because they have somebody on the outside that they can communicate with, who cares enough to take the time to write them a letter. That is very impacting.” Above all, Laura and Monica hope that our Prison Ministry will be a witness of God’s love and hope to those who are incarcerated. “It’s hard for them to imagine that anyone still cares for them, so we try to instill in them that they are a part of our church community and that there are a lot of people who are praying for them,” Laura says. “We are just trying to show them that Jesus loves them and He’s there for them,” Monica says. “It’s about bringing them hope and a smile.” The ladies encourage their fellow parishioners to consider becoming involved in this ministry. “Do not be afraid,” Laura says. “Listen to your heart and the Holy Spirit. If you feel drawn, then that’s the Holy Spirit.”
“I really try to see Christ in each one of their faces — that’s what Jesus is calling us to do. We’re called to forgive and bring them closer to Christ, and we should do that any way we can.” — LAURA MORITZ For more information on our Prison Ministry, or to become involved by visiting the prison, offering prayers or becoming a pen pal with someone who is incarcerated, please contact Laura Moritz at 904-525-5646 or moritzlaura@yahoo.com. 2
A Letter from Our Pastor
“Coincidental” Stewardship Dear Parishioners,
T
he famous author G.K. Chesterton once said, “Coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous.” Since fully embracing the stewardship way of life, coincidences have become cherished experiences for which I thank God — and rightly so! While God stays anonymous, coincidences are His way of interacting with the world He created. Importantly, as we have been continually impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with many of our circumstances changing day to day, we can be grateful for His “coincidental” intervention. As I continue to witness the grace-filled effects of the stewardship way of life on our parish, and in my own life, it is definitely God’s hand at work in our lives of faith. If some identify a coincidence as a “surprise blessing” that lifts the spirits and draws one closer to gratefulness to God, we cannot deny that in those circumstances that God is giving us the grace to live and celebrate our faith. So, let’s celebrate the coincidences! Celebrate the coincidence that Chesterton himself converted to Catholicism late in his life, yet wrote book after book affirming and defending the Catholic faith long before his conversion. Four years after Chesterton joined the Catholic Church, he wrote a phenomenal book called The Catholic Church and Conversion. It is one of the best works on conversion to Catholicism, as well as a wonderful description of conversion to the stewardship way of life. The same experiences, or “coincidences,” apply when we find ourselves drawn into the understanding, practice and expression of discipleship, known to us as “stewardship.” Chesterton describes conversion in three steps.
“The convert takes his first step rather unwittingly when he decides he’s going to be fair to the Catholic Church,” he wrote. The convert to stewardship must also dispel the “myths of stewardship” and give it a chance. This first step of conversion then leads to a long and enjoyable second step, which is the utter fascination of learning what the Catholic Church really does teach. Chesterton says, “It is like discovering a new continent full of strange flowers and fantastic animals, which is at once wild and hospitable.” For the stewardship convert, it is recognizing that stewardship is a practical way of living the Gospel. It makes sense, and others are doing it with joy and passion. What they have, the convert also wants. Then, the convert to Catholicism suddenly realizes with a shock that he can no longer be detached and impartial about the Catholic Church. The convert to the stewardship way of life realizes this is the way he or she wants to live — and makes the commitment to do so. If this were not true of what Christ has called us to be, I would not be writing this today. If this were not true of our commitment to stewardship, you may not be reading this today. And, if this were not true of a stewardship parish such as ours, we would not be the faithful stewards we are today. Wouldn’t you also agree it is a “coincidence” to thank God for each day of our lives? Sincerely yours in Christ, Msgr. Keith Brennan Pastor
3
THE APOSTOLATE Strengthening the Church, One Semi
W
e all know from experience just not complete it. It’s a discernment how important our priests are. process, and we want to be a support They baptize us, marry us, bury us. They to them and offer our prayers for them hear our confessions and anoint us in because we need them as priests. We our darkest hour. They offer us Christ know that priesthood is a call from in the Eucharist. They share life’s joys God and a response to God, as He is and sorrows with us, and in so doing, asking them to embrace this vocation. become a part of our family. With the So our group wants to support that, number of vocations to the priesthood and prayer is the first priority.” on the decline, it is important — now Serving alongside Sr. Joan in this more than ever — for parishes around ministry is a small team including the world to spend time in prayer for an event planner, a Holy Hour our seminarians as they prepare for this coordinator, and two parishioners essential role in the life of the Church. who ensure that seminarians receive In 2008, a small Christ Renews His cards and gifts from our parish on Parish (CRHP) group at Our Lady Star their birthdays and other special of the Sea decided to begin praying occasions. regularly for our diocesan seminarians. Parishioners are encouraged to This year, Msgr. Brennan asked that this Sr. Joan Gabbin coordinates the Apostolate for participate in a private devotion Seminarians at Our Lady Star of the Sea. ministry be opened up to the whole for seminarians following the 8:30 parish, and the Apostolate for Seminarians was born. As a.m. Mass and Miraculous Medal Novena on Wednesday Chair of the ministry, Sister Joan Gabbin hosted a come-and- mornings. see introducing this apostolate to parishioners on March 2. Another goal of the Apostolate for Seminarians is to According to Sr. Joan, prayer is at the center of the facilitate personal connections between our parishioners Apostolate for Seminarians. and our diocesan seminarians. Parishioners and our school “The group was formed to pray for men that have entered students are encouraged to send inspirational notes to the the priesthood to stay on course,” she says. “We know that, seminarians and to attend the social gathering with them statistically, about 70 percent of men who enter seminary do planned for next summer.
“The group was formed to pray for men that have entered the priesthood to stay on course. We know that, statistically, about 70 percent of men who enter seminary do not complete it. It’s a discernment process, and we want to be a support to them and offer our prayers for them because we need them as priests. We know that priesthood is a call from God and a response to God, as He is asking them to embrace this vocation. So our group wants to support that, and prayer is the first priority.” 4
— SISTER JOAN GABBIN
FOR SEMINARIANS inarian — and Prayer — at a Time By entering into an authentic relationship with our seminarians, we are able to show our support for them during their time of discernment. “We need to encourage the laity to have that partnership with God’s plan to foster vocations and support vocations,” Sr. Joan says. “Participants in the ministry say to me they appreciate learning more about the life of the seminarians. They realize that these men are giving their lives for the Church, and it helps them to understand that they need great faith and perseverance.” All parishioners are encouraged to participate in the Apostolate for Seminarians here at Our Lady Star of the Sea. They can learn about the ministry’s efforts, prayers that are needed, and planned events by reading the group’s newsletter that is sent out via email. Sr. Joan hopes our parishioners will continue to pray for the 23 seminarians in our diocese. We are blessed to have a wonderful group of young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood and we are grateful to them for sharing their gifts with the Church! “To keep the church open and serving the community — the Masses and the Eucharist and all the services that the Church provides — it’s really important that we keep the work of the seminarians alive and fruitful,” Sr. Joan says. “We extend an invitation to everyone in the parish to participate in this apostolate.”
Interested in learning more about the Apostolate for Seminarians? Contact Sister Joan Gabbin at srjoangrace@gmail.com or 904-881-0921.
A NOTE FROM FR. CLAY LUDWIG On behalf of all the seminarians, I would like to thank Apostolate for Seminarians for their generous gifts that they give us throughout the year. It truly means a lot and it is very much appreciated. After every card I always say a prayer for the ministry. But know I have concrete experiences and friends that I am now able to offer up to the Lord in thanksgiving. It makes it even more meaningful! Please know that you are and will continue to be in my prayers. Thank you for all that you did for me this summer. May Jesus Christ live in your hearts forever! In His Love, Fr. Clay Ludwig Fr. Clay, who was a seminarian in our diocese, was ordained to the priesthood June 20, and was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Jacksonville. In the fall, he will further his studies in Rome. 5
Our Human Life and Dignity Team Works to Protect and Nurture Life at Every Stage
W
hen it comes to living and serving as people of faith, Sr. Lucy wants parishioners to be able to engage in there is no doubt — we are to uphold and protect the topics that are most important to them. the sanctity of life. As the United States Conference of “We have parishioners that are committed to life,” Catholic Bishops states, “As a gift from God, every human she says. “We want to show the range of opportunities life is sacred from conception to natural death. The life and for people to become involved in the church’s mission of dignity of every person must be respected and protected at outreach. That is what we are trying to do.” every stage and in every condition.” Some of these other areas for outreach include capital It is with this duty in mind that punishment, care for the poor the Human Life and Dignity Team and marginalized, domestic got started at our parish. According violence, human trafficking, to its mission statement, the team end-of-life issues, and care for serves parishioners by organizing, those with special needs, to planning and implementing name a few. programs and projects proclaiming Sr. Lucy invites everyone the sanctity of human life and to complete the survey so advocating society, through its laws the team can understand and social institutions, protecting where parishioners want to and nurturing life at every stage of get involved. She says there its existence. is a wide range of things we The four committee members can do to volunteer, and not — UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF — Lisa Frank, Susan Harrison, all involve working in person CATHOLIC BISHOPS Laura Moritz and Theresa Richter — one example is writing a — are inviting parishioners to senator to offer your concern complete a survey (see link below) to express their passions or support regarding a life issue. and interests in the areas of human life and dignity. The “We want to see where people’s passions are and how team has met several times and looks forward to engaging we can work together to have a holistic approach,” she more parishioners. says. “We want to make sure we are supportive of life in “Laura works with the Prison Ministry, so I am excited to all areas.” have her involved, along with the other members,” says Sister “Whenever you have a team, they have the ability to Lucy Clynes, who is also helping coordinate this team. have different perspectives than just one person can bring,” “We all believe, very strongly, that the right to life is the she says. “I am excited about people connecting with their first principle of human life,” she says. “We want to focus networks to help us tackle life issues that are visible in our on the right to life at every stage. It is very important.” church and neighborhoods.
“As a gift from God, every human life is sacred from conception to natural death. The life and dignity of every person must be respected and protected at every stage and in every condition.”
For more information on getting involved, please contact one of the four committee members. The survey is available at https://forms.gle/yUUVezecXoZUJGaQ9 or on the parish website at http://olsspvb.org/. 6
Experiencing the
F
Heart of Catholicism Through RCIA
aith isn’t something that ends with a “graduation.” No matter where our journey began or how well formed we may be, there is always more that can be learned. There are always new ways for us to come to know, love and serve our Lord. Pastoral Associate Sister Lucy Clynes, DW, says this is why the Rite of Christian Initiation, or RCIA, is best described as a process rather than a program. “It’s going back to the understanding of how people were welcomed into the religion during the early days of the Church,” Sr. Lucy says. “It’s a way to have people not just learn information about the Catholic faith, as important as that is, but to also experience the heart of Catholicism, meeting people who are learning the faith and willing to journey in that process with them.” This allows individuals, no matter where they are in the faith journey, to come together to explore and grow in the faith together. They’re able to ask questions about Catholicism, grow in their personal relationship with Christ, listen to the testimonies of parishioners and, if they choose, become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. “We believe that God is already present in people’s lives,” Sr. Lucy says. “What we are offering people is an invitation to become more aware of that relationship and to become involved in the Catholic Church. We have a period of inquiry where people can come to RCIA just to get questions answered. We’ve had some people with little to no faith background, while others
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults candidates and catechumens
have been attending Mass with a spouse for 20-30 years. So they’ve already privately been going through their own catechumenal journey, whether they realized it or not. In each case we make adjustments, meeting people where they are at in the conversion process.” The RCIA journey typically begins in late August with that initial inquiry phase. Catechumens (members who are unbaptized) and candidates (those wishing to become fully initiated) meet weekly on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m., along with their sponsors and ministry volunteers. Topics covered include the fundamentals of Christianity, Church doctrine and social teaching, sacramental life, and prayer and are given by actual parishioners through the lens of their own personal faith. continued on back cover
“It’s a way to have people not just learn information about the Catholic faith, as important as that is, but to also experience the heart of Catholicism, meeting people who are learning the faith and willing to journey in that process with them.” — SISTER LUCY CLYNES, DW
7
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 24
Ponte Vedra Bch., FL
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church 545 A1A North│Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 285-2698│www.olsspvb.org
RCIA
continued from page 7
“We are blessed in this parish with many people who come and share aspects of the Catholic faith and how they are actually living it out — how they are being stewards of the mysteries of God within the Catholic Church,” Sr. Lucy says. “They’ll share about how they have been on Pastoral Council, served as a lector, an usher, etc., and this witness becomes avenues for the RCIA candidates and catechumens who begin to say ‘I could do that when I become fully initiated, too.’”
With this year’s RCIA sessions just beginning, we invite all parishioners to become part of this important process. If you are someone who has been sitting on the fence, contemplating Catholicism, come explore the faith with us. If you are looking for a way to live out your baptismal calling to evangelize, then get involved as a presenter or a sponsor. You can also support the ministry through your prayers and by working to create a more hospitable environment for candidates and catechumens.
If you would like more information about Our Lady Star of the Sea’s RCIA process, please contact Sister Lucy Clynes, DW, at 904-285-2698 or srlucyclynesDW@olsspvb.org.
For Current Mass schedule, please visit our website at www.olsspvb.org.