November 5, 2010
15
The Anchor
Holy Cross Father Willy Raymond receives honor
EASTON — Holy Cross Father Willy Raymond, national director of the Family Theater Productions, has been inducted as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a prestigious Catholic organization which supports the preservation and propagation of the Faith in the Holy Land. “I am humbled and honoured to be welcomed as a Knight in this wonderful organization,” Father Raymond said. “I will certainly try my best to be an ambassador of peace and love, which is one of the aims of the order.” Cardinal John Foley presided
at the recent Mass of Investiture at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, with nearly 3,000 people attending. For more than 63 years Family Theater Productions has been creating family friendly programs reaching families around the world through radio, television, film, billboards, and the Internet with broadcast quality programs. Family Theater Productions continues Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton’s (the Rosary Priest) media mission as a member of Holy Cross Family Ministries in Easton, sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.
architects of hope — The children of Ginny and Deacon Leonard Dexter have taken over the tradition of creating gingerbread houses and food baskets for the needy on Cape Cod at Christmas time. From left: Chrissy, Jim, Carole, Mike, and Robin.
It doesn’t get any sweeter than this for Cape Cod volunteers
By Dave Jolivet, Editor
above and beyond — Catholic Memorial Home recently recognized Donna Ramunno and Jeanne Tunney as the recipients of the “Love Made Visible” award given to those who go above and beyond in their service to residents, families and co-workers, and best exemplify the motto of Catholic Memorial Home, after which the award is named. From left: Administrator Thomas Healy, Ramunno, and Deacon Peter Cote, Pastoral Care director, at a reception at Catholic Memorial Home. Not pictured is Tunney.
mission accomplished — St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River recently held its 13th annual Mission Awards Celebration in recognition of five individuals who have made a significant contribution to children, youth and families. The recipients were nominated by their peers for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement award. Father Karl Bissinger, secretary to Bishop George W. Coleman, provided the diocesan greeting for the celebration. Mercy Sister Rosemary Laliberte and Executive Director Jack Weldon presented the awards. From left recipients Marcia Tryon, June Almeida, Weldon, Paul Medeiros, Maria Couto, and Tricia Martins.
POCASSET — Just about two decades ago Ginny Dexter made an announcement to her daughter Carole and her four siblings. “Mom said we would be getting less on Christmas Day that year,” Carole Ellis told The Anchor. “My parents decided they were going to use the money to help people who were less fortunate.” Under Ginny’s loving guidance, she, her husband, Deacon Leonard Dexter, and their five children started a holiday tradition of creating gingerbread houses for those who have little or nothing at Christmas time. Once built the houses, as well as food items, were delivered to homeless shelters on Cape Cod. A few years back, Ginny “passed the torch” to her children to continue the tradition, which had grown in size and scope. Currently, the gingerbread project creates tasty dwellings for 21 nursing homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals in Bourne, Falmouth,
Hyannis, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Pocasset. The food baskets are delivered to five homeless shelters and an AIDS ministry in Falmouth and Hyannis. “We wanted to continue this tradition,” said Ellis. “It’s truly amazing when you see the faces of the people when you deliver a gingerbread house and/or a food basket.” The gingerbread project takes place in two stages. The first stage concentrates on preparing the ingredients for the houses. On a Friday evening, the batter is mixed, separated into storage bags and refrigerated. The next day small groups gather at St. John’ Parish Center in Pocasset to roll out the dough, cut the pieces, and cook them. Stage two takes place usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving, at which time the houses are assembled and decorated. Volunteers are asked to bring candy and cereal products to help decorate the houses, as well as six non-perishable
food items to help fill the baskets. “All we ask of the participants is their time, creativity, and a donation, and if possible the ability to deliver the items to one or more of the delivery sites,” said Ellis. This year, stage one will take place at St. John’s Parish Center on November 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stage two is at the Pocasset Community Building on November 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome to join, create, and donate. “We can’t thank enough our family, friends, the local community, and the businesses for their continued support,” said Ellis. Through the years, the Falmouth Shaw’s and Walmart, the Wareham Walmart, and the Hyannis BJs have generously donated gift cards used to buy supplies for the gingerbread houses and food items for the baskets. For more information, contact Carole Ellis at carole_ellis@ onsetcomp.com.