The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi

Vol. 38, No. 6
October 2013
Quote of the Month
The Saint Philip
Be-News-Zi
“Remember that when you leave
this earth, you can take with you
nothing that you have received—
only what you have given.”
~ St. Francis of Assisi
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi
October 3
“When the hour of his death approached, Francis asked that all of the brothers living with him be called to his death
bed and, softening his departure with consoling words, he encouraged them with fatherly affection to love God. He
spoke of patience and poverty and of being faithful to the Holy Roman Church, giving precedence to the Holy Gospels before all else. He then stretched his hands over the brothers in the form of a cross, a symbol that he loved so
much, and gave his blessings to all followers, both present and absent, in the power and in the name of the Crucified. Then he added: ‘Remain, my sons, in the fear of the Lord and be with him always. And as temptations and
trials beset you, blessed are those who persevere to the end in the life they have chosen. I am on my way to God
and I commend you all to His favor.’
With this sweet admonition, this dearly beloved to God, asked that the book of the Gospels be brought to him and
that the passage in the Gospel of St. John [Jn 13:1-17], which begins, ‘before the Feast of the Passover…’ be
read. Finally, when all God’s mysteries had been accomplished in him, his holy soul was freed from his body and
assumed into the abyss of God’s glory, and Francis fell asleep in God.” (St. Bonaventure, Major Life of St. Francis)
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi
Franciscan Friars, Sisters, and Secular Franciscans
have gathered at the twilight on the eve of the Feast
of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th) at least since the
seventeenth century, to celebrate the passage
(Transitus) of St. Francis from earthly life and death to
everlasting glory. The Transitus is an attempt to celebrate our Franciscan identity by rooting ourselves
ritually, both in Scripture and in the historical foundations of the Franciscan Order. This solemn service,
The Transitus, consists of readings, hymns and actions to commemorate this great event and ends with
the exhortation and blessing of St. Francis:
“Let the brothers and sisters always be mindful that they
should desire one thing alone, namely, the Spirit of God
at work in them. Always be obedient to the Church and
firmly established in the Catholic Faith; let them live
according to the poverty, the humility and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which they have solemnly
promised to observe. Whoever will observe these things
shall be filled with the blessing of The Most High Father
in heaven, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved
Son, with the Holy Spirit, and with all virtues and with
all the saints. And I, Brother Francis, your little one and
servant, in so far as I am able, confirm to you within
and without this most holy blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May he show his face to you and be merciful to you.
May he turn his countenance to you
and give you peace!”
As a Franciscan Parish we, will celebrate
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi on Thursday,
October 3rd at 7PM in the church. All are invited
to join the Friars and Secular Franciscans
for this solemn and inspirational Prayer Service.
Please Note: The 7:30PM Spanish Mass
will be cancelled that evening.
Join us also for Mass on the Feast Day of St. Francis
on October 4th at 8:30AM.
“Almighty, eternal,
just and merciful God,
grant us in our misery
that we may do for your sake alone
what we know you want us to do,
and always want what pleases you;
so that, cleansed and enlightened interiorly
and fired with the ardor of the Holy Spirit,
we may be able to follow in the footsteps
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
and so make our way to you.”
~St. Francis of Assisi
An Invitation to Peacemaking
from the Life of St. Francis
1. Focus on people’s good points. Tell all with whom you
come into contact the good things you see in them.
2. Develop a positive approach toward life. Compliment
more than you criticize.
3. Build a climate of trust and support in all your relationships. Cooperate with others instead of competing
with them.
4. Use gentle, loving, respectful language when dealing
with others. They won’t hear your words if they’re too
busy dodging your sharp tongue.
5. Take a genuine interest in the work and activities of
others. Make a point to ask about new projects.
6. Listen patiently, with your heart, when others are talking. It’s Christ-like to put aside one’s own interests for
the love of another.
7. Learn how to refuse with a smile. If you have to say
“No” to something, do it respectfully.
8. Put the devil of jealousy far behind you. Deal with
your personal insecurities in some other ways, but
don’t put others down to make yourself look better.
9. Be loyal. Never allow yourself to tear down the Kingdom of God by destructive, behind-the-back criticism
of others.
10. Do extra little things that are nobody’s job. Be generous by volunteering—especially for the jobs for which
there is no great reward.
Putting these all together is another way of being an instrument of peace in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi.
http://www.thefranciscanfriars.org/book/export/html/19
Reflections on Humility
(Homily Given by Fr. Michael Kolodziej, OFM Conv. – September 1, 2013)
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Sir 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29; Heb 12: 18-19, 22-24; Lk 14: 1, 7-14)
The first reading for today’s liturgy and the Gospel
speak very directly about humility. The second reading implies humility. The opposite of the virtue of humility is the vice of pride. Someone once said that
pride is like uncooked spaghetti – it’s brittle, easily
offended. It’s inedible and won’t fit into the pot until it
softens. Only after it absorbs the hot water of
“suffering” can it be twirled around a fork as delicious
food.
Arrogant people are very irritating. They think they
are better than us and put on airs – someone trying
to show off. There is something in us that sees pride
as something offensive. Maybe that’s why we love
hearing about scandals. We like gossip; the juicier
the details of someone else’s humiliation, the more
attentively we listen. As much as we like to deny it,
don’t we enjoy the spectacle of a popular figure falling from grace – a movie star, a sports figure, a politician? In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus speaking
about someone at a marriage feast, seating himself
in a place of prominence, only to be asked to move to
a lower station when someone more important arrives. So if pride is like uncooked spaghetti, how can
we cook it into humility to make a good pasta dish?
Our first reading from Sirach gives us some advice.
First, we find that very often we have a false notion of
humility.
We often think that a humble person is one with a low
opinion of himself/herself. People equate humility
with a sense of inadequacy or even worthlessness,
but Sirach sets us straight. Humility has nothing to
do with how lowly we think we are or how selfeffacing we are. It has to do with who we know God
is and who we are in relation to God! St. Francis of
Assisi, in his Praises of the Virtues states: “Hail, Lady
Holy Poverty, may the Lord protect you, with your
sister, holy Humility!”
By poverty, Francis reminds us that before God, we
are just “poor ones”. All that we have – all our talents
and good points – these are gifts from God. The only
thing we possess is our sins. God is great. He doesn’t need our help to look better than He is! In fact,
valuing everyone and everything He has made – including ourselves – only exalts Him all the more. Jesus concludes his parable with the words: “For everyone who exalts himself/herself will be humbled, but
the one who humbles himself/herself will be exalted.”
We can probably agree with this statement. After all,
life provides many examples of how the proud are
humbled and how the humble are exalted.
Pride can display itself when we get annoyed with
opinionated co-workers or in any reluctance on our
part to change: “I don’t have any problems…I don’t
need anybody’s help…I’m just fine the way I am.” We
don’t have to be a “show-off” to exhibit pride; sometimes all we have to be is stubborn!
But there is also appropriate pride. We should take
pride in our achievements and thank God for them.
We should esteem ourselves. Remember, God
doesn’t make junk! Healthy pride is one that is spiritually well-placed; it is not arrogant and can energize
us to continue our spiritual growth.
Humble yourself by loving the truth at all costs, and
always be willing to learn. Show humility in your willingness to change. Take appropriate pride in your
hard work and accomplishments. Exalt the Lord and
honor your brothers and sisters. Let your service to
God and His people soften the brittleness in your
heart. You are a part of God’s plan, and the more
you embrace that plan, the more your life will shine –
TO THE GLORY OF JESUS! So become spaghetti
“al dente” and you will make “good pasta” to the Lord!
4 Things Necessary to be a good Catholic-Christian:
DRINK…STEAL…SWEAR…LIE
Drink – from the everlasting cup of God’ s grace!
Steal – a moment to help someone that is in need of help!
Swear – that you’ll be a better person today than yesterday!
Lie – Lie down at night and thank God for the blessings you have received!
Calendar of Events
October 2013
10/2-4: TRIDUUM TO ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
11/1: ALL SAINTS DAY – Holy Day of Obligation
8:30AM Mass (English)
12:00 Noon Mass (English)
7:00PM Mass (Spanish)
This 3-day Novena will be held at the conclusion of the
8:30AM Mass. Join us as we pray to St. Francis for his
guidance and intercession.
11/2: ALL SOULS DAY
10/3: TRANSITUS of ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
11/2: ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CELEBRATION
(Commemoration of St. Francis’ death); This beautiful,
solemn Prayer Service, beginning at 7PM in the church,
includes Hymns, Scripture, Prayer and a recounting of
St. Francis’ life. The normally scheduled 7:30PM
Spanish Mass will be cancelled; all are invited and
encouraged to attend this special Service.
11/4: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS
10/4: FEAST DAY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
(Mass at 8:30AM) Parish Offices will be closed.
10/4-5: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
begins the First Friday of every
month in the Chapel, after the
8:30AM Mass and concludes with
Benediction at 7:45AM Saturday
morning.
10/4: NO HOLY HOUR FOR
VOCATIONS (due to the Franciscan Feast Day)
10/5: BLESSING OF ANIMALS (10AM)
Join us as our Friars celebrate St. Francis’ love of
animals and all creation. Bring your pets to be
blessed! The Service will be held in the parking area
behind the church, near the Peace Garden.
10/6: RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY
10/6: LIFE CHAIN (3:00-4:00PM)
Pray for an end to abortion and for respect for all life.
You will find us on North Main Street at the corner of
Smith Street in Jonesboro.
10/6: NIGERIAN CELEBRATION
Held during the 10:45AM Mass, followed by a
reception in the Parish Hall.
10/14: COLUMBUS DAY (Observed)
10:31: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
10/31: VIGIL MASS - ALL SAINTS DAY
Celebrated at 7:00PM (English); the normally
scheduled 7:30PM Spanish Mass will be cancelled.
8:30AM Mass (English)
12:00 Noon Mass (Spanish) – tentative
(Celebrated during the 5PM Saturday Mass)
Turn clocks BACK one hour!
Greetings from Friar Josh Ferguson!
It’s been a little more than a year since former parishioner Josh Ferguson (L) answered
God’s call to the Priesthood last summer and began the Postulancy Program for the
Conventual Franciscans of St. Anthony of Padua Province in Ellicott City, MD. Since
then, he has returned to our parish for a few brief visits, reconnecting with family members and friends. Still filled with much enthusiasm and joy, Friar Josh was kind enough
to update us on his spiritual journey, despite his very busy and restricted schedule. The
following is his message to the parish.
“To fill you in on the latest and greatest goings on here in Mishawaka, IN: I was invested on July 24th in the Franciscan habit at Marytown, which is the national shrine of
St. Maximilian Kolbe in Libertyville, IL. If you’re interested in learning more about it,
here’s the website: www.marytown.com.
Once invested in the Franciscan habit, I am officially a Friar Novice within the Order, so
I am now referred to as “Brother Josh” or “Friar Josh”. During our Novitiate year, we
have a greater emphasis on prayer and community life. We gather in our chapel four
times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and to celebrate Mass. We
also have in-house classes taught by our friars every weekday, where we are being instructed in our faith and in all
things Franciscan: the life of St. Francis, the history of the Order, Franciscan prayer and spirituality, etc.
The main purpose of this year of formation is to deepen our relationship with Christ through the lens of our Holy Father, St. Francis. The only outside ministry that we have this year is Hospice Ministry. Most of our days are spent at
our Novitiate House (St. Francis Friary) in Mishawaka, IN, where we pray, work, and play together. There are seven of
us – three from the U.S., one from Canada, and three from England. We all get along rather well, so that should make
things much easier as the year progresses. Being close to Notre Dame, we attend evening prayer on Sundays at the
Basilica of the Sacred Heart and sometimes attend conferences.
At the end of our Novitiate year, we will make our Simple Profession of Vows and receive the three knots in our cords,
representing the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. These vows will last for three years, during which we will
pursue our studies in Philosophy and Theology. I’m not sure where the Order will send me for those studies at this
time, so I’ll update you on those details next year. Once the three years of Simple Vows are up, we usually renew the
vows for one more year before we make our Solemn or Permanent Vows, which last for the rest of our lives.
Regarding Ordination, I will need to complete three and a half years for my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and
then three to four years of Theology for my Master of Divinity Degree – a long journey ahead but one that I look forward to traveling.
For now, I think that just about covers things. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as you are in mine.
As always, peace and all good things!
Much love,
Br. Josh
Right: Br. Josh (front row-right) with his fellow novice
brothers and Director of Formation at the Basilica of
Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, OH.
October 2013
Dear Parishioners,
October is one of my favorite months. Autumn brings
us colorful leaves, pumpkins, mums, apple picking and
cool, crisp mornings. But autumn also signals that winter is approaching. Soon, we will see the signs of decay and death around us. Nature reminds us that there
is a cycle to our lives. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, we
read that “there is a time to be born and a time to die; a
time to plant and a time to harvest.” Recently, our parish experienced the death of a number of long-time
parishioners. These deaths have been hard on us.
Personally, many are friends whom I have known for
over twenty years. Their passing has brought sorrow
to many of us, especially to their families. The death of
a loved one turns our lives upside down and it can take
months and even years to adjust to life without him or
her. There is no way to escape the pain that death
causes in our lives. If we try to avoid it or repress it, it
can even be worse later on. Psychologists and health
professionals, as well as spiritual directors, advise that
we address the loss and pain head-on through counseling, support groups, grief work and the like. I agree
with them. I would also add prayer to the list: prayer
for strength, comfort, consolation and peace.
When someone dies, it is important that the parish family gets involved. There are many things we can do to
help. Pastoral care of a grieving family is so critical.
As a priest, I have learned that what we do (or don’t
do) to assist and support the family can make a great
difference in their lives. Clergy and laity must become
sensitive to the needs of those who are grieving and
reach out to help them. The greatest gift we can give
to a grieving family is our presence. If physical presence is not possible, then a phone call, sympathy card
and even a text or e-mail message can mean a great
deal.
I am grateful to our Funeral Ministry for the caring and
loving ministry they provide to grieving families. They
not only provide a beautiful luncheon for the family after the Funeral Mass, but they also offer a loving and
caring presence to those who need to feel loved and
supported. Our Sacristans, Altar Servers and Musicians who assist with the Funeral Liturgy, are also to
be commended. A beautiful and well-orchestrated Funeral Liturgy can bring great comfort to the grieving.
I would like to see our outreach to those who are grieving enhanced. I have asked a couple of parishioners to
receive training in the Bereavement Ministry offered by
our Archdiocese. Once they have completed this training, we will meet to discuss a Bereavement Ministry
here at St. Philip’s. Once we commence that ministry, I
will ask for parishioners who feel called to this ministry
to join us.
In November, we will have a special Mass to remember
our deceased loved ones and to pray for them, especially those who have died this past year. We will let
you know well in advance so that you can be present.
Thank you for all you do to assist our grieving families.
I have been told on numerous occasions, “The only
thing that got me through that dark time was my parish
family and the love and support I felt from them.” Let
us continue to reach out to those who are grieving the
loss of their loved ones, and let us pray for all those
who have died. “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.”
Fr. John
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you
that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going, you know the way.”
Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know
where you are going; how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way
and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father
except through me.”
(Jn 14: 1-6)
All Saints Day/All Souls Day – What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered why we, as Catholics, celebrate two feast days, back-to-back, to commemorate the dead?
Is there any distinction between commemorating and praying for the dead on The Solemnity of All Saints and
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)? After all, “The dead are the dead –
what does it matter?” Well, it does. The following articles may help to clarify the difference.
The Solemnity of All Saints (All Saints Day, also called
“All Hallows” or “Hallowmas”), is a solemnity celebrated
on November 1st by parts of Western Christianity, and
on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity, in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. It
arose out of the Christian tradition of celebrating the
martyrdom of saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. When martyrdoms increased during the persecutions of the late Roman Empire, local dioceses instituted
a common feast day in order to ensure that all martyrs
(known and unknown) were properly honored. By the
late fourth century, this common feast was celebrated in
Antioch, and Saint Ephrem the Syrian mentioned it in a
sermon in 373.
The current date of November 1 was instituted by Pope
Gregory III (731-741), when he consecrated a chapel to
all the martyrs in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and ordered an annual celebration. This celebration was originally confined to the diocese of Rome, but Pope Gregory
IV (827-844) extended the feast to the entire Church and
ordered it to be celebrated on November 1.
In Western Christian theology, the day commemorates
all those who have attained the “Beatific Vision” in
Heaven. In the Roman Catholic Church, the next day,
All Souls Day, specifically commemorates the departed
faithful who have not yet been purified and reached
heaven. Catholics celebrate All Saints Day and All
Souls Day in the fundamental belief that there is a
prayerful, spiritual communion between those in the
state of grace who have died and are either being purified in Purgatory or are in heaven (the ‘church penitent’
and the ‘church triumphant’, respectively), along with the
‘church militant’ who are the living.
Beatific Vision: The immediate knowledge of God which
the angelic spirits and the souls of the just enjoy in Heaven. It
is called “vision” to distinguish it from the mediate knowledge
of God which the human mind may attain in the present life.
And since, in beholding God face to face, the created intelligence finds perfect happiness, the vision is termed “beatific”.
Purgatory (Latin, “purgare”; to make clean; to purify) in
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
(All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd) is a solemn feast in the Roman Catholic Church commemorating all of those who have died and are now in Purgatory,
being cleansed of their venial sins and the temporal punishments for the mortal sins that they had confessed and
atoning before entering fully into Heaven. Although this
day is observed principally in the Catholic Church, in
Western Christianity, some churches of the Anglican
Communion and the Old Catholic Churches also celebrate it.
The Roman Catholic celebration is associated with the
doctrine that the souls of the faithful, who at death have
not been cleansed from the temporal punishment due to
venial sins and from attachment to mortal sins, cannot
immediately attain the “Beatific Vision” in Heaven, and
that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the
sacrifice of the Mass. In other words, when they died,
they had not yet attained full sanctification and moral
perfection, a requirement for entrance into Heaven. This
sanctification is carried out posthumously in Purgatory.
Historically, the Western tradition identifies the general
custom of praying for the dead, dating as far back as 2
Maccabees 12:42-46. The importance of All Souls Day
was made clear by Pope Benedict XV (1914-22), when
he granted all priests the privilege of celebrating three
Masses on All Souls Day: one for the faithful departed;
one for the priest’s intentions; and one for the intentions
of the Holy Father. Only on a handful of other very important feast days are priests allowed to celebrate more
than two Masses.
On All Souls Day, we not only remember the dead, but
we apply our efforts, through prayer, almsgiving, and the
Mass, to their release from Purgatory. There are two
plenary indulgences attached to All Souls Day: one for
visiting a church and another for visiting a cemetery.
(The plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery can also
be obtained every day from November 1-8, and, as a
partial indulgence, on any day of the year). While the
actions are performed by the living, the merits of the indulgences are applicable only to the souls in Purgatory.
“Hallows” meaning “saints”, and “mas” meaning
Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. In the
modern world, when many have come to doubt the
Church’s teaching on Purgatory, the need for such
prayers has only increased. The Church devotes the
month of November to prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and participation in the Mass on All Souls Day is
a good way to begin the month.
“Mass”; the preceding evening (Halloween) is the “Vigil
or Eve of All Hallows”.
Sources: http://www.catholic.org; http://catholicism.about.com
accordance with Catholic teaching is a place or condition
of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life
in God’s grace, are not entirely free from venial faults, or
have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.
H.E.R.O. for Children
Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for Children, Inc.
4497 South Old Peachtree Road
Norcross, GA 30071 ♦ www.heroforchildren.org
August 15, 2013
Reverend John Koziol
Pastor, Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church
591 Flint River Road
Jonesboro, GA 30238-3452
Dear Reverend Koziol,
On behalf of H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., I want to thank you
and the members of Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church for
your generous contribution of over $1,000.00 to support our
2013 session of Camp High Five (CHF). Thanks to your
generous donation, and in partnership with Camp Twin
Lakes, we were able to serve 62 children (including 5 Counselors-in-Training) via Camp High Five this summer. We
appreciate your dedication and commitment in supporting our
efforts to improve the quality of life for children infected with
and affected by HIV and AIDS through enriching programs,
unforgettable experiences, and connections with the community. As a component of our acknowledgment of your contribution, your support of CHF will be highlighted in our newsletter.
CHF provides children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS
with the opportunity to participate in recreational programs
filled with learning, fellowship, fresh air and fun – free of
charge. Forty percent (40%) of the children who attended
CHF this summer are HIV positive and the other sixty percent (60%) are affected (have an infected parent, sibling,
residential relative or have lost an immediate family member
to HIV/AIDS-related complications). Almost 25 percent
(25%) have lost a parent to HIV/AIDS, and approximately 90
percent (90%) come from homes with annual household incomes of $15,000.00 or less. CHF not only provides these
children with wonderful, unforgettable experiences their families may not be able to afford otherwise, but allows them to
gain life skills, meet, build friendships with, and draw support
from other children with similar circumstances. Our
“Counselor-in-Training” component trains children who have
‘aged out’ of the program to become Counselors, furnishing
them with marketable skills. Additionally, and in partnership
with AID Atlanta, we offer AIDS education workshops to our
teens that address the specific needs of this population.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mr. John Patterson, who continues to serve as the liaison between H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc. and Saint Philip
Benizi Catholic Church, and has done an excellent job coordinating the fundraising efforts for Camp High Five on behalf
of your AIDS ministry. We are pleased to have your members amongst our donors, and wish that the kindness you
have demonstrated towards H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc. will
be returned to you many times over.
Sincerely,
Donna M. Drakes
Executive Director
Increase of Maximum in
Grant Assistance for Parish Ministries
St. Philip Benizi Parish’s ministries, more than 80 groups and
organizations, exist to serve our
parish community. Parishioners
volunteer to fulfill a spiritual or
temporal need in the parish, ranging from Hospitality and Funeral
Ministry, to Faith Formation and
Prayer Groups, to outreach and
parish-wide activities.
Unquestionably, parish ministries and organizations play a
vital role in the life and mission of our parish. In recognition
of their importance and necessity, the Pastoral Council offers additional support to them through “Ministries Helping
Others” Grant Assistance. Established in 2012, the purpose of “Ministries Helping Others” Grant Assistance is
to help our parish ministries with the financial means to
achieve our parish mission. The Parish Pastoral Council is
responsible for this program and reviews and approves
grant applications submitted for pre-approved ministry projects, tasks, activities, and events. Initially, the fund provided monetary grants, up to a maximum of only $500.00.
The money for “Ministries Helping Others” Grant Assistance comes from the generosity of parishioners in a twice a
year “Ministries Helping Others” Second Collections.
Recently, the Pastoral Council increased the maximum for
grant requests from $500 to a maximum of $1000. At their
monthly meeting in August, members of the Pastoral Council, including Father John and Father Michael, deliberated
and decided on this increase to better support, stimulate,
and increase the work of our parish ministries and organizations. This increase also represents greater Pastoral Council
support for our parish discipleship culture which asks, “What
can I do for Jesus in the parish, community, and world?”
The increased maximum also serves to motivate increased
parish capacity for ministry as well as build the Body of
Christ and the mission of the Church.
Ministry Leaders can apply for “Ministries Helping Others”
Grant Assistance by picking up a St. Philip Benizi Grant
Assistance Request Form in the Parish Office. Completed
forms are to be submitted to the Parish Office to the attention of Father John.
With the September Ministry Leaders Meeting in mind, the
Parish Council invites each parishioner to prayerfully consider answering the call to stewardship with a personal commitment to active participation in the life of the parish
through its many ministries and organizations. Parishioners
are encouraged to generously and selflessly give of their
time, talents, and treasure to serve our common mission, accomplish charitable works,
and spread the Good News of God’s Kingdom.
Jo Ann Mitchell-Stringer
St. Philip Benizi Pastoral Council Member
“Take Me out to the Ball Game…!”
On September 3, 2013, St. Philip Benizi Parish’s “Seasoned Citizens Group” of 45 enjoyed an outing with our parish
priests to the Braves vs. Mets game at Turner Field, Atlanta. Before the game, everyone enjoyed a deluxe “tailgate
party” that included a meal catered by the Knights of Columbus. It was a night of fun, fellowship, clear skies and a win
over the Mets! Pictured are some of the evening’s highlights.
Far Left: Ray DeFreese,
a member of the Knights of
Columbus, cooked hamburgers
for the “tailgate party”, prior to
the game. The cookout was
held in a picnic area, outside the
Knights of Columbus Hall,
near St. Philip Benizi Church.
Left: Prudy & Jim Martino and
Mark Cirincione were among the
many who attended the cookout
and Braves vs. Mets game.
Above: Pictured with Lillian Voghel, St. Philip’s Friars
(Fr. Abelardo Huanca, Br. Nicholas Wolfla, and Fr. John Koziol)
joined parishioners for the ball game.
Above & Below: The group traveled by bus to Turner Field and
enjoyed watching the Braves’ win over the Mets!
Holding the sign is Mildred Green—a huge Braves fan!
(Photos Submitted by the Seasoned Citizens Group)
Good Stewards of Time & Talent
St. Philip’s annual Ministry Fair, held after the Masses on August 24/25, 2013, was not only a means of encouraging new volunteers to join one of the nearly 100 ministries, organizations and volunteer positions that were represented, but also celebrated the hundreds of volunteers that are already sharing their time and talent with our parish family. Sponsored by the
Stewardship and Pastoral Councils, this year’s Ministry Fair featured the patriotic theme, “We Want You!” with red, white and
blue splashed throughout the Parish Hall and “Uncle Sam” appearing in different forms. Many parishioners went all out in
decorating their booths and/or dressing for the occasion. It was an enjoyable way to showcase the many opportunities St.
Philip’s provides to share Stewardship of Time and Talent.
Above: Bill Evon was a very impressive “Uncle Sam”. He and his wife,
Clare, represented the Marriage
Encounter/WEDS Group.
Above: #1—Beverly and Bob Arnold are two volunteers that epitomize good stewardship at its best.
#2—We are blessed to have the Funeral Ministry at
St. Philip’s whose members give selflessly time and
time again in preparing luncheons for the grieving.
#3—Staff members Karla Diaz and John Bush
recruited office volunteers and new members for a
Building & Grounds Committee. This was also a
perfect time to update parishioners’ parish records!
#4—Fr. John reiterated the Ministry Fair’s theme:
“We Want YOU!” With so many diverse ministries
from which to choose and great people with whom
to serve, how could anyone refuse?!
(Photos by Yone Daly)
Good Stewards of Time & Talent
Nearly 650 people attended the Ministry Fair this year with 396 of them signing up for new ministries—an increase from last
year. Refreshments were available throughout the Fair with hot dogs, chips and drinks also on the menu for purchase. We
sincerely thank the many volunteers, staff and ministry coordinators who made this successful event possible. May God bless
you for your generosity!
Discipleship in Action ~ Opportunities for Service ~ Sharing Time & Talent
(Photos by Susan Douglas)
PRESENTING THE
OFFERTORY GIFTS
Pastoral Council Update
Let Us Hear From You
The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will begin discussing
our parish goal for 2014 at our October meeting. If you
have any ideas about what the parish focus should be
next year, please let us know. You may use the Comment Box in the Gathering Area of the church or speak
to any Council member. PPC members are identified by
name badges during Masses and parish events. Please
feel free to speak to any one of us.
Although sometimes overlooked, the Offertory Procession is one of the most meaningful parts of the Mass as
our gifts of bread, wine and alms are brought forward
and offered to God. During the consecration, the bread
and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
The alms (our sacrificial, monetary gifts) are used for the
temporal needs of the Church and to care for the poor.
At St. Philip’s, our prayers for vocations are also brought
forward and offered to God through the Elijah Cup and
Prayer Journal.
The Offertory Procession includes much symbolism and
ritual. But please understand that the presentation of the
Offertory Gifts is not limited to a select few or only to
those who have scheduled a Mass Intention for that particular Mass. It is not limited to those celebrating a special occasion or to those sitting in the back of the church!
So, who can present the Gifts in the Offertory Procession? YOU can! Your participation in this part of the
Mass is welcomed and encouraged. All it takes is a desire to do so and a little pre-planning.
For Weekend Masses: Locate the Sign-up Booklet in
the Gathering Area of the church (near the Cry Room),
write your name beside the Mass of your choice, and
remember to show up! Before that Mass begins, inform
a Minister of Hospitality that you are present and he/she
will instruct you further.
For Weekday Masses: Parishioners may now also
sign up to carry the Gifts during Daily Masses. A separate Sign-up Booklet has been prepared and will be
placed in the Gathering Area, near the present Booklet.
Simply lift the lid of the podium (near the Cry Room) to
find the Booklet inside. Instructions are given on each
page.
Please Note: Those who have scheduled a Mass Intention must also sign the Booklet(s) if they wish to present
the Offertory Gifts. Scheduling a Mass Intention does not
automatically guarantee that you will be selected to present the Gifts in the Offertory Procession. In addition,
Mass times that are left blank will be filled by the Ministers of Hospitality (for weekend Masses) and the Sacristans (for daily Masses).
Thank You – We look forward to your participation!
Member of the Month
The contact for October is Ron Finch. You may e-mail
him at: [email protected] or call (678)-386
-8559.
The Saint Philip
Be-News-Zi
Monthly Newsletter of
St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church
591 Flint River Road
Jonesboro, GA 30238
(770) 478-0178
Fr. John A. Koziol, OFM Conv.
Pastor/Publisher
Yone Daly, Editor
Parish Website:
www.stphilipbenizi.org
Deadline: All articles submitted for publication in the
Be-News-Zi must be received in writing (preferably
typed) or via e-mail, by the 5th of each month for publication in the following month’s edition. Each article
submitted for consideration will be published as approved by the Pastor and on a space-available basis.
Any questions, comments, suggestions, or articles
concerning the newsletter may be addressed to the
Editor through the Parish Office, or by e-mail:
[email protected]