“Walking United as Faithful Disciples of Jesus Christ!”

Vol. 40, No. 5
September 2015
“Walking United as
Faithful Disciples
of Jesus Christ!”
The St. Philip
Be-News-Zi
All Parishioners are Invited to Celebrate
St. Philip Benizi Parish’s
Saturday, September 12, 2015 (5:00 – 9:00PM)
“Faithfully serving God and His people for 50 years.”
Join us for the Jubilee
Mass at 5PM
with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory as Principal Celebrant;
St. Philip’s Friars, Deacons, and former Pastors concelebrating and assisting.
Dedication and renaming of our Parish Hall to “Founders’ Hall”,
immediately after Mass, honoring those who helped to establish our parish
during the early “Drugstore Days”.
Enjoy a delicious meal under the “Big
Tent” as the celebration continues!
Tables and chairs will be set up in the San Damiano parking lot where you can enjoy
food and fellowship with your fellow parishioners. Buffet tables will be located in “Founders’ Hall”.
“Where’s Charlie?” and DJ (Jim Raymer)
will provide wonderful entertainment for the evening,
so put on your dancing shoes!
RSVP!
Sign the sheets in the Gathering Area of the church.
For more information, contact Activities Director
Kathy Cirincione @ 770-478-0178, Ext. 104.
1965—2015
(NOTE: Golf Cart rides will be available for seniors and
handicapped if needed.)
Calendar of Events
September 2015
9/4-5: 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.
9/4: HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
...is held in the Chapel from 4-5PM during First Friday
Adoration. Join us as we pray for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life.
9/4: PRAISE & WORSHIP ADORATION – 7PM
This Service takes place during the monthly First
Friday, 24-hour Adoration and includes Contemporary
Music, Gospel Reading, a Homily, Period of Silence,
Benediction, Sending Song, and Reposition. ALL are
welcome! The Blessed Sacrament will be brought
from the Chapel into the church during this period of
adoration.
9/7: LABOR DAY – Parish Offices Closed!
The following letter was received from Blessed Mother
Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Atlanta for the
donation of $4, 101.07, collected at St. Philip Benizi
Church on Good Friday of this year. The collection, under the title of “Pastor’s Charity”, is specifically given to a
charitable organization that helps the suffering. The Missionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House in Atlanta is a
home for indigent women suffering from AIDS.
Dear Friends,
May the peace and love of Christ Jesus be with you!
Thank you very much for your generous gift. In giving,
we receive more. Thank you for sharing in our mission
by your contribution. You are blessed to participate in
the service of God’s people. In this, we also promote
God’s love and peace, as our Blessed Mother Teresa
says, “Works of Love are Always Works of Peace!”
“What you can do, we cannot do.
What we can do, you cannot do.
But together, we can do something beautiful for God.”
We are very grateful for you being a part of our mission.
May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and
reward you. May Mary, the Mother of Jesus, keep you
ever close to her heart.
May God bless you!
Sincerely in Jesus,
Missionaries of Charity Sisters
9/12: 50TH JUBILEE MASS & CELEBRATION
(See details on the cover of this issue.)
9/20: CATECHETICAL SUNDAY
(Commissioning of all Catechists during Mass)
9/23: FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN
9/26-27: 50TH ANNIVERSARY ART EXHIBIT
As part of our Golden Jubilee Celebration, artists
from St. Philip Benizi Parish will showcase their
masterpieces of paintings, drawings, photographs,
woodworking, and sculptures in the Parish Hall
throughout the weekend. More than 30 artists will
be represented, exhibiting over 100 pieces of original
artwork, some of which will be available for purchase.
A Wine & Cheese Reception will be held after the
5PM Saturday Mass. Come and view these artists’
special gifts of time, talent, and treasure!
9/26-27: 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Commissioning of all Liturgical Ministers during Mass)
The Order of the Missionaries of
Charity, founded in 1950 by
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, is a
Roman Catholic religious congregation of women, dedicated to the
poor, particularly to the destitute of
India. The Order consists of over
4,501 religious sisters and is active in 133 countries. A member
of the Congregation must adhere
to the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and the
fourth vow – to give “wholehearted free service to the
poorest of the poor.”
Missionaries care for those who include refugees, exprostitutes, the mentally ill, sick children, abandoned children, lepers, people with AIDS, the aged, and convalescent. They have schools run by volunteers to educate
street children; they run soup kitchens, and provide
many other services, per the communities’ needs.
Throughout her life of service to the poor, Mother Teresa
was the recipient of numerous honors, including the
1979 Nobel Prize for Peace. In 1990, she asked to resign as head of the Missionaries, but was soon voted
back in as Superior General until March 13, 1997, six
months before Mother Teresa’s death.
September 2015
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Anniversary!
On Saturday, September 12th, we will celebrate a milestone in the history of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church –
the 50th Anniversary of the first Mass of the Jonesboro
Catholic Mission. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will preside at the 5PM Anniversary Mass, accompanied by our
Friars and invited priests (former Pastors and Parochial
Vicars). Many of our Founding and First Families will
also be present. Following the Mass, the Archbishop will
dedicate and bless our Parish Hall, which will now bear
the name, “Founders Hall”. Dedicated to the Founders
and First Families of our parish, this building will be a
permanent memorial to those whose vision, hard work,
sacrifices and faithfulness gave birth to our parish. A
reception will follow on the parish grounds, with plenty of
food, music and entertainment. We certainly hope that
you will join us for this joyful celebration.
I am happy to announce that our 50th Anniversary Pictorial Directory has arrived and is now ready for distribution. In addition to the photographs of our parish members, the Directory contains many, wonderful photos of
our parish’s history and growth. My sincere thanks go to
Sandi Lovett, one of our Administrative Assistants, for
her hard work in compiling and organizing all the photos
and historical information in the front of the Directory,
and to those who contributed to this project.
I am also happy to announce that our 50th Anniversary
Memorial Book has been completed and is being printed.
It will be available at the end of the month. This hardcover book was created, designed and written by Mia
Broder, a member of two of our Founding Families, the
Broders and the Lynbergs. She has done a wonderful
job and I am sure that you will be pleased with the results. This Memorial Book serves as a historical record
of the inception, founding and development of St. Philip
Benizi Church.
th
You may remember that one of the 50 Anniversary projects, approved by the Pastoral Council, was the creation
of a 50th Anniversary Memorial Garden. This garden,
which will be located between the St. John Paul II building and the Peace Garden, is in the planning stages.
The Memorial Garden Committee is finalizing the conceptual design of the garden and a landscape architect
will be chosen to create the drawings and blueprints.
Once those are complete, we will seek bids from landscape contractors.
The garden will be an “outdoor chapel”, where parishioners and visitors will find a quiet and beautiful place for
prayer and reflection. It will also have a permanent altar
and pulpit for occasional Masses like our Easter Sunday
Sunrise Mass. You will soon be hearing about our Memorial Brick Campaign which will offer the opportunity for
the purchase of memorial bricks, in memory of, or in
honor of loved ones. These bricks will be used in the
construction of the garden’s patio and pathways. Thank
you to JoAnn Mitchell-Stringer and Rosemary St.
Jacques (Co-chairs of the Memorial Garden Committee
and the Founders’ Plaque Committee) for their work on
these projects.
Our anniversary banners are up and provide us with a
colorful and festive, outdoor environment for our celebration. I am very grateful to Deacon Peter Swan for heading this project, and to those who have generously donated toward their purchase.
There are a number of Anniversary events on the
horizon. Please put them on your calendars:
Our Art Exhibit takes place on the weekend of September 26-27. Over thirty artists (all parishioners) will exhibit
more than 100 original works! How exciting is that?!
Our 50th Anniversary Concert will take place on Friday
evening, October 30, 2015. This concert will feature our
parish choral groups and musicians. We are blessed
with so much talent!
A 5K Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, January 9,
2016. This event will take place on the campus of Our
Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. More details will be
forthcoming.
Obviously, it takes many dedicated people to plan and
execute all of these activities and projects. I owe a debt
of gratitude to so many parishioners who are serving on
the various planning committees. Their leadership and
generous sharing of time and talent has been incredible.
Thank you to all of you!
I look forward to seeing you at our Jubilee Mass as we
celebrate 50 years of dedication, fidelity and love. Let us
continue to walk united as faithful disciples of Jesus
Christ!
Love and Peace!
Fr. John
St. Philip Benizi’s Franciscan Community Grows!
Brother Colton Rodgers, OFM Conv.
arrived at St. Philip Benizi Parish in early July and, while
waiting to begin his studies at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, acquainted himself with our Summer Religious Education Program and Vacation Bible School. When not involved in his studies throughout the
year, Br. Colton has agreed to offer some spiritual conferences for the Secular Franciscans who meet at
St. Philip’s and is interested in getting involved in St. Philip’s Youth Ministry.
Br. Colton was born on December 10, 1991 in Buffalo, NY, to John and Dawn Rodgers. He grew up with
his younger sister, Sydney, in the farming suburb of Elma, NY where he attended Annunciation Catholic
School from pre-school through eighth grade and was introduced to and brought up within the Catholic
faith. Having grown up as a practicing Methodist until the fourth grade, Br. Colton felt called to join the
Catholic tradition in order to follow what he would describe as his “first real call to religious life”. After
having been officially welcomed into the Church in the fourth grade, Br. Colton began to question and explore the mysterious
call to religious life, in which he had first felt drawn to previously, while as a Methodist.
Br. Colton graduated from the eighth grade and attended St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, NY, where he eventually
both met and was educated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. Through discernment, observation, and conversations with
the Friars, Br. Colton eventually made a commitment to join the Conventual Franciscans, following his senior year of High
School in 2010. He remarks that, “...it was the joyous charism, family dimension, and down-to-earth demeanor that the Friars
at the High School radiated, that would further assist me in deciding to join the Friars, following High School. Up until that
moment of clarity, I was discerning with the Trappist Order, Diocesan Priesthood of Buffalo, as well as with married life.”
Upon entering the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in the summer of 2010, Br. Colton was assigned to the Formation House
in Forestville, MD, a suburb of Washington, D.C. He completed his first year of studies at the Catholic University of America,
in Washington, D.C. and the following summer, was assigned to the Friary in Ellicott City, MD, to complete his second year of
Postulancy. Having completed his two years of Postulancy, Br. Colton then departed for his Novitiate year in Mishawaka, IN,
in the summer of 2012, later professing his Simple Vows in Libertyville, IL, on July 25, 2013.
Directly after his profession, Br. Colton was assigned to the Formation House in Silver Spring, MD, to continue his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the Catholic University of America, in the Religious Brotherhood vocation. After having
completed two more consecutive years of study there, Br. Colton was asked by his Provincial to resume studies at Oglethorpe
University in Atlanta, GA, in order that he may be present and live within the Franciscan community at St. Philip Benizi Parish
in Jonesboro, GA. Upon learning of his new assignment, Br. Colton states, “...it was with great joy and excitement that I accepted my Provincial’s proposal of this assignment. After having witnessed the generosity in which the parish of St. Philip’s
demonstrated during Fr. Gabriel Scasino’s Ordination in February 2015, I knew that I was going ‘home’. I am both happy and
overwhelmed with the kindness that is alive and present here, in Jonesboro, and am grateful to become a part of this allembracing family. I can only pray that I may further enhance and never detract from the parochial community that is present
here in Jonesboro.”
Br. Colton intends to pursue and obtain a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) Degree in Clinical Psychology, in order that he may
better serve the needs of individuals who are less fortunate, while also being a religious brother, committed to Christ’s call.
His hobbies include: golfing, gardening, snowboarding, reading and studying various authors and contributors to Psychology
and Spirituality (predominantly Freud, Erikson, Jung, Rogers, Nouwen, and Merton). Br. Colton enjoys visiting his parents,
sister, and grandmother in Buffalo from time to time, as well as hosting them on occasion in his new ‘home’.
Father Peter Tymko, OFM Conv.
was born on January 14, 1967 in Legnica, Poland. After graduation from High School in 1987, Fr. Peter joined the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and studied at the
Franciscan Seminary in Krakow. After the third grade, he was transferred to Czechoslovakia and continued his studies at St. Charles University of Prague. Fr. Peter was ordained to the Priesthood on February 12, 1994. He then continued his ministry as a Parochial Vicar, Pastor and Guardian at several places
in the Czech Republic (Opava, Brno, and Jihlava). In 2003, Fr. Peter went to Uganda and ministered for
three years as a Franciscan missionary in the newly opened mission in Kakooge. After that, he returned
to Poland and worked as a hospital Chaplain in Wroclaw, Poland, as well as a Director of the Pastoral
Center for English Speakers.
Fr. Peter arrived in the USA in 2008 and began his ministry in a Franciscan Parish, at St. Stanislaus Basilica in Chicopee, MA.
After two years of ministry in New England, he was transferred to Washington, D.C. and worked at The Catholic University of
America in Campus Ministry as an Associate Chaplain for Graduate and Law School Students. From September 2011 to July
2015, Fr. Peter served as Parochial Vicar at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin, IL. He was then assigned to St. Philip
Benizi Parish and is due to arrive on September 1, 2015 to begin his ministry as Parochial Vicar.
Welcome Fr. Peter and Br. Colton! We look forward to worshiping and serving with you
and pray that your ministries here are both fruitful and joy-filled!!
Nick’s Notes
By Nick Dragone, Director of Music & Liturgy
“Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wildflowers will come up where you are. You’ve been stony
for too many years. Try something different. Surrender.” This except is from a poem entitled, “A Necessary Autumn Inside
Each” by the Islamic, mystical poet Rumi. I first heard this poem as part of a plenum address given by Father Richard
Fragomeni at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Convention in July of 2015. The title of Fr. Fragomeni’s talk
was “Less Pomp, More Prayer”. He was addressing a room full of pastoral musicians, many of whom are “professional,
liturgical ministers”. His challenge was a shift in focus: rather than solely focus on the liturgy, focus on what is going on in it.
The Eucharistic Prayer, Fr. Fragomeni says, and more broadly, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is about praise and thanksgiving. In the dialogue that precedes the Canon and “formal Eucharistic Prayer”, we state that it is right and just that we gave
thanks to the Lord our God. The Presider stresses this by saying that “it is our duty and salvation, always and everywhere,
to give you thanks…” It is our DUTY and our SALVATION. We know and believe that our salvation has already been won
for us through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. It is our duty and our participation in
the salvation of Christ to give thanks to God for that gift.
What does it mean to give praise and thanksgiving? According to Fr. Fragomeni, “praise is to stand bedazzled by the gift of
God, by creation, by friends. Praise is a hyperbole by which we express our bedazzlement with the gifts of God as grace.
Thanksgiving is giving God the chance to ravish us by the gift. Thanksgiving is surrendering to grace. Giving thanks is
giving an open heart.” We are only able to recognize life, and all that it contains, as gift if we have an open heart.
The Eucharist offers us a disposition of character. In the remembering and calling forth of the Spirit in the Eucharist, we are
to learn how to behave, not just “at church”, but at every moment in life. Surrendering to grace isn’t really about giving up a
of couple hours on Sunday to “go to church”. Rather, it is truly about opening our hearts, hands, and minds to the gift of
God and sharing those gifts, ours and God’s, with each other.
We confirm our willingness to live in praise and thanksgiving in the act of eating and drinking. Eating and drinking are fundamental activities of creation. Every living thing, plant and animal, in some way is nourished. At the core, eating and
drinking is a survival activity. We eat and drink to stay alive. We eat and drink so that we have nourishment and energy to
grow and be healthy and productive. Eating and drinking the Body and Blood of Christ is not a ceremonial symbol. It is the
repeatable Sacrament of Initiation. Each time we eat and drink, we confirm anew our baptismal vows. Fr. Fragomeni says
this: “We eat so that we might die before we die; so that when we die, there’s not much left of us to die; so that we could
truly live in praise and thanksgiving.” In other words, our eating and drinking of the Body and Blood of Christ is indicative of
our willingness to surrender our lives and rise anew in Christ. Then we are charged with the task to go out and glorify the
Lord with our lives. How do we do that? Fr. Fragomeni offered four simple ways to live in praise and thanksgiving:
1. Life is beautiful…you suffer a lot.
2. You gotta learn to forgive and forgive and forgive.
3. Never lose hope.
4. Life is beautiful.
“Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wildflowers will come up where you are. You’ve been stony
for too many years. Try something different. Surrender.”
Parish Pastoral Council Update
Parish Pastoral Plan
Over the next few months, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will take up the task of reflecting on our Parish Survey results,
studying the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan, and creating a Pastoral Plan for St. Philip Benizi Parish that will integrate
Archbishop Gregory’s recommendations into our plan and sustain our parish tradition of “50 years of service to God and
neighbor”. If you have any ideas that you would like the PPC to consider as we draft the Pastoral Plan, please contact Bob
Oertel by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: (770) 228-3050.
Golden Jubilee Events
As you know, on September 12, 2015, St. Philip Benizi Parish will celebrate its Golden Anniversary during the 5:00PM Mass.
What you might not be aware of, however, is that the parish is planning several, special events to celebrate its 50 th – both before and after September 12th. Please be on the lookout for special announcements or flyers in the weekly Bulletin and/or
articles in the monthly Be-News-Zi, so that you don’t miss a “golden” opportunity to join your fellow parishioners in joyful celebration of this most special occasion.
Member of the Month
Our Pastoral Council contact for September is Kathy Randall. You may contact her by telephone: (770) 389-4581 or e-mail:
[email protected].
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Registrations are now being accepted for
Religious Education Classes!
Weekly sessions begin on Wednesday, September 16 for
all children (ages 4 years old through 5th grade). Our
monthly Family Program begins Sunday, September 13th
(in Spanish) and Sunday, September 20 (in English) for
families with children in Pre-K – Middle School. The Youth
Group Kick-off is August 30th.
Classes are offered on:
Sundays, 10:15AM – 12:00 Noon
(4 year olds – Middle School)
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:45PM (4 year olds – 5th grade)
Sundays, 3:00 – 4:30PM (Middle School Youth)
Sundays, 6:30 – 8:00PM (High School Youth)
Register in the Religious Education Office, Monday–
Friday, 9AM – 2PM, or online at: www.stphilipbenizi.org.
Catechist/Aide positions are still available!
On Wednesdays, Catechists teach a lesson which is already prepared in an easy-to-follow manual. Aides assist
the Catechist in the classroom. These weekly classes are
held on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45PM. Or, if you prefer,
join the team on Sundays and help once a month from
10:15AM-12:00 Noon, September-May.
Don’t have much time but want to help? Volunteer as a
Substitute! You’ll be contacted when a Catechist or Aide
is out of town or sick and unable to be present for their
class. Generally, the Aide will teach when the Catechist is
absent and the Substitute will assist the Aide.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, held in July, was a
great success once again, thanks to our amazing volunteers... 52 in all! Our appreciation is also extended to the
many families who donated snacks and supplies to VBS.
During VBS, children learned how to “Conquer Challenges
with God’s Mighty Power” through Bible stories, skits and
discussions with their Crew leaders. The children visited
several stations each day which featured a different activity that reinforced what the children were learning about
God. Beginning with “Base Camp”, the leader introduced
the Bible point and Scripture of the day, followed by worship & praise music.
The activities offered throughout the day included “Bible
Expeditions” where the children experienced the daily Bible story as it was acted out. In “Imagination Station”, they
dove into exciting experiments that connected to the day’s
Bible story and point. As “Mountaintop Treats” were
served, the Crew leaders guided the children in discussing
the Bible point and Scripture of the day. The daily Bible
verse was reinforced as they watched and discussed the
inspiring, true story featured each day in “KidVid Cinema”.
In the “Glacier Games” station, the children played games
that connected with the daily Bible point. For example, a
game called “Hold On” helped them remember that God
will never let go of them.
The children at VBS also learned about the work that
Catholic Relief Services is doing to help parents in Nepal
receive fair wages and support their families. Donations
were collected during the week to assist the efforts of Fair
Trade. (Photos at right by Susan Douglas)
SUMMER PROGRAM
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) Religious Education Office
Assistants are also needed.
To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Eileen Powell at (770) 478-0178, Ext. 113 or by e-mail:
[email protected].
First Reconciliation & First Communion
If your child is in 2nd grade or older,
has been regularly attending Religious Education classes (weekly on
Wednesdays, or the 2 week Summer Program, or the monthly Sunday Family Program) and has not
yet received First Communion, it is
important to complete your Religious
Education registration as soon as
possible. All registrations should be received prior to the
first session which will be held on Saturday, October 10th
at 9:15AM. A copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate is
also required.
This June, our Summer Program saw the largest numbers
since we began offering this Religious Education option 3
years ago.
Due to changes in family life, weekend and after-school
activities, it has been challenging for families to attend Religious Education classes scheduled during the school
year. Our Summer Program gives them an option.
The typical September–May Program totals 30 hours. The
two-week Summer Program is held three hours a day for
two weeks, also totaling 30 hours. Students attending the
Summer Program receive credit for a full year of Religious
Education.
Many, many thanks go to our Summer Program Catechists; Prayer, Music, Snack, Activity Leaders and Assistants who shared their time and talent, and most importantly, their faith with the children of our parish. God bless
you all!
Vacation Bible School
VBS was a fun time for all the children
who attended, as well as the volunteers
who assisted. Pictured right: VBS Director Eileen Powell and Youth Minister
Susan Baker (who livened up each morning with songs and dance moves that the
children quickly learned and enjoyed).
After gathering in the Parish Hall, the
children were divided into small groups.
Each day, the children
participated in some very
interesting experiments!
Many, many thanks to all
the adult and teen volunteers and Staff who
made VBS so enjoyable
for the children.
Your generosity of time
and talent is greatly
appreciated!
God bless you all!
SPB’s Back to School Carnival
On Tuesday, July 14th, 156 children of families from St. Philip Benizi Parish, St. Vincent de Paul, and Riverwood Townhouses
communities received school supplies during the 4th Annual “Back to School Carnival”. Volunteers led games and served
food that were enjoyed by all. Sixteen $20 gift certificates were awarded to help parents with the purchase of school uniforms.
During the event, some of the parents requested prayers for their families. Please take time to read their prayer requests below and lift up their needs and concerns. The Social Justice Committee is grateful for the school supplies our parishioners
donated and for all who volunteered to make the “Back to School Carnival” a success. This event is rooted in the Catholic
Social Teachings of “Call to Family, Community, and Participation”, “Rights and Responsibilities”, and “Option for the Poor
and Vulnerable”. (Photos by Susan Douglas)
Parent Prayer Requests:







Please pray for finance blessing for my family, health, well-being for the world and that peace comes to the world.
For closeness and property for myself.
To let me continue this journey and to draw closer to the Lord and the Gospel DAILY!
I need prayers for my family to be able to pay for our power bill.
I need prayer request to help me pay my light bill. I have two boys. Pray for them.
Pray for my cousin who thinks there is no hope for him in the world.
I need a prayer for my family and everybody and me with my high blood pressure.
Parishioners Enjoy Typical Honduran Breakfast
¡Delicioso! Yummy! What a great way to start your day on a beautiful Sunday! Not only was the food delicious and the day
glorious with sunshine, but the smiling faces of our parishioners warmed our hearts as they came to support the Santa Ana
Sister-Parish Committee Honduran Breakfast. We thank you all for joining us in the Parish Hall on July 26th after the Sunday morning Masses. Breakfast was served until 2:30PM. Entire families came to sit and share the typical Honduran meal
that was prepared by Committee members, while others did “take out” to enjoy later. We enjoyed cooking for you and engaging you in conversation about our beautiful relationship with our Sister-Parish, Santa Ana, as well as the success of the Manos
Franciscanas (Franciscan Hands) School Program. !Mil gracias! (…a thousand thanks!) Stay tuned for exciting information in
the Parish Bulletin about our next Mission Trip in June 2016. “Jubilee, Jubilation, Juntos Con (Together With) Santa Ana”
(~The Santa Ana Committee—Photos by Susan Douglas)
Angels of Mercy Health Fair
Submitted by Cecile Bregman
On Sunday, August 2nd, the Angels of Mercy Ministry held its annual Health Fair at St. Philip Benizi Parish and served 134
people. All services offered were free of charge. The services included: BMI with education on healthy diet, exercise and
lifestyle; Blood Pressure checks, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol checks with education on stroke, diabetes and hypertension.
Depression and Anxiety screening, Hearing and Vision screening, and Bone Density screening were also provided, along with
education and treatment recommendations. Most of the materials were offered for free because of the Ministry’s continuing
partnership with Wellstar Hospital System. This year, we’re very thankful that Atlanta Heart Associates provided cardiac tests,
EKG and ABI (ankle brachial index).
This Health Fair was made possible by the participation of 36 volunteers from our parish and 5 non-parishioner volunteers;
with the Executive Committee members providing the leadership and organization of the event. God has so blessed our Ministry with resources and committed members that we’ve been able to extend our services to other parishes in South Metro
Atlanta as well, including: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Our Lady of Vietnam Catholic Church, Victorious Life
Church of God (non- denominational) and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. (Photos by Yone Daly & Susan Douglas)
Left: Before
opening the
doors to the
Health Fair,
Angels of
Mercy members and volunteers began
the morning
with prayer.
Each participant filled out a registration form, on which was recorded the results of each medical service. They
were then directed to the various stations that were set up in the Parish Hall or the JPII Building. This was a
wonderful opportunity for many to be evaluated. When necessary, recommendations were made to schedule an
appointment with their regular doctor.
The very popular Health
Fair was held from
8:30AM-1:00PM that
Sunday, but went into
“overtime” as parishioners continued to file into
the Parish Hall.
If you missed it, be sure
to join us next time!
Heartfelt thanks go to all
the members of the
Angels of Mercy Ministry
and volunteers. You
provide an invaluable
service to our parish.
May you be greatly
blessed for your
generosity and care!
Mary: Our Lady of Divine Providence
and Patroness Saint of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
The Patroness of Puerto Rico, called Our Lady of Divine Providence, is venerated by religious orders and laity alike. Her portrait depicts the beautiful Blessed Virgin Mary, holding the child Jesus,
who sleeps peacefully in her arms. Her feast is celebrated in Puerto Rico on November 19 th, the
date which also commemorates Christopher Columbus’ discovery of Puerto Rico.
Credited with introducing the devotion to the island is Msgr. Gil Tomas, a native Catalonian, appointed to Puerto Rico in the early 1850’s. In Puerto Rico, he sensed that the Church was in disarray and in need of a Patron Saint. It was then that Msgr. Tomas introduced the devotion to Our
Lady of Divine Providence. The devotion to Our Lady first originated in Italy during the 13 th century. It was later introduced to Spain where it has remained a very popular devotion. His Holy
Father, Pope Paul VI, made the decision to merge the discovery holiday and the Solemnity of
Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, as the commemorated date on November 19.
This year marks the 26th celebration of Our Lady of Divine Providence at St. Philip Benizi Parish. The Mass will be celebrated
on November 15th during the 12:30PM Spanish Mass. All are welcome to attend and enjoy this beautiful celebration. There will
be a gathering at the Parish Hall following the Mass. We will celebrate with food, songs, and dances, typical to the island of
Puerto Rico. If you would like to participate in the preparation and/or join the Committee of Our Lady of Divine Providence,
please contact Olga Bonilla by phone: (770) 461-1273 or by e-mail: [email protected].
María: Nuestra Señora De La Divina Providencia
y Santa Patrona del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico
La patrona de Puerto Rico, llamada Nuestra Señora De La Divina Providencia, es venerada por orden
religiosa y laicos. Su cuadro representa la belleza y la santidad de la Virgen María con el niño Jesús
que duerme plácidamente en sus brazos. Su festividad se celebra en Puerto Rico el 19 de noviembre
como fecha también en que se conmemora el descubrimiento de Puerto Rico por el gran navegante Cristóbal Colon.
Acreditado con la introducción de esta devoción a la isla es el Monseñor Gil Tomas, un religioso de origen catalán, designado
a Puerto Rico a principios de los 1850. Durante su tiempo en Puerto Rico, sentía que la iglesia estaba en desorden, y que
había necesidad de nombrar una santa patrona. Fue entonces cuando el Monseñor Tomas declara la devoción de Nuestra
Señora De La Divina Providencia en Puerto Rico. La devoción a la Virgen De La Providencia se origina por primera vez en
Italia durante el siglo 13. Luego, la devoción es trasladada a España, donde por siglos la devoción ha mantenido gran popularidad. Su Santo Padre, el Papa Paulo VI, tomo la iniciativa de unir la fecha conmemorativa del descubrimiento de Puerto Rico,
con la fiesta de la solemnidad de María, Nuestra Señora De La Divina Providencia, el día 19 de noviembre.
Este año marca el 26to aniversario de la celebración en nuestra iglesia, Saint Philip Benizi. La misa será celebrada el domingo, 15 de noviembre a las 12:30PM. Todos están cordialmente invitados a participar de la misma y disfrutar de la celebración.
Luego de la misa, nos reuniremos en el salón parroquial para disfrutar de riquísimos platos Puertorriqueños. Además, habrá
música y baile para un compartir boricua. Si desea participar en la preparación, ayudar y/o unirse a nuestro comité de Nuestra
Señora De La Divina Providencia, favor de comunicarse con Olga Bonilla por teléfono: (770) 461-1273 o por medio de correo
electrónico: [email protected].
Respect Life Ministry
Parishioners are invited to support the work of the Pregnancy Aid Clinic in Hapeville during An Evening for Life on September 24, 2015 at 7:00PM. The dinner will be hosted by the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta. St. Philip Benizi parishioners
have been supportive of the Hapeville Clinic over the years. If you would like additional information, contact Gina Smeal at
(404) 763-4357.
LIFE CHAIN PRAYER VIGIL: Sunday, October 5th from 3:00-4:00PM on North Main Street and Mill Street in Jonesboro.
Join us to pray for an end to abortion, to pray for women dealing with difficult pregnancies and for the hearts of our national
leaders to be changed, so that they will pass legislation that protects the unborn.
The Pregnancy Care Center in Jonesboro will celebrate 30 years of ministry at their Celebrate Life event on Tuesday, October 6th at 6:45PM at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, located on Church Street. There is no fee to attend the keynote presentation by Dr. Alveda King; however, an offering will be taken to benefit the Center. For guests wishing to attend a “meet and
greet” light hors d’oeuvres reception that begins at 6:00PM, the cost is a $50.00 donation per couple, which includes a photo
opportunity with Dr. Alveda King and Babbie Mason. Reservations are required for the reception. Call (770) 477-1501 or email: [email protected].
Cursillo News!
Dear Cursillistas,
On July 18, 2015, Bishop Luis Zarama concelebrated
Mass with Fr. Steve Yander, priests and deacons from
many parishes, including our own Deacon Greg Pecore,
for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Atlanta Catholic Cursillo Movement. He preached about the joy and
faith that Cursillistas have experienced, and encouraged
us to share them with everyone around us, as well as to
invite them to the program, instead of keeping it a secret.
The cheerful English, Spanish and Vietnamese Cursillistas all had a wonderful time, praising God and enjoying a
delicious potluck dinner! Below are the photos of the
Cursillistas from St. Philip Benizi parish.
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy
go out to the family of:
 Barbara Blaisdell, mother of Brian Blaisdell
 Robert A. Meridy, husband of Simeona Meridy
 Ann Brown, sister of Mary Lynberg
 Francisco Rodriguez, father of Deacon Etienne
Rodriguez
 Estrella Principe, sister of Editha Campomanes
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
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
Do you know that Pope Francis met with Cursillo leaders at
III European Ultreya in Rome on April 30, 2015, to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Movement in Italy? Here is an
excerpt from his homily: “You are called – you yourselves
did not make a choice; no, you were called, and you were
called – to bear the fruit of the charism that the Lord has
confided to you and that is at the heart of the Cursillo Movement…. Your challenge is to go forward and to take the
good news with you: God lives in us, God is in us. This is
the grace! To help men and women today to discover the
beauty of faith and of a life of grace.”
Visit: http://www.natl-cursillo.org/resources/popefrancis.pdf
to read the entire, transcribed text of Pope Francis’ speech.
Parish Website:
www.stphilipbenizi.org
Deadline: All articles submitted for publication in the
Be-News-Zi must be received in writing (preferably
th
typed) or via e-mail, by the 5 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]