st lucy catholic church - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T11:38:16Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/st+lucy+catholic+churchReligion Notes: How to help victims of war in Middle Easthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-how-to-help-victims-of-war-in-middle-east2023-10-31T16:13:22.000Z2023-10-31T16:13:22.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280819076,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280819076,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280819076?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>The Rev. D. Brian Horgan of St. Lucy Catholic Church and Steven Moss, rabbi to Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County in Delray Beach, united for a prayer vigil on Oct. 12 at St. Lucy in Highland Beach. <strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star </strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>When Americans see something, they want to do something, especially when innocent children are involved. </p>
<p>Our first inclination is to donate cash, but how do we get the money to the people who really need it?</p>
<p>Locally, we can support rabbis like Ruvi New of Boca Beach Chabad, who joined a mission with other Chabad rabbis from across the United States to travel to Israel and bring supplies. <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280820489,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280820489,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="204" alt="12280820489?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p>
<p>“We will visit soldiers in the army, wounded in the hospitals, families in mourning. Our goal is to inspire and uplift. To send a message to Israelis that we in the diaspora stand with them,” New wrote on Chabad’s website last month.</p>
<p>The group planned to “distribute funds to families in need” and offer “programs to help soldiers and victims of terror.” </p>
<p>Chabad’s network of local groups communicates directly with friends and family in Israel. That allows congregations like Rabbi Shmuli Biston’s Chabad East Delray to fulfill specific needs for medical supplies, food or clothing. Biston said it doesn’t matter what you give but that you give freely. </p>
<p>Do those pronouncements of people standing in solidarity help? Yes, Biston says, you’re not wasting your time. The Jewish community wants and needs your support. “It’s very meaningful to hear that others share our grief,” he said. </p>
<p>But what about the Christians and Muslims who live in Gaza? How do we support innocent children? What about the children of Hamas? Is it right to leave them to die for the sins of their fathers? </p>
<p>Almost everyone condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel. But what about the Palestinians who have been trying to scratch out a life in the barricaded Gaza Strip for decades? Now they’re collateral damage in a conflict that cannot be won. So how do we help them? </p>
<p>“The sad thing is the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza is killing civilians, not soldiers,” said Mahmoud Elghewisky, the executive director of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton. </p>
<p>It’s just one of the contradictions he sees. “Why are Ukrainians who are fighting for their homes seen as freedom fighters, but Palestinians are seen as terrorists?” he asks.</p>
<p>The border choke-holds by government troops, both Israeli and Egyptian in the South, are preventing sufficient aid from reaching the people.</p>
<p>The military argues that any aid sent into Gaza for women, children and the elderly will be stolen by Hamas to support its fighters. The Israeli military wants the citizens to evacuate. But they’re too poor to leave and too afraid to venture out. A slow death by starvation or for lack of medical care is all the future they can see. </p>
<p>Whomever you want to help, money is the quickest and easiest way of showing support.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Where to help locally</span> <br /><strong>Rabbi New, Chabad Boca Beaches.</strong> Support Rabbi New here: <a href="http://www.chabadbocabeaches.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6130621/jewish/Help-Israel.htm">www.chabadbocabeaches.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6130621/jewish/Help-Israel.htm</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Israel Emergency Fund:</strong> <a href="http://www.jewishboca.org/israel-at-war-donations">www.jewishboca.org/israel-at-war-donations</a>. If you have any questions or concerns about your donation, contact Marc Fishman at marcf@bocafed.org or call 561-852-3169.</p>
<p><strong>The Islamic Center of Boca Raton:</strong> The Islamic Center is hosting an open house Dec. 1 for anyone who has questions about Islam. The center is at 3480 NW Fifth Ave. 561-395-7221 or <a href="http://www.icbr.org">www.icbr.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Other charities to consider</span><br />NPR.org and Fortune.com vetted a list of reliable charities and organizations that include: </p>
<p><strong>Anera: </strong>It addresses the development and relief needs of refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Jordan. It’s working to provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians and residents of East Jerusalem. It received a 92% score on Charity Navigator, a nonprofit that evaluates other nonprofits. <a href="http://www.anera.org">www.anera.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Doctors Without Borders:</strong> This international group brings emergency medical care where it’s most needed. DWB received a 98% score from Charity Navigator. <a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org">www.doctorswithoutborders.org</a></p>
<p>I<strong>nternational Committee of the Red Cross:</strong> ICRC partners with chapters of the Red Cross and Red Crescent so its neutral workers can visit detainees in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. <a href="http://www.icrc.org">www.icrc.org</a> </p>
<p><strong>International Rescue Committee:</strong> It works in more than 40 countries to help people affected by humanitarian crises, in the short and long term. Regarding Gaza, the organization says it is “assessing needs on the ground and our capacity to ensure critical, life-saving humanitarian relief reaches affected civilian populations.” Its Charity Navigator score is 91%. <a href="http://www.rescue.org">www.rescue.org</a> </p>
<p><strong>IsraAID:</strong> This global NGO, based in Tel Aviv, claims it is housing evacuees from Gaza, operating child-friendly spaces where kids can play and process, and distributing resilience kits to families. Its Charity Navigator score is 95%. <a href="http://www.israaid.org">www.israaid.org</a> </p>
<p><strong>American Friends of Magen David Adom:</strong> This is Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service — the equivalent of a Red Cross. It says donations will be used to make sure responders and volunteers have all the training, equipment and medical supplies (including blood) to treat injured people. Charity Navigator: 100%. <a href="http://www.afmda.org">www.afmda.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Medical Aid for Palestinians:</strong> This group is responding to the emergency in Gaza by providing essential drugs, disposables and other health care supplies to hospitals struggling to cope with an influx of serious injuries. <a href="http://www.map.org.uk">www.map.org.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>Islamic Relief USA: Middle East/Palestine:</strong> In addition to calling for a cease-fire, the IRUSA says, “All parties have a duty to protect civilians from harm, avoid targeting civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and humanitarian facilities, and ensure that civilians have access to basic necessities such as water, food and power.” <a href="http://www.irusa.org/middle-east/palestine">www.irusa.org/middle-east/palestine</a></p>
<p><strong>Middle East Children’s Alliance:</strong> This nonprofit dedicated to children’s rights in the Middle East supports dozens of communities with Palestinian children. It is procuring medical supplies for hospitals as well as providing emergency assistance to families who have fled their homes. Its Charity Navigator score is 100%. <a href="http://www.mecaforpeace.org">www.mecaforpeace.org</a> </p>
<p><strong>Palestine Children’s Relief Fund:</strong> PCRF provides medical and humanitarian relief to Arab children, regardless of nationality or religion, and has had a presence in Gaza for 30 years. Its donations provide access to medical care, mental health support and essential supplies for kids in Gaza. Its Charity Navigator score is 97%. <a href="http://www.pcrf.net">www.pcrf.net</a></p>
<p><strong>Palestine Red Crescent Society:</strong> PRCS was founded in 1968 as a humanitarian organization that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It provides hospital, emergency medicine and ambulance services, and primary health care centers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. <a href="http://www.palestinercs.org/en">www.palestinercs.org/en</a></p>
<p><strong>Save the Children:</strong> This NGO, founded after World War I, is committed to protecting and assisting children in Gaza and Israel and working to renegotiate humanitarian corridors. It received a 97% score from Charity Navigator. <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org">www.savethechildren.org</a></p>
<p><strong>UNICEF:</strong> Established by the UN after World War II, UNICEF says it has staff in Gaza delivering support. UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator. <a href="http://www.unicefusa.org">www.unicefusa.org</a> </p>
<p><strong>UNRWA:</strong> The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established by the UN to provide direct relief programs for Palestinian refugees. Since Oct. 7, it claims that more than 270,000 refugees have populated its shelters. <a href="http://www.unrwa.org">www.unrwa.org</a></p>
<p><strong>The Carter Center</strong>, founded by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University has been promoting peace and a viable two-state Israel-Palestine solution since 1982. <a href="http://www.cartercenter.org">www.cartercenter.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Zakat Foundation of America:</strong> Founded in 2001, it is dedicated to alleviating the immediate needs of the poorest communities by providing food, shelter, health care and delivering emergency relief. Charity Navigator score: 100%. <a href="http://www.zakat.org">www.zakat.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Life for Relief and Development:</strong> This global organization dedicates itself to alleviating human suffering around the world regardless of race, color, religion, or cultural background. It was founded in 1992 by Arab American professionals in response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Iraq as a result of the 1990-91 Gulf War conflict. <a href="http://www.lifeusa.org">www.lifeusa.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Islamic Relief USA:</strong> It provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Organized in 1993 in California. <a href="http://www.irusa.org">www.irusa.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Mercy-USA for Aid and Development:</strong> This group is dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting individuals and their communities in their efforts to become more self-sufficient. Mercy-USA’s projects focus on improving health, nutrition and access to safe water, as well as promoting economic and educational growth and providing disaster relief around the world. <a href="http://www.mercyusa.org">www.mercyusa.org</a> </p></div>Religion Notes: CROS Ministries, First Presbyterian pitch in to combat hungerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-cros-ministries-first-presbyterian-pitch-in-to-com2023-08-29T15:23:48.000Z2023-08-29T15:23:48.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213422289,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213422289,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12213422289?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>The Hustle to End Hunger 5K, sponsored by CROS Ministries, is Oct. 7. <strong>ABOVE:</strong> The 2022 preparations. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>No matter how well the economy does, hunger does not go away. </p>
<p>According to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, nearly 160,000 people in our wealthy county are food-insecure. That means they’re not getting adequate nutrition. That means they’re hungry. And more than 50,000 of those people are kids younger than 18. </p>
<p>You can help. </p>
<p><strong>CROS Ministries</strong>’ annual Hustle to End Hunger 5K takes place at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at John Prince Park, 2700 Sixth Ave. S., in Lake Worth Beach. All of the proceeds benefit CROS Ministries, which has served the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin counties for 45 years.</p>
<p>Its food pantries, the gleaning food-recovery program, its Caring Kitchen hot meal program and summer camp for children from families with low incomes are just some of the programs that help our neighbors. </p>
<p>Registration for the Hustle is $40 per person until Sept. 6, then it’s $45. An untimed walk option and a virtual option are available. Register at <a href="http://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/FL/LakeWorth/Hustle2EndHunger5K">www.adventuresignup.com/Race/FL/LakeWorth/Hustle2EndHunger5K</a>. </p>
<p>CROS Ministries is also looking for volunteers for the Delray Beach Pantry/Neighborhood Resource Center at 141 SW 12th Ave. Volunteers are needed to check in clients on a computer and to pack bags of food weighing 25 pounds. Training is provided.</p>
<p>Contact Juanita Goode at jgoode@crosministries.org or 561-699-5113. </p>
<p><em>To contact CROS Ministries, call 561-233-9009 or visit <a href="http://www.crosministries.org">www.crosministries.org</a></em></p>
<p><strong>First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach</strong>’s Pennies from Heaven program has been fighting hunger 1 cent at a time since 2012. Lately, the organizers say, they’ve noticed that many families are experiencing food insecurity for the first time. </p>
<p>Rising costs for housing and insurance, water and electricity — and just about everything else — are taking a toll even on middle-class families earning decent wages.</p>
<p>According to the United Way of Palm Beach County, hunger is happening behind the closed doors of nice houses with nice cars in the driveway.</p>
<p>First Presbyterian began asking its parishioners to collect 5 cents for each meal eaten during the month and to donate that money to Pennies from Heaven on the last Sunday. The money collected goes directly to funding food programs in the community and supporting members of the congregation experiencing hard times. </p>
<p>In those 11 years, from the beginning of 2012 through 2022, the church collected more than $58,000. During the early pandemic, it took a break and collected only $2,500 for 2020 and 2021 combined. But in 2023, the church has already collected nearly $4,000. </p>
<p>This is an easy, painless way to help your neighbors, participants say. </p>
<p>Consider putting aside a few pennies and donating them to First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, to your own church, to the charity of your choice or the Palm Beach County Food Bank. </p>
<p><em>First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St. <a href="https://firstdelray.com/">https://firstdelray.com/</a> or 561-276-6338.</em></p>
<p><em>Contact the Palm Beach County Food Bank at 561-670-2518 or <a href="http://www.pbcfoodbank.org">www.pbcfoodbank.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Shana Tovah! (Have a sweet year!)</span><br /> September is an important month for Judaism with both Rosh Hashanah (the new year) and Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) being celebrated. These highest of the High Holidays are marked with services at local temples, chabads and synagogues. </p>
<p>The celebratory Rosh Hashanah begins Sept. 15, and the solemn Yom Kippur begins Sept. 24. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which is the holiest day of the year, are called the Days of Awe and are supposed to be a time for candid self-reflection. </p>
<p>The High Holidays’ themes of forgiveness and repentance mark a time of healing, fasting and breaking the fast with special meals and prayers. </p>
<p>Shmuel Biston of Chabad of East Delray says this is the perfect time to both ask for forgiveness and freely forgive others. It’s a time to evaluate ourselves as spiritual people, to look back over the year and ask how we did — not at earning money but in a spiritual sense. </p>
<p>These subjects are the focal point of the holiday worship services, including Rabbi Barry Silver’s “alternative to the traditional High Holy Day services.” </p>
<p>Silver, who has served Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor in Palm Beach County since 1996, founded “Cosmic Judaism,” which he calls “a wonderful new phase of religious evolution, guided by the prophets of old and the science of today.” </p>
<p>Based on the teachings of great Jewish and scientific thinkers and carrying on the traditions of his father, Rabbi Sam Silver, Barry Silver promotes interfaith harmony and “rational Judaism.”</p>
<p>They revere the Albert Einstein’s quote, “Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind,” which is at the core of Cosmic Judaism. Silver claims Cosmic Judaism will “replace walls of ignorance, conflict and hate with bridges of reason, understanding and love.”</p>
<p>Silver will lead his congregation’s High Holiday services at the Movies of Delray, 7421 W. Atlantic Ave. Tickets are $95, free for children younger than 18, available online at <a href="http://www.ldorvador.org">www.ldorvador.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>For more information about Cosmic Judaism, visit <a href="http://www.rabbibarrysilver.com/rabbi-barry-s-writings/cosmic-judaism">www.rabbibarrysilver.com/rabbi-barry-s-writings/cosmic-judaism</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Volunteers needed for Diocesan Convention</span><br /> St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Delray Beach is looking for volunteers to help with the Diocesan Convention 2023 on Oct. 27-28 at the Chapel of Saint Andrew in Boca Raton.</p>
<p>More than 40 volunteers are needed for the registration desk, to be ushers and servers and fill several other jobs. If you can help, contact Father Paul Kane at revpaul@stpaulsdelray.org.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Knights of Columbus retreat set at St. Lucy</span><br /> Father Brian Horgan and St. Lucy Catholic Church welcome the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, on Sept. 23 for the St. Padre Pio Retreat.</p>
<p>The Knights of Columbus, with more than 1.6 million members worldwide, is dedicated to charity above all else. The more members it has, the more good deeds it can do, so the Knights of Columbus is always looking for members. </p>
<p><em>Tickets are $25 and include breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit <a href="https://kofc17215.org">https://kofc17215.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Cason will shred your papers in fundraiser</span> <br /> Get ready for a new year by getting rid of those old papers! </p>
<p>Cason United Methodist Church is holding a Shred-a-Thon 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 4. The Red Shredder team accepts all kinds of papers and folders, but no boxes, cardboard, X-rays, food, newspaper, glass, magazines, plastic, dark-colored folders, metal objects or equipment. It’s $5 per “bankers box” size or $10 for a bag. Cash is preferred. Credit cards require a $25 minimum. For more information, call Tricia Schmidt at 561-788-2822. Cason is at 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. The Shred-a-Thon will be in the church parking lot.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Coffee and conversation after Ascension’s Masses</span><br /> The Holy Grounds Cafe in the Family Center at Ascension Catholic Church is open after the Sunday Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. The cafe serves fresh-brewed coffee and donuts from Dandee Donuts. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. If you’d rather serve coffee, volunteers are also needed. Ascension Catholic is at 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. 561-997-5486 or <a href="https://ascensionboca.org">https://ascensionboca.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Religion Notes: First Presbyterian to welcome noted author as guest preacher, speakerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-first-presbyterian-to-welcome-noted-author-as-gues2023-02-28T21:13:26.000Z2023-02-28T21:13:26.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>Dr. Michael B. Brown is scheduled to be guest preacher at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach the morning of March 19.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967262,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967262,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="101" alt="10977967262?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Then at 4 p.m., he’ll be joined by Rob Tanner to speak again on “Can Retirement Be Purposeful?” <br />Brown is an author (<em>A Five-Mile Walk</em>, <em>Bottom Line Beliefs</em> and T<em>he Love Principle: Daily Practices for a Loving & Purposeful Life</em>), motivational speaker, adjunct professor, and the senior minister at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, America’s oldest existing Protestant congregation. <br />He is known for his “practical positivity” message and he’ll offer tips on mapping the retirement landscape.<br /> The discussion will take place in the conference room on the second floor of the Center for Christian Studies. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested. Call Nancy Fine at 561-276-6338, ext. 10, or email nancyfine@firstdelray.com.<br /> First Presbyterian Church is at 33 Gleason St.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Cason to celebrate 120th anniversary</span><br /> Cason United Methodist Church celebrates its 120th anniversary at 11 a.m. March 19, with a special service that mirrors the 1969 dedication service of Cason’s campus at the corner of Swinton Avenue and Lake Ida Road in Delray Beach. <br />Following the service, a catered lunch is planned on the grounds of the church. Tickets for the luncheon are $30, and reservations are required. Tables are available for $275.<br />Call 561-276-5302. Cason is at 342 N. Swinton Ave.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">B’nai Torah concert series to wrap up with two shows</span><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967467,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967467,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="103" alt="10977967467?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>The B’nai Torah Congregation 2023 Concert Series finishes with two shows in March.<br /> Cantor Azi Schwartz performs March 15. Schwartz is the senior cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York and is known for his spiritually uplifting performances.<br /> Cantor Magda Fishman performs March 22. The final concert of the season features Fishman with award-winning composer, pianist and music producer Maestro Tomer Adaddi.<br /> Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. The shows will also be available virtually. Tickets start at $25 at <a href="http://www.btcboca.org/CS">www.btcboca.org/CS</a>. For more information, call 561-392-8566.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967863,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977967863,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10977967863?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Margaret Swinchoski (l-r), Donald Mokrynski and Ron Levy. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Music at St. Paul’s trio to celebrate spring</span><br /> Celebrate “Spring is in the Air” with the Palisade Virtuosi at 3 p.m. March 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Delray Beach. The program will feature works for flute, clarinet and piano performed by the Bergen County, New Jersey-based ensemble Palisade Virtuosi. <br /> The founders are three friends — Margaret Swinchoski, flute, Donald Mokrynski, clarinet, and Ron Levy, piano — who had successful solo careers but enjoy playing in an ensemble. <br /> They must. They’ve been together for 20 years. <br /> Music at St. Paul’s concerts take place at the church at 188 S. Swinton Ave.<br /> A $20 donation at the door is suggested. Admission is free for guests aged 18 and younger.<br /> Other upcoming concerts are the Lynn University Chamber Music Competition finalists (April 16); “Four for Four,” featuring the Delray String Quartet (May 7); and “The Sound of Heaven,” music for organ, harp and violin, with David Macfarlane, Kay Kemper and Valentin Mansurov (May 21).<br /> Call 561-278-6003 or visit <a href="http://www.musicstpauls.org">www.musicstpauls.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca Raton seniors to celebrate b’nai mitzvah</span><br />Seniors in Boca Raton are preparing for their b’nai mitzvah, 70 years later. Nearly 80 people make up the new Eight-Three Club at B’nai Torah Congregation, and 20 members will be called to the bimah on March 25. Some will read from the Torah and others will carry the Torah, open the ark or read the prayer for peace. <br />It’s customary to celebrate an 83rd birthday with a second b’nai mitzvah as a sign of gratitude for living a long life. But some 83-year-olds will celebrate for the first time. Some are women who weren’t given the chance 70 years ago, while for others, life got in the way. <br /> You can celebrate with the grateful group at 1 p.m. March 8 at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. Call 561-392-8566 or visit <a href="http://www.btcboca.org">www.btcboca.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Italian Night dinner-dance coming to St. Lucy church</span><br /> The St. Padre Pio Knights of Columbus hosts its second annual St. Lucy Italian Night Dinner Dance at 5:30 p.m. March 25 in the Parish Center.<br /> A seven-course meal with beer, wine or soda is planned, with musical entertainment by Gino DeMarco and door prizes.<br /> Tickets are $75 and are available after Mass on weekends or by calling Dominick Conte at 561-715-0017. St. Lucy Catholic Church is at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach.</p>
<p><em>Send religion news to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Religion Notes: Step-Above Rummage Sale to bring bargains at First Presbyterian Churchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-step-above-rummage-sale-to-bring-bargains-at-first2023-01-31T16:26:01.000Z2023-01-31T16:26:01.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10952121270,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10952121270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10952121270?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>A volunteer examines some of the treasures that will be available at First Presbyterian Church’s Step-Above Rummage Sale. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>First Presbyterian’s annual rummage sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9-11, at the church in Delray Beach. <br /> The organizers call it the Step-Above Rummage Sale because of the quality of the items. New and gently used items are all you’ll find. Some items will still have store tags attached.<br /> In Fellowship Hall, shoppers will find women’s and kids’ clothes, hung on racks and sorted by department. There’s a comfortable sitting area to try on the shoes — no hopping on one foot! — which are organized by size. All clothing and shoes are $3. Accessories cost less. <br /> In the courtyard, shoppers will find men’s clothing and shoes, all $3, hung up and sized. There also will be an eclectic assortment of books, craft supplies, toys, sports equipment, bicycles, luggage, electronics and tools.<br /> In Holly House, home of the popular Holiday Gift Shop, jewelry, purses, accessories, lamps and art will be available. You’ll also find the linen department and housewares there. Sales specialists will be on hand to assist shoppers and answer questions.<br /> Cash and checks are accepted for payment. First Presbyterian Church is at 33 Gleason St.. For more information, call 561-276-6338 or visit <a href="http://www.firstdelray.com/upcoming-events">www.firstdelray.com/upcoming-events</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Easter Service taping</span> <br />First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is asking parishioners to be part of a taping by ABC that will precede the one-hour Easter Sunday service to air on April 9 on ABC affiliates across the nation, an estimated 20 million people. <br />The taped portion will be recorded at 11 a.m. Feb. 26. The Rev. Michael B. Brown will be guest pastor along with Dr. Doug Hood. <br />Donations to underwrite the production are also needed and donors will be credited during the broadcast. The church is at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-276-6338.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Night to Shine in Boca</span><br /> On Feb. 10, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Boca Raton plans to join more than 600 other churches from around the world to host 100,000 guests with the help of 200,000 volunteers at a very special prom night experience for people 14 and older with special needs. <br /> Night to Shine is “centered on God’s love,” and is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. After two years of virtual events, the nonprofit is thrilled to host a live event this year. To make it extra special, guests get to walk the red carpet while paparazzi photograph them in all their prom finery. Buddies provide companionship so no one feels left out. <br />Reservations are required to attend Night to Shine at St. Paul, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Visit <a href="https://nighttoshineboca.com">https://nighttoshineboca.com</a> for more information. Volunteers and donations are also welcome.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Fashion show and luncheon</span> <br /> The Highland Beach-based St. Lucy Council of Catholic Women presents “Love One Another,” a fashion show and luncheon, at noon Feb. 16 at Benvenuto, 1730 N. Federal Highway in Boynton Beach. Tickets are $75. Call Susan at 561-702-4975.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Empty Bowls returns</span> <br />The 10th annual Empty Bowls Palm Beach fundraiser — its mantra is “Eat simply so others may simply eat” — will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach. Proceeds benefit the Palm Beach County Food Bank. <br />Guests share a simple meal of soup, bread and water. The soups are prepared by local chefs and the bread is freshly baked by Old School Bakery. The simple meal is served by community leaders and local celebrities. <br />The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea is at 141 S. County Road, Palm Beach. Tickets are $30 in advance at pbcfoodbank.org/emptybowlspalmbeach. For more information, call 561-670-2518.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Anniversary Mass</span> <br /> The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, will preside over the 39th annual anniversary Mass for couples celebrating 25, 40, 50 or more years of marriage at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Raton. A reception will follow in the parish hall. To attend, you must register through your home parish office no later than Feb. 6.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Mark rummage sale</span><br />St. Mark Catholic Church, 643 St. Mark Place (NE Fourth Ave.), Boynton Beach, is holding its sixth annual rummage sale March 18 and 19. Donations are needed. For drop-off dates and additional information, call the church at 561-734-9330.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Masking up?</span><br /> St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church of Boca Raton is just one church that has made changes as a result of the uptick in COVID-19 cases amid the highly contagious kraken variant. <br /> St. Gregory’s policy update: “In accordance with CDC guidelines and at the advice of our COVID Advisory Team, the wearing of masks at St. Gregory’s is recommended for in-person gatherings. If you are feeling unwell, please view our services online at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SaintGregorys.&rdquo">www.facebook.com/SaintGregorys.&rdquo</a>;<br /> Experts advise carrying a mask and hand sanitizer and checking with the church you plan to attend for new recommendations.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Janis Fontaine</em></p></div>Religion Notes: Christmas fun at St. Vincent Ferrerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-christmas-fun-at-st-vincent-ferrer2023-01-03T18:56:44.000Z2023-01-03T18:56:44.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10924320072,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10924320072,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10924320072?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Joe Zupo, dressed as St. Nicholas, is surrounded by (l-r) Angelica Aguilera, Elaine Borrelli, Jack Warner, Brendan Hughes, Allison Hughes and Courtney Hughes at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>The parishioners at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church participated in a Christmas toy drive for about 350 children, most the children of migrant workers. The children have been attending CCD classes with Sister Mercedes Ysabel Dominguez, a Claretian nun at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Delray Beach.<br /> Parishioners chose names off an “angel tree” and fulfilled the children’s wishes, returning festively wrapped, brightly colored boxes and bags to the church. The children received their presents at a celebration Dec. 17 that included a Christmas play. <br />Angelica Aguilera, director of faith formation, said it was hard to tell who enjoyed the gift-giving more, but she thinks the givers did.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Giving tree at St. Lucy benefits four organizations</span> <br />The “giving tree” at St. Lucy Catholic Church of Highland Beach was adorned with donation requests for needy people for the holidays and no wish went unmet. The project was organized by the Council of Catholic Women of St. Lucy’s.<br /> Generous parishioners chose names from paper angels that covered the tree, then shopped for their recipient or donated the items requested.<br /> CCW President Eleanor Hoffmann said this year’s recipients were AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse); Birthline/Lifeline, which helps pregnant women and their babies; Fisher House, a veterans assistance group; and St. Mary’s Church of Pahokee.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10924321297,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10924321297,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10924321297?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><em>Candace Tamposi (right) at the Children’s Enrichment Center ground-breaking. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Children’s Enrichment Center breaks ground</span><br /> The First Haitian Baptist Church of Belle Glade staged a ground-breaking ceremony on the site of its Children’s Enrichment Center on Dec. 11. The existing building is crumbling and beyond repair, but each day a van transports children to the center, where they receive a hot meal, enjoy playtime and then sit down for tutoring, which incorporates Bible verses and character-building exercises. During the ground-breaking, community members gathered at the site where classrooms and a music room are planned. The 4,000-square-foot facility will provide after-school tutoring, computers and music and art space for children ages 5-12.<br /> A playground and covered patio will be outside. <br />The project is gaining momentum thanks to South County businesses. Rick Gonzalez of REG Architects is on board as the architect. You may know Gonzalez as the leader of the West Palm Beach history walks for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. The contractors — Messam Brothers, originally from Belle Glade — expect phase one, consisting of two classrooms, to be completed by spring. <br /> Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller (Sovereign Order), Creative Waves Foundation, and foundation co-founders Ali and Candace Tamposi of Ocean Ridge are spearheading fundraising with a goal of $1 million.<br />The new enrichment center will also get a boost from Les Girls of Palm Beach. The multinational, multilingual women’s club will gather Jan. 24 for a luncheon to present a donation to the Creative Waves Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide funding for underserved children and programs that emphasize the arts and the environment. The luncheon will take place in Palm Beach and the check will be given to foundation President Candace Tamposi. Many of the club’s 43 members from 31 countries are expected to attend. For more information, call 561-762-3052.</p>
<p><em>Send religion news to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p>
<p> </p></div>Finding Faith: Catholics connect with Mary and their faith through the rosaryhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-catholics-connect-with-mary-and-their-faith-through2022-09-27T15:40:20.000Z2022-09-27T15:40:20.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828905258,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828905258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10828905258?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>A statue of Mary, like the ones the Legion of Mary provides to families to improve their relationships with Jesus. <strong>BELOW</strong></em><em><strong>:</strong> A traditional Catholic rosary from the Vatican and a shorter Anglican rosary. </em><strong><em>Photos provided</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828906086,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828906086,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="10828906086?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Everyone knows what day Jesus was born — or what day we agree to say he was born. But what about Mary, the woman who gave him earthly life after Christian faith says she conceived him through the Holy Spirit? <br /> No one knows, but the official date to celebrate Mary — known to Catholics as the Virgin Mary and the Mother of God, and now a saint — is Sept. 8. Catholics celebrate it as a holy feast day (called the Feast of the Nativity of Mary) and for commemoration, especially if their church is named for the saint.<br /> Mary is sometimes forgotten, like our own mothers, until someone is needed to play the role in the Nativity story. But there are others for whom Mary is the holiest and greatest of all saints known for her virtue, as important as their own mothers. Almost. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828904682,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828904682,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="106" alt="10828904682?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>At 8 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach, before Father Brian Horgan says Mass at 8:30 a.m., worshippers gather to pray the rosary. These devout Catholics find comfort in the repetitious prayers — during the rosary, they repeat the Hail Mary prayer 53 times.<br /> It’s a tradition that Horgan loves. <br /> “I love my mother dearly,” the priest said. “The most important person in the family is the mother. The first miracle that Jesus performed was at the request of his mother. What son would refuse his mother?” <br /> Lisa Vargas, who organizes the Legion of Mary at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach, says God prepared a special person to be “the queen of heaven and Earth. She was completely pure and free of original sin.” <br /> The local Legion of Mary (the international organization began in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921, and now has branches worldwide) meets weekly. Each person commits to doing two hours of spiritual work each week, such as taking Communion to someone in the hospital. <br /> One of the most popular works is organizing the traveling Mary statue. The Legion, which has more than two dozen regular members, has eight statues of the Virgin Mary that it lends to people who want to improve their relationships with Jesus, with the help of his mother. To some, it symbolizes their giving shelter to the holy family. <br /> The Legion’s members deliver the statues — most are 33 inches tall and made out of resin, so are fairly lightweight — to different families every few months, but Vargas says they’ve become so popular, there’s a waiting list.<br /> Vargas also teaches the rosary, about its four groups of “mysteries” — joyous, sorrowful, glorious and luminous events of Catholic faith — and what they mean, and how you move your fingers around the beads to keep count.<br /> The rosary is not exclusively Catholic. There is an Anglican (Episcopal) rosary with fewer beads and different prayers. And prayer beads as a spiritual tool are common in many religions. These days, you’re more likely to see someone wearing rosary beads for fashion than for prayer. <br /> The Catholic rosary is not complicated, but it is contemplative and it has measurable physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. Liz Kelly, in her book <em>The Rosary: A Path to Prayer</em>, wrote that the rosary “is sometimes seen as too simple and therefore as superficial.” <br /> And it is simple, which makes it easy to learn. “The gentle repetition of its prayers makes it an excellent means to moving into deeper meditation,” she writes. <br /> While other meditations may focus on breathing or nothingness or nature, the rosary’s focus is on the spiritual realm. <br /> For Lisa Vargas, the Blessed Mother’s most precious gift is as an intercessor. She, like most mothers, has her son’s ear. <br /> Father Dennis Gonzales at St. Vincent Ferrer prays the rosary every Friday night, a family tradition his grandparents taught him back in his native Philippines.<br /> “I always ask her intercession to guide me and clear my way in whatever endeavor I have in life,” he said.<br /> St. Lucy’s Horgan says that Jesus’ final act of love from the cross — making the disciple John the son of Mary and Mary his mother so that both would be cared for — shows how important his mother was to him. <br /> It’s a lesson the children in St. Vincent Ferrer’s religious education program will study in October when they talk about Mary and the rosary. <br />“We want parents to practice the rosary with their children,” said Angelica Aguilera, director of faith formation. “It strengthens the children’s faith to see their parents doing it.” <br /> Aguilera says that parents are diligent about enrolling their kids in religious education classes during the second grade so they can take part in First Communion (receiving Holy Communion for the first time), but attendance seems to drop off afterward. She’s looking for ways to get families involved, so she is hosting parents one week a month where they come to class with their children. “We want to make praying together as a family thing.”<br /> Horgan thinks that teaching more reverence toward Mary might raise women’s status in society. No woman is disposable, even if that is what society says whenever it treats women as objects that you can replace, he says. He says step one is to use Mary as a model for positive change. <br /> “I wonder where we’re going as a society,” he said. “More and more I think we’re stuck. We’re not going anywhere.”<br /> But society still has potential, he said. “People are inherently good. We need to help each other be good people.”</p>
<p><em>Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Obituary: Patricia Johnston O’Hearnehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-patricia-johnston-o-hearne2022-08-03T15:22:45.000Z2022-08-03T15:22:45.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>DELRAY BEACH — Patricia Johnston O’Hearne of Delray Beach died surrounded by family June 19 at the age of 84.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10746002260,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10746002260,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="95" alt="10746002260?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Patricia Johnston was born in Brooklyn on April 9, 1938, to Patricia and Robert Emmett Johnston. The oldest of three daughters, she was 10 and 11 years older than her sisters and famously thought the elder was her 10th birthday present.<br />After high school in Hempstead, New York, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Barry University (then Barry College) in Miami Shores in 1959 and later a master’s degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut. She was a loyal and proud alumna of her schools, particularly Barry where there is a scholarship in her name.<br /> She met Dave O’Hearne in high school. After years of friendship, they began dating in her senior year of college and married on April 29, 1961. They moved often — living in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut (four homes in the same town!), Colorado, New Hampshire and ultimately Florida. With each move, Mrs. O’Hearne quickly created a warm and lovely home and began welcoming family and friends.<br /> Mrs. O’Hearne was a natural leader with many passions. She worked as a journalist, teacher, bookstore owner and politician. She was an enthusiastic traveler who particularly enjoyed Windstar Cruises’ crossings between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.<br /> An ardent Democrat, she once served as the clerk in the Connecticut State Senate and volunteered extensively on campaigns in Connecticut, Colorado and Florida. She sent red, white and blue flowers to her grandchildren on their 18th birthdays to remind them to register to vote.<br /> She was a devout Catholic, a longtime parishioner and Eucharistic minister at St. Pius X in Fairfield and more recently at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach.<br /> She disliked “nonsense,” swearing, complainers and sitting still. She loved reading, making French toast and blueberry pancakes for her grandchildren, talking on the phone, gardening, going to tea and organizing a dinner to celebrate — almost anything. She was the proud vice president of the Pat O’Hearne Club. With all that, she survived 84 years without being wrong once.<br /> She is survived by David B. O’Hearne, her beloved husband of 61 years; their children Brian O’Hearne (Kerry Moynihan), Mary O’Hearne and Jennifer Shepard (Michael); sisters Stefanie Gugelot and Mary Blum (Peter); grandchildren Marine Cpl. Patrick O’Hearne, Liam Shepard, Deirdre Shepard, Navy Ensign Aidan O’Hearne and Brendan Shepard; nieces Deirdre Gugelot and Caitlin Moran; cousin Michael Botty and many cousins who came after him; two great-nieces and two great-nephews; and countless friends.<br /> A funeral Mass was celebrated on June 30 at St. Lucy’s followed by burial at the South Florida National Cemetery west of Lake Worth.<br /> In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Trustbridge Hospice at Bethesda Hospital East, where the nurses took such good care of her. <br /> <em>Trustbridge–Bethesda Memorial Care Center, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 or <a href="http://www.trustbridge.com/donate-now">www.trustbridge.com/donate-now</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Obituary submitted by the family</em></p></div>Celebrations: Mad Hatter Luncheon; Benvenuto, Boynton Beach — April 19https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-mad-hatter-luncheon-benvenuto-boynton-beach-april-192022-05-03T17:37:34.000Z2022-05-03T17:37:34.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10457040881,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10457040881,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10457040881?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Members of St. Lucy Catholic Church’s Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women donned their favorite Easter toppers to attend a festive celebration that not only recognized the holiday but also signaled the end of season. The council’s charitable activities and fundraisers include food and clothing donations for underserved people in Pahokee, helping needy mothers and children through the Birthline / Lifeline program and organizing collections for Ukraine. <strong>ABOVE:</strong> (l-r) The Rev. D. Brian Horgan, council Vice President Susan Hiles, co-President Anne Dunn, Recording Secretary Eleanor Hoffman and co-President Mary Lou Goldberg. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>Religion News: Mini food collection boxes let neighbors help neighborshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-mini-food-collection-boxes-let-neighbors-help-neigh2022-05-03T16:33:34.000Z2022-05-03T16:33:34.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10456931666,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10456931666,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10456931666?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The Delray String Quartet will perform at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach on May 22. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>You may have noticed the colorful Little Free Pantry boxes popping up around the area. <br />Little Free Pantries are small, localized food collection boxes for folks who need a little help meeting their family’s nutritional needs. These pantries can hold only a small amount of canned or boxed goods, donated by neighbors, but they make a huge difference. <br /> Jessica McClard launched the grassroots mini-pantry movement in May 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Summer Faerman at B’nai Torah Congregation of Boca Raton spearheaded the project locally, with more than a dozen pantries popping up in Boca Raton and Delray Beach in the past year. <br /> The newly opened pantry at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton is supported by the church, but some are started by neighbors or schools. <br /> The philosophy is simple: “Take what you need; give what you can.” There’s no organization, just neighbors helping neighbors. <br />A typical pantry will stock tomato sauce, pasta, rice, cereal, canned tuna, fruits and vegetables, and toiletries. <br />McClard offered guidelines on starting your own Little Free Pantry, and Faerman used those as a guide. If you’re getting ready to head north for the summer, consider donating those unneeded pantry items to the project. You can find locations and information about starting your own Little Free Pantry at <a href="https://btcboca.org/littlefreepantry">https://btcboca.org/littlefreepantry</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">New deacons ordained</span> <br />St. Vincent de Paul Seminary ordained 11 seminarians as transitional deacons on April 2, including Marc Gustinelli from Palm Beach diocese. The ordination Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church in Boca Raton was celebrated by Bishop David Toups, who formerly served as rector of St. Vincent de Paul before he was named bishop of Beaumont, Texas. <br /> St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach is an ATS-accredited school founded in 1963 with a student population of more than 115 seminarians. Over the years, 650 of its seminarians have gone on to serve as priests in parishes in the Southeast and Caribbean.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">New life skills center</span><br /> JARC Florida announced that the new Caryn J. Clayman Life Skills Center will break ground in Boca Raton in September and open about a year later. The demand for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to grow along with south Palm Beach County’s population. The 13,000-square-foot facility will be a modern space where the nonsectarian organization can serve more residents. <br /> JARC Florida, based in Boca Raton, operates 10 group homes in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, or to volunteer, visit <a href="http://jarcfl.org">http://jarcfl.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Morning coffee and prayer</span><br /> The Prosperity Coffee prayer meeting at Unity of Delray Beach resumed in April. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month — the next were set for 7 a.m. May 5 and June 2 — at 101 NW 22nd St. <br />Prosperity Coffee is led by Charlene Wilkinson and is using the book <em>The Prayer Way to Health, Wealth and Happiness</em>, by Lowell Fillmore, available online. Phone meetings are also held. To be a part of the phone group, call 720-740-9634 and use pass code 2152894. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.unityofdelraybeach.org">www.unityofdelraybeach.org</a> or call 561-276-5796.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Spring tea and fashion</span> <br /> The Episcopal Church Women of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will celebrate women and mothers at the annual Spring Tea and Fashion Show from 2 to 4 p.m. May 7 at the church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Tickets are $35. Proceeds benefit the church’s ministries and outreach programs. Call 561-395-8285; <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Mother’s Day novena</span><br /> St. Lucy Catholic Church offers parishioners an opportunity to celebrate their mothers, living or dead, with special Masses from May 8 through 16. A novena is a series of nine prayers or Masses that are focused on a specific intention. These “spiritual bouquets” for Mother’s Day are an option for those who can’t bring mom flowers. For more information about honoring your mother with a special prayer, call the church office at 561-278-1280.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">5K run to fight hunger set</span> <br /> Registration has begun for the 2022 Hustle to End Hunger 5K to be held Oct. 1 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Registration fees are $40 until Aug. 31. There will also be a 5K walk and a virtual option. <br />Sponsors and volunteers are needed. The race benefits CROS Ministries. To register, visit <a href="http://www.runsignup.com">www.runsignup.com</a>. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.crosministries.org">www.crosministries.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Chabad class registration</span><br /> Chabad of South Palm Beach will offer the course “Beyond Right: The Values That Shape Judaism’s Civil Code” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays from May 17 to June 21 at Chabad Center, 224 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. <br />The course is in-person only and registration is $79. Returning students save $10. Call 561-889-3499 or visit <a href="http://www.chabadofsouthpalmbeach.org">www.chabadofsouthpalmbeach.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Music at St. Paul’s</span> <br />St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s monthly offering of classical music continues at a special time on May 22. The program “Romantic Power and Poetry” by the Delray String Quartet begins at 5 p.m. and features works of Hugo Wolf, Alexander Glazunov, Giacomo Puccini and Robert Schumann.<br /> Tickets are $20, free for ages 18 and younger. St. Paul’s is at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.<br /> For more information, call 561-278-6003 or visit <a href="https://stpaulsdelray.org">https://stpaulsdelray.org</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Janis Fontaine</em></p></div>Religion News: St. Paul’s to have special performance by choir of girls and young womenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-st-paul-s-to-have-special-performance-by-choir-of-g2022-03-29T16:44:44.000Z2022-03-29T16:44:44.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10246710096,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10246710096,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10246710096?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The Girl Choir of South Florida will perform April 24 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Music at St. Paul’s will feature The Girl Choir of South Florida at 3 p.m. April 24 at the church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. The choir, for girls and young women ages 6 through 18, aims to transform girls’ lives through musical excellence. It provides a safe space for girls and young women to hone their skills and share their voices and build supportive, lifelong friendships. Tickets are $20 at the door. Free for ages 18 and younger. <a href="https://musicstpauls.org">https://musicstpauls.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Supplies needed for Pahokee church</span><br /> St. Lucy Catholic Church parish is collecting items for St. Mary Catholic Church in Pahokee through Palm Sunday, April 10. Especially needed are baby items like food and formula, towels and blankets, wipes and diapers. Clothes in sizes 2T-3T are also needed. Drop off donations in the vestry. Cash donations are also welcome. Call Alice Marie Dill at 561-278-1280.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Raffle drawing at St. Lucy offers several prizes</span><br /> The St. Lucy CCW raffle ticket fundraiser drawing is on April 10. Prizes include dinner for four hosted by Father Brian Horgan in the rectory, $1,000 cash, and four tickets to dinner and a show at the Wick Theatre. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. <a href="https://stlucycommunity.com">https://stlucycommunity.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Traditional agape feast planned at Advent Boca</span><br /> The Last Supper or Agape Love Feast will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 14 in the gymnasium at Advent Church, 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. The Love Feast, or agape meal, is a Christian fellowship recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry and expressing the community, sharing and fellowship enjoyed by the family of Christ. Tickets are $20; children eat free. Register by April 10 at <a href="https://adventboca.org">https://adventboca.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Gregory’s yoga Mass scheduled for courtyard</span><br /> The next St. Gregory’s Episcopal yoga Mass led by Father Ben Thomas takes place at 4 p.m. April 23 in the courtyard of the church at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. The event begins with about 20 minutes of yoga, followed by Mass and a wind-down at the end. Call 561-395-8285 or visit <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a> or <a href="http://www.frbenjaminthomas.com">www.frbenjaminthomas.com</a>.<br /><br /></p></div>Celebrations: Angel Tree; St. Lucy Catholic Church, Highland Beach — Dec. 9https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-angel-tree-st-lucy-catholic-church-highland-beach-de2022-02-01T17:13:42.000Z2022-02-01T17:13:42.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10063188495,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10063188495,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10063188495?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>St. Lucy Catholic Church’s Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women collected clothing, diapers, toys and other essential items throughout the 2021 holiday season as part of the Angel Tree program and then lovingly wrapped them for their recipients. Volunteers presented the items to the Birthline/Lifeline program as well as to Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Fisher House and Place of Hope in an effort to cheer up underserved mothers during Christmas. </em><strong>ABOVE:</strong> <em>(l-r) Susan Hiles, MaryLou Goldberg, Karen O’Neil, Katherine Bowers, Eleanor Hoffmann and Anne Dunn. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p></div>Religion News: Interfaith Café to resume this monthhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-interfaith-cafe-to-resume-this-month-12021-12-28T18:34:04.000Z2021-12-28T18:34:04.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>As South Florida adjusts to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person services and meetings are restarting. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9962954266,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9962954266,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="102" alt="9962954266?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>One group that begins meeting again in January after an extended hiatus is the Interfaith Café, a discussion group that talks about cross-faith topics. The group is hosted by the Interfaith Coalition, a clergy group that coordinated events like family days at the park and an Interfaith Earth Day. <br /> The monthly meeting features a presentation followed by a discussion and refreshments at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. All are welcome. <br />This month’s meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 20. The topic for discussion: emotions of reconnecting. The guest speaker is life coach Rosemarie Rose-Spencer of Wellington.<br /> She is a retired Department of Defense administrator with a background in mediation, motivational speaking and helping military families handle transitions. That gives her a keen perspective about handling intense emotions. <br /> For more information, visit <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Interfaith-Cafe">www.meetup.com/Interfaith-Cafe</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Islamic Center open house</span><br /> The Islamic Center of Boca Raton, 3480 NW Fifth Ave., hosts a monthly open house from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome and no reservations are needed. The next meeting is Jan. 6. <br /> Anyone who is new to or interested in Islam, clear from misconceptions, will find this free event engaging and educational. Refreshments are served followed by a tour of the mosque and question/answer session. Call 561-395-7221 or visit <a href="http://www.icbr.org">www.icbr.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Old ritual at Unity of Delray</span><br /> Unity of Delray Beach will hold its White Stone Ceremony at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the church, 101 NW 22nd St.<br /> This evening of self-awareness has its roots in an ancient ritual that helped each individual focus on a personal path by selecting a new name. <br /> This new name was written on a white stone tablet and signified freedom from the past, from who the person was. As they began a new year, participants made commitments and declared what their focuses would be by calling forth the new names. <br /> Everyone is welcomed. For more information, call 561-276-5796.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Anti-abortion public rosary</span><br /> Join in prayer for the protection of the unborn child with the Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, who will lead the rosary at 11 a.m. Jan. 22, at the old courthouse, 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.<br /> For more information, contact the Respect Life Ministry office at 561-360-3330 or visit <a href="http://www.ccdpb.org/programs/respect-life">www.ccdpb.org/programs/respect-life</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Catholic Days at the Capitol</span> <br /> Congregants from St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach will join Catholics from around the state at Catholic Days at the Capitol, Feb. 1-2 in Tallahassee.<br /> This is an opportunity to attend a legislative briefing with elected officials and see the place where laws are made and changed. On day 2, enjoy a breakfast with the bishops of Florida and legislators. A votive Mass will be celebrated at the end of the event. <br /> For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ccdpb.org">www.ccdpb.org</a> or call Deanna Herbst-Hoosac at 561-360-3330 or email dherbst@ccdpb.org. <br /><br /></p></div>Religion News: Drive-thru Nativity scene, holiday concerts and services sethttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-drive-thru-nativity-scene-holiday-concerts-and-serv2021-11-30T16:34:23.000Z2021-11-30T16:34:23.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9865209296,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9865209296,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9865209296?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Charles, Julie and Ellis Milling assumed the roles of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus during last year's drive-thru Nativity story at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach. This year’s guests again will drive through campus and use a prayer sheet to follow along. Christmas hymns and carols will be broadcast between stations at the Dec. 24 event. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>If you’re planning your holidays, don’t forget the reason for the season. There are in-person (and virtual) church services and more this year, thank God (ahem). <br /> For the second year, St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach will host a coronavirus-safe, family-friendly, drive-thru telling of the Nativity story through a series of vignettes with live actors and maybe even some animals. <br /> Here are the details on St. Joe’s pageant and other local holiday programming:</p>
<p><strong>St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church — 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach</strong> <br /> Christmas Eve drive-thru Nativity story: 4-5 p.m. Guests drive through campus and use a simple prayer sheet to follow along. You can download it at <a href="http://www.stjoesweb.org">www.stjoesweb.org</a>. Christmas hymns and carols will be broadcast between stations. There is also a stay-in-your-car Communion station at the end. <br /> Christmas Eve Unplugged outdoors: 6:30 p.m. Live music by St. Joe’s unplugged musicians, and a service with Eucharist. Seating is provided or bring your own.<br /> Christmas Eve indoor mini-concert: 9:30 p.m. followed by 10 p.m. Eucharist, similar to a midnight Mass, with organ music and vocals by the Rev. David Clyle Morse. Masks required.<br /> Christmas Day service: 9:30 a.m. with Morse playing the organ and leading Christmas carols. Masks required.</p>
<p><strong>Advent Lutheran Church — 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton</strong><br /> Christmas Eve: family service 4 p.m.; contemporary service 6 p.m.; traditional service 11 p.m. <br /> Christmas Day: 10 a.m. service</p>
<p><strong>First United Methodist Church — 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton</strong><br /> Christmas Eve: early service 5 p.m.; traditional service 7 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>St. Lucy Catholic Church — 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach</strong><br /> The life-size Nativity will be on display through the holidays, beginning Dec. 8.<br /> Christmas Eve Mass: 7 p.m. <br /> Christmas Day Mass: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.</p>
<p><strong>First Presbyterian Church — 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach</strong><br /> Christmas Eve: <br /> “Carols and Candles”: 5 p.m. with the Rev. Greg Rapier and a time for the children.<br /> Traditional candlelight service: 7 p.m. with Dr. Doug Hood delivering the message and a time for the children.<br /> Traditional candlelight service: 9:30 p.m. with Hood.<br />All services will also be livestreamed on the church website.<br /> Other events: <br /> • Deacons Christmas Tree: The deacons are accepting $25 donations to purchase gift cards for under-resourced children at five local agencies: Achievement Center for Children & Families, Adopt-a-Family of the Palm Beaches, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, and Milagro Center. <br /> • Holly House Gift Shoppe: Find handcrafted gifts made by the Holly House Ladies, a ministry of the church, from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19.</p>
<p><strong>St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church — 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton</strong><br /> Christmas Eve: <br /> Christmas pageant/service 4:30 p.m.; choral Eucharist and sermon 7:30 p.m.; music prelude 10:30 p.m.; choral Eucharist and sermon 11 p.m.<br /> Other event: <br />• Holly-Versary holiday brunch and celebration: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12. The most popular event of the Christmas season at St. Gregory’s is back with brunch, auctions and family fun, including adult-supervised crafts for children. Get tickets ($15-$280) at <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com">www.eventbrite.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>St. Paul’s Episcopal Church — 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach</strong><br /> Christmas Eve services: 5, 7:30 and 11 p.m. <br /> Christmas Day: 10 a.m. service <br /> Other events: <br /> • A Festival of Lessons and Carols: 3 p.m. Dec. 12. The Chancel Choir performs. Freewill offering. <a href="https://musicstpauls.org">https://musicstpauls.org</a>.<br /> • A New Year’s Eve concert, 4 p.m. Dec. 31, will feature the Delray String Quartet. <br /><br /></p></div>Celebrations: Installation ceremony; St. Lucy Catholic Church, Highland Beach – Oct. 9https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-installation-ceremony-st-lucy-catholic-church-highla2021-11-02T15:43:26.000Z2021-11-02T15:43:26.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9760444660,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9760444660,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9760444660?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Knights of Columbus St. Padre Pio Council No. 17215 welcomed several new members to the organization at the first in-person gathering since the pandemic. </em><strong>ABOVE:</strong><em> (l-r) Tom Corrcione, Ron Shelton, Amato Sampson, Chris Laudato, Daniel Alesandro, Russ Chisholm, Paul Danitz, Dominic Conte, Patrick McClosky, Al Rader, Alfio Pitruzzela, Osmany Periu and Jerry Zazza. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p></div>Celebrations: Annual installation luncheon Benvenuto, Boynton Beach — April 20https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-annual-installation-luncheon-benvenuto-boynton-beach2021-04-27T20:32:05.000Z2021-04-27T20:32:05.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8857145662,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8857145662,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8857145662?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em> (l-r) Vice President Susan Hiles, Secretary Eleanor Hoffmann, Treasurer Pat Piller, and co-Presidents Mary Lou Goldberg and Anne Dunn. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>St. Lucy Catholic Church named new leaders to the Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. The CCW tends to needy and underserved populations throughout the region by delivering food, clothing and personal items to farm workers in the Glades as well as to local charities. The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Alice Marie Dill. </p></div>Celebrations: Day of Reflection St. Lucy Catholic Church, Highland Beach — Dec. 8, 2020https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-day-of-reflection-st-lucy-catholic-church-highland-b2021-03-02T21:45:21.000Z2021-03-02T21:45:21.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8622402074,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8622402074,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8622402074?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>(l-r) Council President Michele DeGennaro; board members Peggy Brown and Rebecca Fordham; Monsignor Stephen Bosso; and board members Anne Dunn, Rose Marie Amato, Barbara Sheridan and Eleanor Hoffmann. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>The stage was brimming with clothes, toys, diapers, cribs, infant car seats, household goods and nonperishable food collected by the Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Parishioners selected recipients from the Angel Tree and purchased and colorfully wrapped hundreds of basic necessities and cheerful gifts. </p></div>Religion: What churches have planned for Christmas 2020https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-what-churches-have-planned-for-christmas-20202020-12-01T20:57:51.000Z2020-12-01T20:57:51.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>It’s 2020, so you may wonder where to find celebrations of the birth of Jesus amid a pandemic. Here’s what’s planned at some churches. Since plans, like infection rates, could change, call ahead or check the church websites for up-to-date information. </p>
<p>Advent Lutheran Church in Boca Raton is planning Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. Dec. 23, a day early, then at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Day services will take place at 10 a.m. Social distancing and safety protocols are in place. Call 561-395-3632; <a href="http://www.adventboca.org">www.adventboca.org</a>.</p>
<p>St. Lucy Catholic Church’s outdoor Nativity scene will be on display at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, beginning in mid-December. Christmas services are planned at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and 8 and 10 a.m. Dec. 25. These are indoor services with social distancing protocols in place. Call 561-278-1280; visit <a href="http://www.stlucycommunity.com">www.stlucycommunity.com</a>. </p>
<p>St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church’s popular Spontaneous Christmas Pageant will be updated into a series of drive-thru tableaus where preselected families will act out scenes from the Nativity story. The event will take place during the day on Dec. 24 at St. Joseph’s, 3300 Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. More info will be available closer to the date. Call 561-732-3060; visit <a href="http://www.stjoesweb.org">www.stjoesweb.org</a>.</p>
<p>St. Paul’s Episcopal Delray Beach welcomes parishioners by invitation only. Seating will be limited to 80 people per service to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required for all attendees over the age of 2. All services will be livestreamed via the church YouTube channel. St. Paul’s is at 188 S. Swinton Ave. Call 561-276-4541; visit <a href="https://stpaulsdelray.org">https://stpaulsdelray.org</a>.<br /> Services are Dec. 24, 5 p.m.: A family Christmas service with a multigenerational presentation of the traditional Christmas story. Children who attend will be able to participate from their seats.<br /> Dec. 24, 10 p.m.: A celebration of the Holy Eucharist featuring music by organist and soloist with the Very Rev. Paul Kane, rector. <br /> Dec. 25, 10 a.m.: A celebration of the Holy Eucharist will feature music by organist and soloist.</p>
<p>St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, holds in-person worship for a maximum of 50 people by reservation but will not have in-person Christmas services. Instead a “spectacular virtual service” is being planned. Call 561-395-8285; visit <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a>. </p>
<p>At St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach, a special children’s Mass is planned at 6 p.m. following the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. At 9 p.m., the most popular Christmas Eve Mass begins. This year as a special treat, an ensemble will perform beloved Christmas carols and hymns for 15 minutes before each service, so arrive early for this auditory delight. <br /> Social distancing and thorough cleaning with special fogging machines between each Mass are part of the COVID-19 protocols. The church, at 840 George Bush Blvd., can accommodate about 500 people. Call 561-276-6892; visit <a href="http://www.stvincentferrer.com">www.stvincentferrer.com</a>.</p>
<p>First United Methodist Church of Boynton Beach is planning an outdoor service for Christmas Eve, but church officials caution that could change depending on COVID-19 numbers. More details will be available closer to Christmas. Call 561-732-3435; visit <a href="http://www.fumcbb.com">www.fumcbb.com</a>. </p></div>Reflections from the front line: The Rev. D. Brian Horganhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/reflections-from-the-front-line-the-rev-d-brian-horgan2020-09-02T18:01:28.000Z2020-09-02T18:01:28.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960962864,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960962864,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960962864?profile=original" /></a>The Rev. D. Brian Horgan of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach has been on the front lines of war before as a chaplain in the Air Force early in his pastoral career. Now, with COVID-19, he feels like he’s in a war again. <br />The pandemic has changed how we worship God and the way we bury our loved ones, Horgan said. About 60% of parishioners attend socially distanced Mass each week, but funerals are a different story. <br />“Most funerals have been with just the funeral director and the deceased,” Horgan said. “It’s been challenging, but we can do tremendous work with the families at home.” <br />In this small parish, which has lost more than a dozen members of its congregation to the virus, goodbyes are by telephone, and even clergy can’t bridge that gap.<br /> “Sometimes we get in and sometimes we don’t,” Horgan said. That means some don’t receive last rites, an important final sacrament that includes confession and absolution. <br />“It wipes away all your sins” before death, Horgan explained, and “it brings great comfort to the dying.” <br />Horgan can perform last rites weeks before a person dies or if someone is facing a serious medical procedure, but COVID usually arrives unexpectedly.<br /> Loved ones’ not receiving that final Communion weighs heavily on the hearts of some families. But Horgan finds a way to comfort his parishioners. A priest isn’t needed for someone to be absolved of sins, he said, if he or she simply repents and asks forgiveness. “God is full of mercy and love.” <br />Horgan, who earned medals for his work during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, says COVID-19 is “a clever enemy shrouded in mystery.” <br />He senses an underlying fear that reminds him of war.<br /> But “don’t be afraid. Fear is a ‘false experience appearing real,’” Horgan says, spelling out an acronym associated with the word. “I trust God and serving God’s people is the most important thing I do. Fear won’t hold me back.” <br /> <em>— Janis Fontaine</em></p></div>Obituary: The Rev. Gerald Gracehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-the-rev-gerald-grace-12018-10-03T14:00:00.000Z2018-10-03T14:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Rich Pollack</strong></p>
<p>HIGHLAND BEACH — For almost 20 years until his retirement in 2017, the Rev. Gerald Grace presided over the congregation at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach as its pastor. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960816682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960816682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="98" alt="7960816682?profile=original" /></a>A native of Ireland who served the Catholic community in South Florida for more than half a century — first in Miami and then in Palm Beach County — Father Grace died Aug. 10. He was 79. <br /> “Father Grace lived up to his last name, and offered compassion, wisdom and guidance,” said Peggy Gossett-Seidman, a longtime parishioner and now a Highland Beach town commissioner. “He was soft-spoken, moved about lightly and was always willing to administer to sick and troubled residents throughout the town, even if they weren’t Catholic.”<br /> Born in County Limerick, Ireland, Father Grace had several brothers, including a twin, according to Gossett-Seidman. After arriving in South Florida, he first served in the Archdiocese of Miami and later moved to the Archdiocese of Palm Beach soon after it was created in 1984. <br /> Father Grace served as a teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary prior to being assigned to St. Lucy Catholic Church in 1998. He remained the church’s popular pastor until his retirement last year, when he became pastor emeritus. <br /> “Father Grace was a unique priest,” said the Rev. D. Brian Horgan, St. Lucy’s current pastor. “His commitment to teaching never ended, and he was perhaps one of the most emerging theologians of his time, influencing the many priests throughout the state of Florida while he taught at the seminary.”<br /> Horgan first met Father Grace when he was assigned to St. Lucy in 2013. <br /> “I witnessed a man who remained faithful to his calling as a priest of Jesus Christ,” Horgan said. “He was a man who could laugh at himself, one who could make others laugh, and perhaps most importantly he was a man of principle and loyalty.”<br /> Both Horgan and Gossett-Seidman remember Father Grace as a community leader who was always available to lend a gentle and helping hand.<br /> “What has struck me the most about him was the fact that he was quick to forgive, generous to so many people and was always ready to go, day or night, to help people,” Horgan said. <br /> Gossett-Seidman remembers one incident in particular that showed Father Grace’s kindness. <br /> “In his finest hour, he once awakened at 4 a.m. to board an air ambulance helicopter and travel to a Miami hospital with a couple whose son was just born with a malformed heart,” she said. “That boy is now 20 and attended Father Grace’s funeral.” <br /> The funeral Mass for Father Grace, held Aug. 14, was attended by more than 100 priests and clergy members, including Palm Beach Diocese Bishop Gerald Barbarito and Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan. <br /> “Father Grace will be missed from the church of South Florida but will always be remembered as an architect of its success,” Horgan said. <br /> Father Grace is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Edmond and Philomena Grace; his sister-in-law Anne Grace; and two nephews, Gerry and Micheál.</p></div>Obituary: The Rev. Gerald Gracehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-the-rev-gerald-grace2018-08-29T16:38:37.000Z2018-08-29T16:38:37.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Rich Pollack</strong></p>
<p>HIGHLAND BEACH — For almost 20 years until his retirement in 2017, the Rev. Gerald Grace presided over the congregation at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach as its pastor. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960813661,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="98" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960813661,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960813661?profile=original" /></a>A native of Ireland who served the Catholic community in South Florida for more than half a century — first in Miami and then in Palm Beach County — Father Grace died Aug. 10. He was 79. <br /> “Father Grace lived up to his last name, and offered compassion, wisdom and guidance,” said Peggy Gossett-Seidman, a longtime parishioner and now a Highland Beach town commissioner. “He was soft-spoken, moved about lightly and was always willing to administer to sick and troubled residents throughout the town, even if they weren’t Catholic.”<br /> Born in County Limerick, Ireland, Father Grace had several brothers, including a twin, according to Gossett-Seidman. After arriving in South Florida, he first served in the Archdiocese of Miami and later moved to the Archdiocese of Palm Beach soon after it was created in 1984. <br /> Father Grace served as a teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary prior to being assigned to St. Lucy Catholic Church in 1998. He remained the church’s popular pastor until his retirement last year, when he became pastor emeritus. <br /> “Father Grace was a unique priest,” said the Rev. D. Brian Horgan, St. Lucy’s current pastor. “His commitment to teaching never ended, and he was perhaps one of the most emerging theologians of his time, influencing the many priests, throughout the state of Florida, while he taught at the seminary.”<br /> Horgan first met Father Grace when he was assigned to St. Lucy in 2013. <br /> “I witnessed a man who remained faithful to his calling as a priest of Jesus Christ,” Horgan said. “He was a man who could laugh at himself, one who could make others laugh, and perhaps most importantly he was a man of principle and loyalty.”<br /> Both Horgan and Gossett-Seidman remember Father Grace as a community leader who was always available to lend a gentle and helping hand.<br /> “What has struck me the most about him was the fact that he was quick to forgive, generous to so many people and was always ready to go, day or night, to help people,” Horgan said. <br /> Gossett-Seidman remembers one incident in particular that showed Father Grace’s kindness. <br /> “In his finest hour, he once awakened at 4 a.m. to board an air ambulance helicopter and travel to a Miami hospital with a couple whose son was just born with a malformed heart,” she said. “That boy is now 20 and attended Father Grace’s funeral.” <br /> The funeral Mass for Father Grace, held Aug. 14, was attended by more than 100 priests and clergy members, including Palm Beach Diocese Bishop Gerald Barbarito and Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan. <br /> “Father Grace will be missed from the church of South Florida but will always be remembered as an architect of its success,” Horgan said. <br /> Father Grace is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Edmond and Philomena Grace; his sister-in-law Anne Grace; and two nephews, Gerry and Micheál.</p></div>Highland Beach: Celebrating 50 years of St. Lucy Churchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/highland-beach-celebrating-50-years-of-st-lucy-church2018-07-04T16:30:00.000Z2018-07-04T16:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810495,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810495,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960810495?profile=original" /></a><em>A construction crew works on the foundation of a separate rectory in 1987. <strong>Photos provided by the Highland Beach Library</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810858,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810858,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960810858?profile=original" /></a></strong></em> <em>A statue of St. Lucy is visible from A1A south of Linton Boulevard.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>St. Lucy timeline</strong></span></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Oct. 3, 1968:</strong> St. Lucy Church is officially established after the Diocese of Miami purchased a tract of land, overgrown and mostly mangrove swamp. Under the direction of the founding pastor, the late Rev. Michael Keller, a temporary chapel was erected for services.</p>
<p><strong>1972:</strong> A temporary church is built under the direction of the Rev. Patrick Slevin, the second pastor, and dedicated by Archbishop Coleman Carroll of Miami. </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810664,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>1974:</strong> The Rev. Anthony J. Chepanis becomes the third pastor in May. The church buys the adjacent property to the south for a rectory. </p>
<p><strong>1980s:</strong> Needing a larger church, St. Lucy plans to expand, but a lawsuit with Florida’s environmental agency stops the plans because of the protected mangroves. After an arduous, nearly three-year legal battle, the church loses and is forced to grant an easement of more than an acre to the state of Florida for the preservation of the mangroves.</p>
<p><strong>1984:</strong> The property is transferred from the Diocese of Miami to the Diocese of Palm Beach.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810685,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810685,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960810685?profile=original" /></a><em>On Feb. 12, 1986, Dr. Adelmo Dunghe received his ashes from Father Anthony Chepanis on Ash Wednesday at St. Lucy. <strong>Boca Raton News file photo by Tracey Trumbull</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>1987:</strong> The new church is officially dedicated by the Most Rev. Thomas V. Daily, the first Bishop of the Palm Beach Diocese, on Dec. 5.</p>
<p><strong>1992:</strong> The new rectory and offices are built close to A1A, (not in protected mangroves). The Most Rev. J. Keith Symons, bishop of the Palm Beach Diocese, dedicated the rectory on Dec. 13.</p>
<p><strong>1997:</strong> Father Gerald Grace becomes the church’s fourth pastor.</p>
<p><strong>2013:</strong> Father D. Brian Horgan joins Father Grace midyear.</p>
<p><strong>2016:</strong> Father Grace celebrates 50 years as a priest in June and retires soon after.</p>
<p><strong>2018:</strong> Horgan is officially named St. Lucy’s fifth pastor on May 1 and formally installed June 10. In recognition of its 50 years, St. Lucy is honored on June 20 with this official statement: “The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, joyfully extends his prayerful congratulations to the people of Saint Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach on their golden jubilee. We give thanks to God for the many priests and faithful who have tirelessly given of themselves to Highland Beach and the surrounding area. Thank you for 50 years of loving service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your faith and good works.”</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960811456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960811456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960811456?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>ABOVE:</strong> The parish budget in 1968 reveals the church’s early expenses — and how much money collections raised.</em><br /><em><strong>BELOW:</strong> A Sun-Sentinel newspaper clipping discusses the legal turmoil in the community before the church was approved.</em> <strong><br /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810664,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960810664,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960810664?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Highland Beach: St. Lucy Catholic Church marks 50 yearshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/highland-beach-st-lucy-catholic-church-marks-50-years2018-07-04T16:30:00.000Z2018-07-04T16:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960797474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960797474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960797474?profile=original" /></a><em>The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, presided over the Rite of Installation of the Rev. Father D. Brian</em><br /> <em>Horgan (far right) on June 10 as the fifth pastor in the history of St. Lucy Catholic Church. <strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Carved from an overgrown tract of mangroves,<br /> church has grown into centerpiece of Highland Beach</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Related Story: Celebrating <a href="http://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/highland-beach-celebrating-50-years-of-st-lucy-church">50 years</a> of St. Lucy Church</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Hundreds of Catholics in southern, coastal Palm Beach County call St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach their home church. The small house of worship on A1A is wedged between towering condominiums that sprouted up around it since it was founded in 1968. <br /> This year, the church celebrates its golden jubilee, marking half a century of providing spiritual guidance, respite and comfort, in keeping with the parish mission statement: “Our community welcomes all, judges none, embraces and protects the vulnerable, and seeks to make the stranger, the unloved and the unwanted feel at home.” <br /> Maureen Mooney Stamper of Boca Raton has been attending St. Lucy for nearly 20 years, first as a tourist, then as a snowbird and now as a full-time resident. Early in the church’s history, 75 percent of parishioners were seasonal. Now the opposite is true — only 25 percent are snowbirds.<br /> When Stamper lost both her son and her husband in 2014, she recalled, “It was because of my faith that I was able to get through it.” <br /> Stamper found comfort in the arms of her church family and has blossomed again. “I thought I’d never be me again, but I became a better me,” she said.<br /> That good feeling comes from the joy of giving back to the church that helped her through hard times. “I never realized what I could do,” Stamper said. “Father mentored me.” <br /> She became a lector, then a eucharistic minister, honors she treasures. “I’ve gotten more out of it than I have given,” Stamper said. “I’m so proud of the work the congregation does.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960798059?profile=original" /></a><em><strong>ABOVE:</strong> Following installation Mass, the Rev. Father D. Brian Horgan greets parishioners. He came to St. Lucy in 2013 to assist Father Gerald Grace, who has since retired. <strong>BELOW:</strong> Horgan spends a moment in reflection during his installation service at St. Lucy Catholic Church. <strong>Photos provided by Lashells Photography</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798258,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960798258?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798279,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960798279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960798279?profile=original" /></a></strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>ABOVE:</strong> St. Lucy Catholic Church members representing the Parish Council attend the June installation of the Rev. Father D. Brian Horgan. <strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p>Michelle DeGennaro and Rosemarie Amato are co-presidents of the St. Lucy Council of Catholic Women, a charitable ministry of the church. The group has more than 130 members, making it one of the largest groups of its type. <br /> “Lucky us!” DeGennaro said. “We are a very active group. We really want to help and there are plenty who need it.” <br /> The group supports child-related charities, including Birthline, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Place of Hope and Boca Helping Hands. The council also gives an annual college scholarship to a young Catholic woman.<br /> Amato is a former New Jersey snowbird, now a Boca Raton resident, who has attended St. Lucy since 1988. She’s devoted to the church and the CCW, and enjoys planning its major annual fundraiser, a fashion show. Amato says, “Whenever we ask for help, we get it. No one ever tells us no.”<br /> Parishioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman — who also serves as a commissioner for the town of Highland Beach — has been attending St. Lucy for more than 25 years. St. Lucy still holds up as the heart of the community and there’s also a great deal of “doing good deeds quietly,” Gossett-Seidman said. “It’s a beautiful reflection of the community, a great lift and a sparkle for everyone.”<br /> For many years, the church has also served as a polling place.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Father Horgan’s influence</strong></span><br /> On June 10, the church held the official rite of installation of Father D. Brian Horgan as the fifth pastor in St. Lucy’s history. Horgan is known for his kindness, his work with children (he previously taught at Cardinal Newman High School), and his sense of humor.<br /> Horgan has worked at St. Lucy since 2013, and his welcoming attitude is contagious, DeGennaro said. “He’s young, influential and appealing.”<br /> Nearly everyone who speaks about Horgan, who turned 47 on July 4, mentions his youth, and many praise the bishop for sending a youthful priest. <br /> To be viable, a church must attract new members, and that’s certainly part of Horgan’s plan. He welcomes families, encouraging them to sit in the front row. He says parents shouldn’t feel they need to remove a rambunctious tot from the sanctuary during Mass. <br /> To him, a church’s youngest parishioner is just as important as its oldest. A children’s Mass on Friday is becoming one of the most popular services. <br /> The church, which grew from 500 families in 1995 to 1,300 members today, is a multicultural fishbowl, with different cultures living in harmony, all following Horgan’s open-armed example. <br /> Pastoring this new generation of Catholics means embracing the growing Spanish-speaking population. Dianne Barreneche spoke on behalf of the parish’s Hispanic community at Horgan’s installation, praising him for being “so devoted he learned Spanish so he could say Mass in Spanish to his Hispanic parishioners.” The congregation laughed, imagining Father Brian’s Irish-accented Spanish.<br /> Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito spoke at the installation, as did Carl Feldman, the mayor of Highland Beach, and several other civic and church leaders. Hundreds of faithful showed up to take in the pageantry. <br /> Horgan’s self-deprecating sense of humor and way with words set the tone. The young pastor is so agile with words, Barbarito said, he was adding Horgan’s name to his short list of potential eulogists. <br /> The bishop spoke about how well St. Lucy serves its faithful and praised the “wonderful relationship” that the parish has cultivated with the town. <br /> Before moving to the parish hall for a luncheon featuring Irish foods (corned beef, boiled potatoes and carrots), Horgan closed by quoting the Irish poet Keats and then said that the words of St. John Vianney best described his feelings about his parish: “A priest is not a priest for himself, but for others.” <br /> Perhaps DeGennaro said it best: “This little church on A1A you can call home.”<br /> No special events have been planned to mark the 50th anniversary.</p></div>Highland Beach: Holiday celebration moving inside St. Lucy Churchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/highland-beach-holiday-celebration-moving-inside-st-lucy-church2017-11-29T17:08:44.000Z2017-11-29T17:08:44.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Rich Pollack</strong><br /><br /> Highland Beach’s annual Light Up the Holidays celebration is on the move.<br /> Traditionally held in the Town Hall parking lot, Light Up the Holidays 2017 will be held in the parish hall at St. Lucy Catholic Church beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.<br /> As in years past, the event will feature the lighting of a Christmas tree and a menorah, refreshments and a performance by the Dimensional Harmony Choir from Boynton Beach High School. <br /> Also performing will be Nicholas Abrahams, a violinist, town resident and a senior at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. <br /> The celebration will include blessings from Father Brian Horgan of St. Lucy’s and Rabbi Aviva Bass of Temple Sinai in Delray Beach and have a flag ceremony by Boca Raton High School’s Navy JROTC. <br /> St. Lucy’s is at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.highlandbeach.us">www.highlandbeach.us</a> or call 278-4548.</p></div>Highland Beach: Spat over election ends with polling place’s move to Town Hallhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/highland-beach-spat-over-election-ends-with-polling-place-s-move-2017-02-01T16:34:46.000Z2017-02-01T16:34:46.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Rich Pollack</strong><br /><br /> A war of words between a candidate for Highland Beach Town Commission and the leader of the church that is the town’s only polling location prompted town leaders to move the March 14 election to Town Hall. <br /> In a 3-2 vote late last month, commissioners agreed to move the polling place to the town’s public library despite being informed that leaders of St. Lucy Catholic Church had a change of heart and rethought their reluctance to continue serving as a polling place.<br /> Last month, the Rev. D. Brian Horgan, of St. Lucy Catholic Church, told the town the church would no longer be a polling place unless he received an apology from Town Commission candidate Carl Gehman. <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960701682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960701682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="99" alt="7960701682?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960702088,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="99" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960702088,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" alt="7960702088?profile=original" /></a> Gehman, who had scheduled a meeting with Horgan to ask for equal time after hearing from a third party that the church had voiced support for another candidate — a claim Horgan denies — was asked to leave the church office several times. <br /> Church leaders say Gehman became “very agitated” when he and his wife arrived at the church for a meeting that was canceled at the last minute because of a scheduling conflict. <br /> “This whole thing wouldn’t have happened if he had just sat down with me,” Gehman said. <br /> Horgan’s memos revoking permission to use the church as a polling place sent town officials scrambling to find a new location. <br /> During a special meeting late last month, however, former Vice Mayor Ron Brown — who is running for mayor — told commissioners he was bringing a message from Horgan that the church would be more than happy to host the election.<br /> That decision brought a sharp response from Vice Mayor Bill Weitz, who said he thinks the church reconsidered to provide an advantage to a few candidates in the election.<br /> “This is simply a political stunt to support certain candidates,” Weitz said. “I think it’s time we go on record to say we can have the election on a neutral site.”<br /> Weitz said he thinks the initial actions of the church, in revoking permission to hold the election on its property and to not allow election parking on the site unless it received an apology from Gehman, were unfair to the town, which was an uninvolved third party in the dispute.<br /> “It should be clear that there was an inappropriate ultimatum on this commission,” Weitz said. “We were being coerced.”<br /> Weitz’s motion to move the election drew support from Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker and Mayor Bernard Featherman and opposition from Commissioners Carl Feldman and Lou Stern. <br /> “I think it’s part of the charm of a small town to hold an election in the Town Hall,” Zelniker said.<br /> Feldman, who is running for mayor against Brown, said he had no problem with holding the election at the church, but said because there are eight candidates running for three seats, it would be best to have a “candidate-free zone” to make sure candidates didn’t get in the way of church members going to Mass.<br /> Stern said he thinks moving the election to town facilities would be an inconvenience to residents since the library would have to be closed for the day and other facilities could be impacted. <br /> Because of limited parking, Highland Beach Town Hall and the adjacent library have not been considered as a polling place in the past, especially with the availability of the church, which has many more available parking spots.<br /> Interim Town Manager Valerie Oakes told commissioners she is planning to close administrative offices in Town Hall and the library on election day in order to free up additional parking spots. <br /> Horgan said that the church would open its parking lot — which is just a short walk from Town Hall — to the town on election day.<br /> Oakes said the town has 57 spaces available, including five handicapped spots, and that the Police Department will be available to assist with traffic control and parking if needed. <br /> She also pointed out that many residents walked to the polling place or rode their bicycles. <br /> Resident Barry Donaldson, who is running against Zelniker for a three-year term, said he was concerned that the change in polling places could confuse some voters who have been voting at the church for years. <br /> Oakes, however, said the town will be conducting a communication campaign, including letters to registered voters, to ensure residents know of the change. <br /> In addition to Gehman, those running for the two-year seat Feldman is vacating are Melissa Ebbs, Elyse Riesa and Peter Rodis.</p></div>St. Lucy Catholic Church fashion show: Via Mizner Golf & Country Club, Boca Raton — Feb. 23https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/st-lucy-catholic-church-fashion-show-via-mizner-golf-country-club2016-03-02T16:58:30.000Z2016-03-02T16:58:30.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960627273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960627273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960627273?profile=original" /></a><em>Sleeves To Go model Susan Costanza walks the runway during the church’s</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>44th annual fundraising luncheon and fashion show.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></p></div>Finding Faith: Highland Beach’s St. Lucy packs season with a busy social calendarhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-highland-beach-s-st-lucy-packs-season-with-a-busy-s2012-02-29T16:00:00.000Z2012-02-29T16:00:00.000ZDeborah Hartz-Seeleyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/DeborahHartzSeeley<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960373490,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960373490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="538" alt="7960373490?profile=original" /></a><em>St. Lucy Catholic Church member Marilyn Rubin (left)</em><br /> <em>of Highland Beach enjoys the Xpressions 2012 40th Annual</em> <br /> <em>Fashion Show & Luncheon with her guest Audrey Miller. The</em><br /> <em>show was held at the Delray Beach Club on Feb. 18. </em></p>
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<p><strong>By Tim Pallesen</strong></p>
<p>The social life at St. Lucy Catholic Church is geared to the seniors.</p>
<p>“We cater to an older population that loves to come out and dance,” said Rana Vitha, president of the St. Lucy Council of Catholic Women. “That’s a little unique to St. Lucy because of the age of our population.”</p>
<p>Nearly all 700 members at the Highland Beach congregation are retirees. Many are snowbirds who arrive for the winter when St. Lucy’s social season comes alive.</p>
<p>“We’re quiet in the summer and blooming in the winter like any other vacation spot,” former CCW president Pat Foster said.</p>
<p>Italian Night on Jan. 14 was the first big dinner-dance this season, organized by the St. Lucy Men’s Club. A seven-piece live band provided music in the parish hall.</p>
<p>The Men’s Club sponsored a bus trip to see the horse races at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 4. Next up is the St. Patrick’s Day dinner-dance on March 10.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Church members Rose Tenny-Grasso (top), Marilyn Fontenelli (middle)</em><br /> <em>and Jacqueline Philippoussi (above) model clothing from Sondro’s in</em><br /> <em>Deerfield Beach and Plaza Boutique in Delray Beach.</em> <br /> <em><b>Photos by Kurtis Boggs/The Coastal Star</b></em></p>
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<p>Women outnumber the men in the aging congregation. So the ladies have their own calendar of social events.</p>
<p>Their season began with a December tea called the Baby Jesus Shower in which they brought clothing and toys as Christmas gifts for children in a poor Catholic parish in Pahokee.</p>
<p>The women held their 40th annual fashion show and luncheon at the Delray Beach Club on Feb. 18. Eight women from the congregation modeled clothes from dress shops in Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach.</p>
<p>But church leaders at St. Lucy aren’t just trying to have fun. They are also trying to combat loneliness, particularly among elderly widows in the congregation.</p>
<p>“Women outlive men,” Vitha said. “We have a lot of women who are experiencing loneliness, health [issues] and financial shock.”</p>
<p>To better understand needs within the congregation, the Council of Catholic Women invited the women to speak out at “Life Challenges for Women” on Feb. 7.</p>
<p>Their concerns will help church leaders plan next winter’s schedule of events at St. Lucy.</p>
<p>“We feel we are providing Christ’s ministry,” Vitha said.</p>
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<p>The musical talent from four churches and two synagogues will join March 25 to perform a Sounds of Promise concert to benefit the interfaith Family Promise charity.</p>
<p>Choral and instrumental music during the 4 p.m. concert at First Presbyterian in Delray Beach will range from spirituals to Hebrew songs. “It’s going to be an exciting and varied event with something for everybody,” said Jim Poch, the concert’s musical director.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960373289,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960373289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="360" alt="7960373289?profile=original" /></a><em>The horse-drawn carriage in Cuba.</em></p>
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<p>Glades Presbyterian and the B’nai Torah congregation will send full choirs. The praise band from First United Methodist is coming along with organist Brian Davy from St. Gregory’s Episcopal and soloist Barbara Bayer from Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.</p>
<p>“It’s going to be phenomenal,” said cantor Stephanie Shore from B’nai Torah, who will sing and serve as master of ceremonies for the event.</p>
<p>The six congregations participating in the concert and six others form Family Promise, a charity that provides emergency shelter and food to families with children. Tickets for the fund-raiser are $20.</p>
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<p>Members of First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton are off to Haiti and Cuba with a renewed spirit for world mission.</p>
<p>The congregation began on Vision Sunday last November by adopting a new slogan: “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”</p>
<p>“We believe we are waking up to a stronger emphasis on mission, both in the community around us and in the world,” associate pastor Tom Tift said.</p>
<p>A delegation left March 4 to Haiti to explore ways to help Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince and the Christian School of New Vision in LaJeune.</p>
<p>First Methodist already supports the children’s hospital financially, and trip leader Dan Bertotti has led three previous delegations to Haiti to help build a dormitory and well for the school.</p>
<p>“We see this month’s trip as the first step to identify ways we can become a more meaningful partner,” Tift said.</p>
<p>Teachers from Toussaint L’Ouverture High School, a Delray Beach charter school for Haitian immigrants, is with the delegation to teach the Haitian school’s teachers.</p>
<p>As they do, Tift and the Methodists will escort the 60 orphans who live at the school on a tour of the Citadel, a castle on a mountaintop. They also plan Bible readings and a talent show for the children.</p>
<p>In Cuba, the Methodists from Boca Raton have embraced Christians in the rural town of Palenque to build a home for their pastor. They also purchased a horse-drawn carriage to bring people to church.</p>
<p>All Methodist churches in Florida are encouraged to identify a sister church in Cuba. The communist regime of Fidel Castro doesn’t allow new churches to be built. So the pastor’s home in Palenque was built with a special room where the Cuban congregation can worship.</p>
<p>First Methodist’s mission efforts got a boost when William Joel, a long-time church usher, surprised the congregation with a $1 million gift after his death last year.</p>
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<p>Celebrants will wear Spanish costumes for the annual Purim party at the Chabad of East Boca Raton on March 8.</p>
<p>Flamenco guitarist Alex Fox will perform after a 5:30 p.m. dinner to celebrate the deliverance of Jews over their enemies in the ancient Persian Empire. A carnival will entertain the children.</p>
<p>Tickets to Purim en España are $35. Call 417-7797 for details.</p>
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<p><i>Tim Pallesen writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Email him at tcpallesen@aol.com.</i></p>
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