st vincent ferrer catholic church - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T14:41:56Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/st+vincent+ferrer+catholic+churchObituary: Rev. John Skehanhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-rev-john-skehan2024-02-28T16:33:41.000Z2024-02-28T16:33:41.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Anne Geggis</strong></p>
<p>DELRAY BEACH — A longtime pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church died Feb. 11. The Rev. John Skehan was 96 and died surrounded by loved ones, according to friends.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390430654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390430654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="104" alt="12390430654?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>The native of Ireland was beloved by many parishioners even after his tenure at the church ended after he pleaded guilty to stealing money from the church and was sentenced to prison.</p>
<p>After his release from Martin County Correctional Institution in 2012, Father Skehan lived for 10 years not far from the church he served for 40 years, but was not allowed on church property.</p>
<p>About two years ago, he moved to Lourdes-Noreen McKeen Residence, a West Palm Beach assisted-living facility.</p>
<p>“He was a dear, dear loved person from my childhood family,” said Michelle Donahue, 55, now a real estate agent, who received the sacrament of confirmation from Father Skehan and graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer School in 1982. “I called him ‘Pops.’”</p>
<p>In 2006, Father Skehan was accused of taking more than $370,000 from the church. He pleaded guilty in 2009 to taking more than $100,000 and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, serving 11 months of that time. </p>
<p>He made nearly $800,000 in restitution by turning over a condominium and a gold coin collection.</p>
<p>Frank McKinney, who joined St. Vincent’s in 1997 and whose daughter Father Skehan baptized, said he doesn’t believe that the priest committed any crime. He just didn’t account for the money and he gave it out to those who came to him in need just like an “old-school” Irish Catholic priest would do, McKinney said.</p>
<p>“The man didn’t know how to use a calculator, let alone a computer,” said McKinney, an author, developer of unique oceanfront estates and philanthropist who has built 31 Haitian villages from his book proceeds. “Any premeditated idea of taking money from the church … he would never, never do.”</p>
<p>The Rev. Francis Guinan, who followed Father Skehan as St. Vincent’s pastor, was charged at the same time with stealing $488,000 from the church. He went to trial and a jury found him guilty of stealing between $20,000 and $100,000. He was sentenced to four years in prison and served three years and seven months for the theft before his release in 2012. He retired to Port St. Lucie.</p>
<p>The thefts made national news, but Donahue said that parishioners’ devotion to Father Skehan was such that he never spent an hour of the allowed visitation in prison without visitors.</p>
<p>“He was a good man, did a lot of good things and helped a lot of people,” she said.</p>
<p>Father Skehan became a communicant at St. Mark Catholic Church in Boynton Beach following his release. </p>
<p> A requiem Mass was expected to take place in Ireland.</p></div>Religion Notes: Latin Divos open season for First Presbyterianhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-latin-divos-open-season-for-first-presbyterian2024-01-02T19:23:39.000Z2024-01-02T19:23:39.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12344519652,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12344519652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12344519652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Latin Divos (l-r) Ernesto Cabrera, Will Corujo, Fernando Gonzalez.</em></p>
<p>First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach opens its concert season at 4 p.m. Jan. 14 with a performance by the Latin Divos. The energetic pop/opera trio performs a mix of romantic serenades, Latin classics, and opera standards.</p>
<p>The divos are Fernando Gonzalez (a featured vocalist at First Presbyterian), Ernesto Cabrera and Will Corujo.</p>
<p>Tickets are $20. Sponsors are needed. First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is at 33 Gleason St. 561-276-6338 or <a href="https://firstdelray.com/2024-concert-series.%C2%A0">https://firstdelray.com/2024-concert-series. </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Women’s study group meets at Grace church </span><br /> The “God of Creation Women’s Group” begins meeting 9:15-11 a.m. Jan. 10 in the El Rio Room at Grace Community Church, 600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton.</p>
<p>This study group runs Wednesdays through March 13 and is for women aged 18 and older who seek the deeper meanings in Scripture. The group follows the teachings in the book <em>God of Creation</em> by Jen Wilkins, who said, “As God reveals Himself, we will begin to understand ourselves when we first glimpse the character, attributes, and promises of our Creator.”</p>
<p>For more information or to register: 561-395-2811 or <a>www.graceboca.org.&nbsp</a>;<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Temple Beth El offers virtual talks on coping</span><br /> Temple Beth El’s ongoing response to the terrorist acts in Israel includes partnering with Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services and Boca Raton community clergy to offer virtual coping programs facilitated by Danielle Greenblatt and a clergy member. “In creating a space for us to share what we are going through, we also create community, hope and healing,” she said.</p>
<p>Programs start at 7:30 p.m. and include: </p>
<p>• “Coping with the crisis in Israel: How do we cope with watching antisemitism rise around us?” with Rabbi Josh Broide on Jan. 10. <br /> • “How do we combat feeling powerless to help?” with Rabbi David Baum on Jan. 25. <br /> • “How do we cope with the anxiety of feeling unsafe?” with Rabbi Elana Rabishaw on Feb. 8. <br /> • “How do we talk to kids about Israel and current events? with Rabbi Amy Grossblatt Pessah on Feb. 21. </p>
<p>The temple's website is at <a href="https://tbeboca.org">https://tbeboca.org</a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca pastor opens series of business luncheons </span><br /> CityLead Boca, a monthly business lunch that explores how Biblical principles apply in the workplace, will be noon-1 p.m. Jan. 11 at Boca Raton Community Church, 470 NW Fourth Ave.</p>
<p>The speaker is Bill Mitchell, a successful businessman with a 25-year career who is now senior pastor at the church.</p>
<p>This event is designed for professionals who want to grow in their leadership, team building, clarity, focus and trust in line with Biblical principles. “The goal is to raise the bar of ethics and character to make South Florida the best place to work, live and play,” he said.</p>
<p>The luncheons are sold out through the season, according to the CityLead website.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12344523673,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12344523673,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12344523673?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="99" /></a>Rabbi to give concert at Schaefer Family Campus </span><br /> Spiritual leader and songwriter Rabbi Josh Warshawsky will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Family Campus. Warshawsky uses music to breathe under-standing into the familiar words of Judaism, clarifying the mysteries inherent in religious texts.</p>
<p>The singer, guitar player, composer and educator brings acclaimed violinist Coleen Dieker with him and joins the clergy team in chanting the <em>Song of the Sea</em>.</p>
<p>The Schaefer campus is at 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Available to livestream. 561-391-8900 or <a>https://tbeboca.org </a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Bishop Barbarito to offer rosary for the unborn </span><br /> The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, the fifth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, leads a prayer for the sanctity of life and ending of abortion, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Historic Courthouse, 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. The event includes praying the rosary for the unborn.</p>
<p>Sponsored by Respect Life Ministry, the event is not affiliated with Palm Beach County government.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-360-3330 or email dherbst@ccdpb.org</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Parish Festival returns to St. Vincent Ferrer </span><br /> St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church brings back its beloved Parish Festival, Feb. 9-11 at the church at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Music by groups including the JD Danner and Joey Calderaio bands takes place on the main stage. Rides, games, prizes, food and drink will be offered.</p>
<p>Hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Get tickets in advance at <a href="https://stvincentferrer.com/parish-festival/purchase-tickets/%C2%A0%C2%A0">https://stvincentferrer.com/parish-festival/purchase-tickets/ </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Paul Lutheran to host ‘Night to Shine‘ prom</span><br /> The annual Tim Tebow project, Night to Shine, a free celebration for people with special needs hosted by churches worldwide, is 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton.</p>
<p>The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, aged 14 and older, and features a catered dinner, dancing, karaoke, gifts, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara.</p>
<p>This prom-like event celebrates people who never got to go to prom. Register at <a href="https://nighttoshineboca.com">https://nighttoshineboca.com</a>.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Catholic Church clarifies ‘same-sex blessings’ </span> <br /> In a letter sent to two conservative cardinals published in October, Pope Francis suggested that blessing the union of a same-sex couple is acceptable as long as the blessings weren’t “confused with the ritual of marriage,” according to an Associated Press report. </p>
<p>The new document reaffirms that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman, but that offering a blessing to a same-sex couple is okay. Blessings are restricted — they can’t be part of a religious service or incorporate any marriage language, rituals, clothing, gestures or symbols of a holy union. And blessings cannot take place at the same time as a civil ceremony. </p>
<p>But requests for blessings should not be denied, the document said, and that “people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy shouldn’t be held up to an impossible moral standard to receive it.” </p>
<p><em>Find the report at: <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pope-approves-blessings-for-same-sex-couples-if-they-don-t-resemble-marriage/ar-AA1lGh6t">https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pope-approves-blessings-for-same-sex-couples-if-they-don-t-resemble-marriage/ar-AA1lGh6t</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Janis Fontaine</em></p></div>Along the Coast: Renewing Holy Spaceshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/along-the-coast-renewing-holy-spaces2023-08-29T16:41:52.000Z2023-08-29T16:41:52.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213451301,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213451301,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12213451301?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton began extensive remodeling in May. St. Gregory’s leadership expects the work to finish by the end of November, just in time for the church’s 70th anniversary. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Area churches restore stained glass, sanctuaries</span></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>When morning sunlight passes through the stained-glass windows at Church of the Palms, it ignites the sanctuary with color: yellow and amber, crimson and magenta, cobalt and cyan. A glowing vermillion cross on the floor creeps slowly toward the altar as the day progresses. </p>
<p>“Before it was just a diffused orange glow,” Pastor Todd Petty said. “Now when I walk in, I feel something divine. It’s peaceful. Worshipful.”</p>
<p>The Delray Beach church is among several in South County making much-needed updates and repairs in 2023. St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church of Boca Raton and St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach spent the summer renovating. These aren’t small projects. Church of the Palms spent nearly $300,000 repairing its east-facing frontage. The other churches spent more. All of the projects were complicated. </p>
<p>At Church of the Palms, it took months of delicate work to remove thousands of pieces of rare, mouth-blown sheet glass — the most expensive kind of stained glass manufactured in the world — label them, clean them and plan for their reinstallation. </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213453067,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213453067,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12213453067?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>The window of Church of the Palms in Delray Beach has been protected by hurricane glass.</em><strong><em> Photo provided</em></strong></p>
<p>The stained-glass work fell to the fine craftsmen at McMow Art Glass in Lake Worth Beach with an assist from DeMattia & Son Construction on installing the hurricane-protective windows, the doors and the framing of the narthex. </p>
<p>McMow Art Glass, an artistic presence in Lake Worth Beach for nearly 50 years, had nine artisans working on the restoration, including Hans Maurer, a highly skilled master from Germany. The east-facing window had been spared storm damage, but a healthy fear of hurricanes (and the building code) demanded that the stained glass be protected by hurricane glass. </p>
<p>The church has unusual architectural characteristics that made the process both a joy and a challenge, said Shanon Materio, president and creative director of McMow. With its soft curves and glowing wood, Materio says, it resembles a mandolin. </p>
<p>The glass used in the intricate depiction of the symbol of the United Church of Christ is rare mouth-blown sheet glass manufactured by Lamberts Glass in Germany. Tiny bubbles in the glass make it even more luminous. Church records say it was crafted and installed by Nobis Studios from Canton, Ohio, in 1965. </p>
<p>Things have changed since then. In order to meet building codes, the whole tableau had to be rescaled — a geometric problem requiring precise calculations to maintain the integrity of the design. “The ratio had to be correct, which required a lot of time and effort,” Materio said. </p>
<p>Another arduous chore: Cleaning the windows of almost 60 years of dirt, dust and debris — soot from candles and incense, nature’s detritus and millions of exhaled breaths laden with impurities — revealed the truly spectacular quality of the glass, Materio said. “The fluidity of the glass, and the jewel tones. You cannot replicate it. There’s nothing better.” </p>
<p>When the glass was made in the early ’60s, there were lots of sources for stained glass, mostly in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio. Today, there are few.</p>
<p>McMow downsized 18 months ago to devote itself to the craft of restoration and preservation of this fine art. “I like that we’re not throwing something away,” Materio said.</p>
<p>And there’s plenty of work to be done. </p>
<p>The cost of the project, the faithful provided. In January, the church bulletin read: “We are pleased to report that because of your faithful support — and a generous $75,000 gift from the Boynton Beach Church — our capital campaign exceeded its goal! We hoped to raise $275,000 to restore the stained-glass windows in the Sanctuary building and to install new front doors. Instead, we raised $340,850!” </p>
<p>That $75,000 gift did more than just help pay for the restoration. </p>
<p>Boynton Beach Congregational Church had sold its building in downtown Boynton and lost its pastor. It was looking for a new home. The church was welcomed by Church of the Palms. In May 2022, they began practicing a “cooperative ministry.” </p>
<p>With them, the congregants brought an artifact from the original church: a cross in the Dalle de Verre style, which is stained-glass pieces set in a matrix of concrete and epoxy resin. It was designed and fabricated by Conrad Pickel in his Boynton Beach studio in 1980. </p>
<p>McMow Art Glass gave it a new aluminum frame and mount and placed it in the Church of the Palms courtyard between the sanctuary and Friendship Center. The cross represents the joining of the two churches. It looks like it was made for the courtyard, Petty said. </p>
<p>Church of the Palms is at 1960 N. Swinton Ave. In-person worship takes place at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by coffee in the Friendship Center. The virtual service streams at 4:30 p.m. Call 561-276-6347 or visit <a href="http://www.churchofthepalms.net">www.churchofthepalms.net</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213451484,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213451484,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12213451484?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Contractor Coy Eaton assembles the new pews, which are a bit darker than the old ones, at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">New this month ...</span> <br />Nearby, St. Vincent Ferrer is undergoing its own upgrades. </p>
<p>In June, the church closed for the summer to give the sanctuary a face-lift. When parishioners return in September, they’ll be welcomed by shiny new pews, fresh paint, new lighting fixtures and neutral tile replacing the carpet. The church has held weekday Masses in the intimate and austere adoration chapel; weekend Masses were held in the school’s gym. </p>
<p>First, the space with room for 808 worshipers, was gutted. The old carpet and pews were removed, and the room was repainted a nice bright neutral cream color. New modern lighting fixtures were installed. Then the room was tiled with slip-resistant ceramic tile to match the altar.</p>
<p>Finally, on Aug. 7, a huge truck pulled up in front of the church and started the all-day job of unloading the new pews and materials. </p>
<p>“The pews are a richer color, a little darker than before,” office manager Ericka Ruiz said. They were chosen to coordinate with the wood ceiling. </p>
<p>Each three-piece pew had to be individually assembled, then the kneelers had to be attached, and the pews moved into position and bolted to the floor. The church raised about $800,000 for the upgrades in donations from parishioners. </p>
<p>At 5 p.m. on Sept. 7, Bishop Gerald Barbarito will celebrate a special Mass blessing the renovated church. </p>
<p>St. Vincent Ferrer is at 840 George Bush Blvd. Call 561-276-6892 or visit <a href="http://www.stvincentferrer.com">www.stvincentferrer.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">... and coming in the fall</span><br />St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church began extensive remodeling in May, and the church leaders expect the work to finish by the end of November, just in time for St. Gregory’s 70th anniversary. </p>
<p>In 1953, a few Episcopalians living in Boca Raton wondered if they really had to drive to Delray Beach to worship. They didn’t. The church first congregated in a single room furnished with an altar at one end and a kitchen at the other in a tiny building a block north of Palmetto Park Road. </p>
<p>In 1956, the Episcopalians broke ground for a building of their own on land donated by A.S. Weisman, a Jewish man who gave them two adjoining lots on the condition they build the church in two years. They did. </p>
<p>But within 10 years, they had to expand again. A much larger sanctuary and gorgeous stained-glass windows were added in 1966. During renovations in July, the team discovered several pieces of plywood signed by workers from Snow Construction, the company that built the sanctuary, led by George Snow of Snow Scholarship renown. </p>
<p>Now workers have stripped the church down to its bare bones and ripped up the tile and carpet from the floors. The Austin pipe organ (purchased in 1994 for $500,000) was removed and stored, and the remaining pipes were covered and protected. McMow Art Glass came on board to protect the stained glass during the construction. </p>
<p>Scaffolding was erected to restore the tongue-and-groove wood ceiling. The roof was repaired, and a new drainage system was installed to better protect St. Gregory’s stunning architecture from Florida’s unfriendly weather. Inside, a fire control room and fire sprinklers were installed. </p>
<p>It took until mid-July to finish work on the ceiling. While the scaffolding was up, the stained-glass windows were cleaned of years of dust and soot. Also in July, a steel beam was installed, and the columns removed from the old library hall, which will open up the sanctuary to natural light. A new entryway will welcome parishioners when the church reopens in the fall. In the meantime services will continue to take place in Harris Hall.</p>
<p>“It’s been a miracle,” parish administrator Kristen Chaney said, adding that so far, renovations have been covered by generous donations from parishioners. </p>
<p>In the Aug. 10 bulletin, the church leaders reported the best news yet: “Construction is progressing on time and within budget.” </p>
<p>If that continues, work should be completed by Thanksgiving. The estimated cost of the planned construction in the sanctuary is about $3.6 million.</p>
<p>St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd. Call 561-395-8285 or visit <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a>. </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>Religion News: Drive-thru Bethlehem returns to St. Joseph's in Boynton Beachhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-drive-thru-bethlehem-returns-to-st-joseph-s-in-boyn2022-11-29T21:16:03.000Z2022-11-29T21:16:03.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10894823097,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10894823097,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10894823097?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The Council of Catholic Women of St. Lucy Church in Highland Beach has decorated its Giving Tree for the season. The tree is adorned with donation requests for underserved people in the community. To support them and brighten their holidays, parishioners select a recipient and shop or donate items requested on the paper angels decorating the tree. Recipients of this goodwill are local groups: AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse), Birthline/lifeline (which helps pregnant women and their babies), Fisher House (a group that supports veterans and their families), and St. Mary’s of Pahokee (a church in western Palm Beach County). </em><br /><em><strong>ABOVE: </strong>(l-r) CCW members Diana Barrens, Glenn O’Neill, Mary Alice Dill and Rose Bond at the debut of the Giving Tree. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church’s Spontaneous Christmas Pageant is on hiatus for one more year, says children’s minster Dee Zlatic, wife of Pastor Marty Zlatic.<br /> The showcase of children from the congregation is a popular event, filling the church to overflowing. Coronavirus infections may be down, but church leaders decided on a safer outdoor celebration again in 2022.<br /> The church will host its third Drive-thru Bethlehem from 4-5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Church members have created a series of vignettes with live actors that tell the Nativity story, and guests drive through the Boynton Beach campus using a simple prayer sheet to follow along. Christmas hymns and carols will be broadcast between stations. There is also a stay-in-your-car Communion station at the end. <br />Also at St. Joe’s: A special fundraiser will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3. This Santa’s Workshop will feature unusual handmade gifts by people in Madagascar. The sale will raise money to bring a group to perform <em>Miaraka: A Time to Dance</em>, a musical about redemption, at three churches in Palm Beach County in March. <br /> The gifts include handmade fabrics and bead necklaces made from upcycled magazine paper. Bring your dull knives for sharpening. A Christmas cookie sale and a hot dog lunch are also planned. <br />For more information, call the church at 561-732-3060 or visit <a href="http://www.stjoesweb.org">www.stjoesweb.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Happy Anniversary</span><br /> St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton will celebrate its 69th anniversary on Dec. 4 with a brunch after the 10 a.m. service.<br />The festivities include raffles and a silent auction that features yacht trips and intimate dinners. <br />One of the most coveted dinners is the one with the auction winner and the Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton, bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida, enjoying a meal prepared by the Rev. Andrew Sherman and his family. The money raised supports the church’s missions. Call 561-395-8285. <br /> Other noteworthy events at St. Gregory’s: <br /> • Open house: On Dec. 11, after each service, the church will host an open house at the rectory. Come and have tea, coffee and pastries and meet the church leaders. <br /> • Bake sale: On Dec. 18 the Episcopal Church Women will hold a bake sale after services. Proceeds support the ECW’s missions.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Children’s Christmas show</span> <br /> First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach presents the children’s choir in its first evening performance of its Christmas pageant, “Sing with us the Christmas Story,” at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the church’s sanctuary. This short musical tells the story of the first Christmas. A reception follows in Fellowship Hall where guests can meet the performers. Free.<br /> First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St. Call 561-276-6338 or visit <a href="https://firstdelray.com">https://firstdelray.com</a>. <br /> Also happening at First Presbyterian Church:<br /> • The Deacons’ Christmas Tree, which raises money to provide 300 $25 gift cards to children in our community, supports these five agencies: Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse), Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, and Milagro Center.<br /> Here’s how you can help this more than 50-year-old tradition: Mail a check with “Deacons’ Xmas Tree” on the memo line. Drop off a check in the lobby offering box. Or easiest: Donate at <a href="https://firstdelray.com/give">https://firstdelray.com/give</a>. Include “Deacons’ Xmas Tree” in the notes section.<br /> • The Holly House Holiday Gift Shop is still open for shopping from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, until Dec. 18. Call 561-330-0245.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Music at St. Paul’s </span><br />Music at St. Paul’s rings in the holidays with its annual concert, A Festival of Lessons & Carols, at 3 p.m. Dec. 11.<br /> The concert features the Chancel Choir of St. Paul’s under the direction of David Macfarlane and will also feature congregational Christmas carols and lighting of candles. Organ voluntaries by César Franck and Gerald Near will be played on the Moeller pipe organ.<br /> “A series of readings leading from the Hebrew scripture prophecies to the New Testament birth story is complemented with Christmas carols from a variety of traditions to create a beautiful, seasonal celebration,” Macfarlane said.<br /> A Festival of Lessons & Carols is open to the public, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible. A freewill offering supports Music at St. Paul’s programming. <br />The church is at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 561-276-4541 or <a href="https://musicstpauls.org">https://musicstpauls.org</a>. </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Happy Hanukkah!</span> <br /> Old School Square will again host the lighting of the menorah at sundown on Dec. 18, the first night of Hanukkah. <br />Rabbi Shmuel Biston of Chabad of East Delray, who will speak again this year, expects a record turnout. Previous years have drawn crowds of more than 1,500 people.<br />Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager has been asked to light the first candle.<br /> An Israeli Beatles tribute band, in town for the Beatles on the Beach festival, will perform, Biston said. There also will be games for the kids and lots of festive treats.<br /> Old School Square is at 51 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.</p>
<p><em>Send religion news to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com</em></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>Religion News: Bishop formally installs Father Dennis at St. Vincent Ferrerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-bishop-formally-installs-father-dennis-at-st-vincen2022-09-27T15:32:10.000Z2022-09-27T15:32:10.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828890100,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828890100,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10828890100?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The Rev. Dennis Gonzales was officially installed as pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach by Bishop Gerald Barbarito on Sept. 11. </em><strong><em>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Father Dennis Gonzales came to St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach a year ago. On Sept. 11, he was formally installed by Bishop Gerald Barbarito at a heartfelt ceremony. <br /> The bishop came down from the altar to speak to and praise the congregation for its faith, energy and devotion to family. Then he said of Gonzales, “He is a quiet man. A gentle man. A loving man. A man who has a heart with the Gospel as the center of his life. But central to him is not himself but Jesus Christ.” <br /> The bishop has known Gonzales for years. Gonzales was educated at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and ordained in 2013, at age 39, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens by Barbarito.<br /> Since his ordination, Gonzales served at St. Helen in Vero Beach for four years, and St. Ann in West Palm Beach for another four years before coming to Delray Beach.<br /> Gonzales considers himself a healer first. He’s a registered nurse who worked in hospice care and has studied questions of medical ethics. Father Dennis believes most people are wounded and he wants to help heal hidden trauma. <br /> Gonzales also spoke at the ceremony, in his typically quiet voice. He said he was humbled that Barbarito had handpicked him to lead St. Vincent Ferrer parish. He thanked his predecessor, Msgr. Tom Skindeleski, for all his hard work. Gonzales said, “I inherited a parish on sound footing with a capable and dedicated staff.”<br /> The bishop stressed the importance of depending on one another, telling the congregation that Father Dennis “considers each and every one of you as central to his ministry and his priesthood.” <br /> Gonzales invites everyone to celebrate Mass with him and his family at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church at 7, 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays. A contemporary Mass is offered at 5:30 p.m.<br /> St. Vincent is at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-276-6892; <a href="https://stvincentferrer.com">https://stvincentferrer.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Blessings of the animals</span><br /> Each year local churches hold blessings of the animals around St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day on Oct. 4. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. <br /> Attend one of these blessings with well-behaved pets: <br /> • St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 11 a.m. Oct. 1. 561-395-8285; <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a><br /> • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Children’s Garden, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 4-5 p.m. Oct. 1. 561-276-4541; <a href="https://stpaulsdelray.org">https://stpaulsdelray.org</a><br /> • Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S. County Road, Palm Beach. 9 a.m. Oct. 2. 561-655-4554; <a href="https://bbts.org">https://bbts.org</a><br /> • St. Joseph’s Episcopal, 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. 3 p.m. Oct. 2. 561-732-3060; <a href="http://www.stjoesweb.org">www.stjoesweb.org</a><br /> • Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 15. 561-276-5796.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Gregory’s doings</span> <br /> St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will host a Capital Campaign Concert for a Cause from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 22.<br /> The church women’s annual bazaar will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29, for you to get started on your holiday shopping or just for fun. <br />The church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-395-8285 or <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Fall festival at St. Joe’s</span> <br /> St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church will host a free Happy Fall Y’all carnival and coffee hour following services on Oct. 30. It includes games, prizes, crafts and refreshments. <a href="http://www.stjoesweb.org">www.stjoesweb.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Yoga at St. Paul’s</span> <br />Patti Daniell leads Gentle Yoga with a spiritual component at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Classes meet for eight weeks beginning Oct. 4. The cost is $75 for eight weeks or a $10 drop-in fee. A portion of the proceeds supports St. Paul’s. Call 561-573-9326.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828891473,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828891473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10828891473?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><em>The VOCES8 vocal ensemble will perform Oct. 22 at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The VOCES8 vocal ensemble will perform Oct. 22 at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach.<br />Photo provided</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">VOCES8 in concert</span><br /> The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea presents VOCES8 in concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, at the church at 141 S. County Road, Palm Beach.<br /> The vocal ensemble will sing “Lux aeterna,” which features choral music by Byrd, Casals, Elgar, Gibbons, Mendelssohn, Monteverdi, Palestrina, Parry, Paulus and Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $25. A champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. and premium seating is $200. 561-655-4554 or <a href="https://bbts.org">https://bbts.org</a>.<br /> <em>Send religion news to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Religion News: St. Vincent processions honor Blessed Motherhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-st-vincent-processions-honor-blessed-mother2022-08-02T20:44:05.000Z2022-08-02T20:44:05.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10741620852,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10741620852,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10741620852?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Statue of Mary is carried during one procession. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>With “joy and hope,” a procession outside St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church on July 13 recognized the 105th anniversary of the Third Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal in 1917. <br />On the 100th anniversary in 2017, St. Vincent Ferrer was consecrated to the Blessed Mother.<br />Other processions are planned on Aug. 13 after the 4 p.m. vigil Mass, and after Mass on Sept. 13 and Oct. 13. All are welcome. St. Vincent Ferrer is at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Call 561-276-6892 or visit stvincentferrer.com.</p>
<p><strong>Backpack blessings</strong> <br /> Have the kids practice getting up and dressed early with their backpacks for a special Blessing of the Backpacks from 8 to 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. A prayer for a great school year in 2022-23 will be part of the blessing. Call 561-276-4541.<br /> First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach, will hold its Blessing of the Backpacks at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7. Call 561-276-6338 or visit firstdelray.com.</p>
<p><br /><strong>Open house</strong><br /> St. Paul’s Day School will host an open house beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at the school, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. <br /> The preschool has an annual enrollment of fewer than 40 children. It is offered for fully potty-trained children ages 3 to 4 years old by Sept. 1. St. Paul’s Day School accepts VPK vouchers for the 4-year-olds class. Full day hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with an optional Stay and Play program from 1:30-3:30 p.m. <br /> Parents of prospective students are encouraged to visit. Call 561-278-4729 or visit stpaulsdelray.org/day-school.</p>
<p><strong>Yiddish Fest</strong><br /> The fourth annual I Love Yiddish Fest ’22 takes place Aug. 30 through Sept. 4, with three shows in Boca Raton.<br /> This extravaganza of comedy, concerts and plays features contemporary Jewish headliners. For tickets and more info, visit YILoveJewish.org, email info@ YILoveJewish.org or call 888-945-6835. <br />The festival also will be in Coral Springs and Miami Beach. <br />The Boca Raton shows are:<br />“The Gospel According to Jerry” — 2-4 p.m. Aug. 30, Levis JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, 21050 95th Ave. S. A play reading about a divorced rabbi and a reserved African-American gospel choir director. <br />“Stars of David: Story to Song” — 7:30-9 p.m. Aug. 31, Sandler Center. A musical revue full of original songs and based on the best-selling book by Abigail Pogrebin. <br />“YidLive” — 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 4, Mizner Park Cultural Center 201 W. Plaza Real. The creators of “YidLife Crisis” bring an evening of comedy, music and thought-provoking shtick. The show has some adult content but is appropriate for anyone over bar/bat mitzvah age.</p>
<p>— Janis Fontaine</p></div>Religion News: Concert series returns this month to B’nai Torahhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-concert-series-returns-this-month-to-b-nai-torah2022-03-01T15:39:02.000Z2022-03-01T15:39:02.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10162874480,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10162874480,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10162874480?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Performers in the B’nai Torah Congregation concert series include (belowt) Israeli singer Noa accompanied by Gil Dor; and (above) pianist Guy Mintus. The four-show series will be at the congregation in Boca Raton. <strong>Photos provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10162874692,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10162874692,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="10162874692?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>B’nai Torah Congregation announced the return of the synagogue’s popular concert series for the 29th year. The 2022 Concert Series will include four live, in-person performances in the sanctuary at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. A virtual option will also be offered. Tickets are $25-$75 for members and $36-$100 for non-members. Call 561-392-8566.<br /> The live performances scheduled are: <br /> • Noa accompanied by Gil Dor — 7:30 p.m. March 9. Noa is an Israeli singer, songwriter, poet, composer, percussionist, speaker and activist who has released 15 albums with her longstanding musical collaborator Gil Dor. <br /> • Boaz Davidoff with cantor Magda Fishman — 7:30 p.m. March 22. The congregation’s former cantor returns.<br /> • Pianist Guy Mintus with Fishman — 7:30 p.m. March 30. This young performer has been described as “George Gershwin meets the Great Israeli songbook.” <br /> • The New York Cantors — 7:30 p.m. April 5. A presentation of the PBS program featuring Yanky Lemmer, Netanel Hershtik and Chaim Dovid Berson, three of the world’s most highly acclaimed cantors, in a concert of Jewish sacred and secular music.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Vincent Ferrer to have raffle to support school</span> <br /> St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach canceled its annual Parish Festival fundraiser this year because of road work that would have made it difficult and dangerous for people to attend. But the festival is the main fundraiser for St. Vincent Ferrer school, so the leaders found a solution: a raffle. A big one. <br /> The grand prize is $25,000. Second place gets $5,000 and third place $2,000. Tickets are $100. The drawing will take place April 27. Get tickets at <a href="http://www.stvincentferrer.com">www.stvincentferrer.com</a>. Click on “Giving.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Progressive dinner set for St. Gregory’s</span><br /> St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, will hold its 2022 progressive dinner March 12. The theme is “Fabulous Building, Fabulous Dining,” with your choice of culinary journeys inspired by the world’s most famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Opera de Paris and Machu Picchu. <br /> The festive event begins with wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dessert at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and must be purchased by March 6, available at <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com">www.eventbrite.com</a>. <br />An alternative to make arrangements is to call 561-702-6964 or 561-302-2351, or email arely@coxpartners.com or andimo31@gmail.com.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Love Delray event needs more volunteers </span><br /> Love Delray, a quarterly volunteer initiative, takes place March 19. Volunteers from local churches participate in community projects, but more volunteers are needed. <br /> Volunteers will meet at 8:15 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 N. Swinton Ave., in the courtyard for a brief prayer, fellowship and coffee and light snacks. <br /> Projects this quarter include outdoor work like helping clean and replant the Delray Beach Children’s Garden and indoor jobs like helping Forgotten Soldiers Outreach sort and pack toiletries or write notes of encouragement and cards to troops. <br /> To register, go to <a href="https://lovedelray.com">https://lovedelray.com</a> and pick the project you want to help with. <br /> For more information, email Allison@theavechurch.com or call 561-901-1302.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Legacy Polo Brunch for the Fuller Center </span><br /> The Fuller Center Foundation will host the second annual Legacy Polo Brunch on March 13 to support the Fuller Center in Boca Raton, which has provided under-resourced children with educational opportunities for more than 50 years. <br /> A private reception starts at 1 p.m. with a champagne brunch at 2 p.m., followed by the USPA Gold Cup polo match at 3 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. S., Wellington. <br /> Tickets are $275 per person. Attire is polo chic, and hats are encouraged. Call 561-391-7274, ext. 134 or email alagerstrom@ffcdc.org for more information.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Bill exempts houses of worship from shutdowns </span><br /> Under a bill approved in January by the Florida Senate, churches and other religious institutions would not have to turn congregants away during future emergencies and will be treated like businesses. The Senate voted 31-3 to approve Senate Bill 254, which says if businesses are allowed to stay open, churches and synagogues can’t be directly or indirectly prevented from conducting services or activities. <br />The House has a similar bill in the works.<br /> The new rule would apply not only to a pandemic, but any other emergency, lawmakers said. Of course, churches could still follow mandates of local dioceses. <br /><br /></p></div>Religion News: First Presbyterian’s rummage sale returnshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-first-presbyterian-s-rummage-sale-returns2022-02-01T15:54:30.000Z2022-02-01T15:54:30.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>After going virtual in 2021 because of the pandemic, First Presbyterian Church’s annual Step-Above Rummage Sale returns as an in-person event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10-13 at the church at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach.<br /> Linda Prior says the church was overwhelmed after just the first day accepting donations. “People just collected stuff since we didn’t have a sale last year,” she said. <br /> Shoppers will find more bargains than ever before, including artwork and decor, clothes and $3 shoes for men and women, books and toys, crafts and sporting goods, electronics and tools.<br /> Most folks know about the women of Holly House, who host a holiday bazaar each year. The Holly House ladies will have jewelry, purses, accessories, lamps and art at bargain prices for the rummage sale. <br /> The sale contradicts its name because rummage tends to imply messy, unorganized mystery wares, and this sale is super-organized: Clothes are sorted and hung on racks just like at a department store. Shoes are organized by size. <br /> There’s a linen department with bedding, towels, table coverings, and decorative pillows. The housewares department has tableware, cookware, and small appliances. The church even has sales specialists on hand to help. <br /> Cash and checks only. Call 561-276-6338; <a href="https://firstdelray.com/upcoming-events">https://firstdelray.com/upcoming-events</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">East Delray rabbi, wife welcome second child</span><br /> Rabbi Shmuel Biston and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their second child, a son, Mordechai, on Dec. 21. The baby, named for Sarah’s grandfather, likely will be called Motty. The baby, originally due Jan. 3, came early, in time for the 2021 child tax credit, Biston joked.<br /> Mordechai joins big brother Yehudeh, 3, who was named for the rabbi’s father. The Bistons are co-directors of Chabad of East Delray, which has a vibrant Young Professionals group. <br />Shmuel said that everyone is happy and healthy, but tired. “It’s a good stress,” he said.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Jewish film nights at South Palm Chabad</span><br /> Chabad of South Palm Beach is hosting a “Hollywood Goes Jewish” festival featuring three more films, shown at 7 p.m. select Wednesdays at the Chabad, 224 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. Each film features an introduction and is followed by a discussion moderated by Abraham Serfaty. The January film was Woman In Gold. Upcoming films are: <br /> The Garden of the Finzi-Continis — Feb. 9.<br /> Varian’s War — Feb. 23. <br /> The Diary of Anne Frank — March 9.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Wedding anniversary Mass scheduled at St. Jude</span><br /> Catholic couples celebrating 25, 40, 50 or more years of marriage in 2022 are invited to participate in the celebration of the 38th annual anniversary Mass at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton. The Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, bishop of Palm Beach, will preside. <br /> Cake, coffee and punch will be served in the parish hall after Mass. Register by Feb. 7 at the parish office, 21689 Toledo Road, or call 561-392-8172.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">St. Vincent cancels festival because of roadwork</span><br /> The annual St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church Festival, held in Delray Beach at the end of February for more than 50 years, has been canceled this year because of road construction on George Bush Boulevard. But a mini festival is planned for later in the year. Check <a href="https://stvincentferrer.com">https://stvincentferrer.com</a> for updates.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Christmas party a success in Belle Glade</span><br /> The First Haitian Baptist Church in Belle Glade held its annual Christmas Party on Dec. 19 with support from the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, Palm Beach Commandery, St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church with its Care Ministry, Creative Waves Foundation, and In Jacob’s Shoes Foundation.<br /> The church, at 200 SW Ave. B, hosted local children who received gifts, gift cards, socks and shoes. Festive refreshments were served. <br /> <br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10063054299,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10063054299,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="105" alt="10063054299?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Boca Raton rabbi named to education council</span><br /> Senior Rabbi David Steinhardt of B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton has been named to the Melton School of Jewish Learning’s Rabbinic Council, the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network.<br /> Steinhardt has served for more than 20 years and been a leader in the synagogue’s growth. B’nai Torah has the largest conservative membership in Southeast Florida, with more than 1,300 families. Visit <a href="https://btcboca.org">https://btcboca.org</a>.<br /><br /></p></div>Finding Faith: St. Vincent’s new pastor is trained to heal body, spirithttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-st-vincent-s-new-pastor-is-trained-to-heal-body-spi2021-09-28T14:33:06.000Z2021-09-28T14:33:06.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9620412068,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9620412068,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9620412068?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>The Rev. Dennis Gonzales celebrates a Mass for health care professionals in November at St. Ann Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. Gonzales, who has a bachelor’s degree in nursing, took over as pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach in September. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>First and foremost, Father Dennis Gonzales is a healer. <br /> Bishop Gerald Michael Barbarito handpicked Gonzales as the pastoral administrator for St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach to replace retired Monsignor Tom Skindeleski. He took the reins on Sept. 1. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9620412701,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9620412701,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="102" alt="9620412701?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Raised in a Catholic family in the Philippines, Gonzales, 48, dreamed of the priesthood, but he knew a nursing degree could provide him and his family with financial security. So instead of entering the seminary, he earned a bachelor’s in nursing from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. <br />After graduation, a hospital in Washington, D.C., sponsored him, and his childhood dream of coming to the United States came true. Sending money home to help educate his younger siblings and support his parents fulfilled another important goal. <br /> Still, the priesthood was never far from his thoughts. <br /> Health care and spiritual care have always coexisted in Gonzales’ mind, especially as he cared for dying patients. He completed an internship program in clinical pastoral education at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, ministering to terminally ill patients who were participating in clinical trials. <br /> While in Washington, Gonzales earned a scholarship to pursue his master’s degree in theology at the Washington Theological Union. When he completed the program, he was ready to fully commit to the priesthood and began looking for a seminary. <br /> After visiting a friend in South Florida, Gonzales was ready to abandon snow for sand. He earned a master of divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach and was ordained in 2013 by Barbarito at the Cathedral of Saint Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.<br /> Since his ordination, Gonzales has served at St. Helen in Vero Beach and St. Ann in West Palm Beach. He has also served as a hospital chaplain, lending support to hospice clients and their families, as well as the health care staff.<br /> As the coronavirus pandemic raged in the fall of 2020, Gonzales celebrated the fourth annual White Mass at St. Ann on Nov. 14, where health care professionals renewed their physician and professional health care promises to God and to adhere to the Catholic faith in the practice of medicine. <br /> He said then, “Love God — the greatest commandment — and then love your neighbor as you love yourself. Loving yourself is part of the equation. My friends, taking care of ourselves does not mean that we neglect the needs of others until our own needs are satisfied. It means we have to be aware of nurturing sound and healthy attributes to ourselves.<br /> “There is a saying that goes, ‘You cannot give what you do not have.’ So, if we don’t have strength, our energy quickly dries up.”<br /> Gonzales believes that the callings to nursing and the ministry overlap. “In his ministry, Jesus was always caring for and healing the sick, touching the outcast and untouchable. He healed them not only physically, but also emotionally, spiritually and socially,” Gonzales said in an interview with Global Pinoy Nursing in 2018.<br /> Gonzales is humbled that Barbarito chose him to lead St. Vincent, and says, “I’m so thankful to Monsignor Tom that I inherited a parish on sound footing, with a strong staff and a great school.” <br /> Gonzales’ goal at the church and in the community “is to have a healing conversation, to stop the division in our society, and to look for the positive. We need to talk about our differences and not let issues further divide us.” <br /> The former registered nurse calls the fighting over vaccinations and masks “sad,” but he believes confronting people isn’t the answer either. As a man of medicine, he is ready to talk. “I never imagined vaccinations would be a thorny issue. But I see myself as a community builder, a unifier. I would tell people to reflect on what is good for their family and for the community.”<br /> After that, it’s up to them. <br /> <br /><em>St Vincent Ferrer is at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-276-6892; <a href="https://stvincentferrer.com">https://stvincentferrer.com</a>.</em></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 News: Knights of Columbus effort ships thousands of meals to Guatemalahttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-news-knights-of-columbus-effort-ships-thousands-of-meals2021-04-27T19:47:08.000Z2021-04-27T19:47:08.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8857021267,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8857021267,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8857021267?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>More than 100 volunteers packed more than 40,000 meals during a St. Vincent Ferrer’s Knights of Columbus event in Delray Beach in March. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>The Knights of Columbus Council 13996 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach hosted a volunteer food-packing event at the school on March 20. More than 100 people showed up to assemble more than 40,000 nonperishable meals for people in Guatemala.</p>
<p>The event was part of the Knights of Columbus ministry promise to “Leave No Neighbor Behind” and was held with support from Cross Catholic Outreach, which handles shipping the meals. According to outreach data, at least 1 billion people go to bed hungry each night worldwide and an estimated 16,000 children die every day from hunger-related causes. </p>
<p>To learn more about the Florida Knights of Columbus, visit <a href="http://www.floridakofc.org">www.floridakofc.org</a>. </p>
<p>Read more about the food packing event at <a href="https://crosscatholic.org/food-packing-florida-council">https://crosscatholic.org/food-packing-florida-council</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Stocking food banks</strong></p>
<p>The Knights of Columbus event helped people in Guatemala, but groups are also stepping up to refill the cupboards at food banks in Palm Beach County. The Mizner Cares Committee, which is part of Mizner Country Club, collected three carloads of nonperishable food for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish church in Delray Beach. </p>
<p>The committee asked for food instead of money and collected so much, other churches in the area were able to share in the bounty. </p>
<p>For more information on what the committee does, visit <a href="https://miznercc.org/mizner-cares-gives-back">https://miznercc.org/mizner-cares-gives-back</a>.</p>
<p>Also in Boca Raton, Spanish River Church held its second annual food drive to benefit Boca Helping Hands and broke its own record by collecting 8,726 pounds of food. The food drive is part of Spanish River’s “Serve the City” initiative that encourages people to volunteer in the community. This year 42 volunteers stepped up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Boca gets shower truck</strong></p>
<p>Two other Boca Raton groups — B’nai Torah Congregation and St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church — worked together and found another way to fight hunger, homelessness and the coronavirus by providing homeless people with a place to shower twice a week. </p>
<p>The mobile shower station is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the church at 100 NE Mizner Blvd.</p>
<p>Guests also receive toiletries, towels, under-garments and clothes donated by local agencies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8857022855,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8857022855,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8857022855?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em><strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>12 ordained as deacons</strong></p>
<p>St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, which has more than 100 students working toward their master’s degrees, saw 12 ordained recently. </p>
<p>Two of the men, Daniel Donohue and Armando León, are from Palm Beach Diocese. They were among nine seminary students ordained by His Excellency William A. Wack, CSC, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, at a ceremony on April 17. </p>
<p>The Archbishop of Miami, Thomas G. Wenski, ordained three other SVDP seminarians on April 11. César Betancourt, Agustín Estrada and Sebastián Grisales are studying for the Archdiocese of Miami. </p>
<p>As newly ordained deacons, these men will be assigned to parishes where they will minister in preparation to become priests in the following year.</p>
<p>Among other duties, they will preach, perform baptisms, witness marriages and preside over wakes and funerals. </p>
<p>In other news, the seminary was recently awarded a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for phase one of the “Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative,” which will allow the seminary to continue to educate students and prepare them for ordination in an increasingly complex world. </p>
<p>For more information about the seminary, which has produced more than 600 priests since 1963, visit <a href="http://www.svdp.edu">www.svdp.edu</a>.</p></div>Finding Faith: Despite improved virtual services, some folks glad to be back in churchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-despite-improved-virtual-services-some-folks-glad-t2020-12-29T19:46:22.000Z2020-12-29T19:46:22.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>On Jan. 2, 1921, radio station KDKA became the first to broadcast a Christian church service, from Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. Today, thousands of churches make their services available to people who can’t attend in person, but few church leaders expected virtual church to become such a vital part of serving their congregations. </p>
<p>So some churches were more prepared than others. </p>
<p>At First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, Danny Davis has been helping improve the quality of the live-streamed services since the coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown last March. The church was already broadcasting its services on Facebook and YouTube, but that wasn’t anything on which it spent a lot of time. </p>
<p>“Our congregation was aware of our online presence, but we didn’t market it,” said Davis, a lay leader for the church, which now has resumed a Sunday in-person service outdoors, with reservations required. “Mostly it was watched by people who were home sick and couldn’t get to church, about 10 views per week.”</p>
<p>But when COVID-19 hit, “we realized early on things weren’t going to change,” Davis said.</p>
<p>Job one was to improve the quality of programming. He said it felt “like someone outside looking in” and the church wanted viewers to feel like they were right there, a part of the service. </p>
<p>“We planned it out and filmed the parts and music separately,” Davis said. “We found a person in the congregation who produced videos and he volunteered to help. We used the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, as a model.” </p>
<p>The largest Methodist church in the U.S. has 20,000 members and a professional TV production crew. </p>
<p>“My wife and I watch and I love that you can watch it on the big screen at home or on your phone from anywhere and it looks and feels like you’re a part of it. It feels good,” Davis said.</p>
<p>Penny Johnson has been attending some virtual and some in-person church at First Presbyterian in Delray Beach. Because she lives alone, interacting with others at church is important.</p>
<p>COVID-19 also curtailed two other church ministries in which Johnson was heavily involved — the choir and Holly House, a crafting group. That left a huge void in Johnson’s life. </p>
<p>“There are four or five of us who have no family here, and those relationships have become stronger,” Johnson said. People’s reticence to travel has kept families apart, adding to the isolation, Johnson said. Her pod alleviates some of her loneliness until her family can resume visiting. </p>
<p>She laughed as she said that “for the first time ever,” Pastor Doug Hood “emphasized that it was perfectly fine if you wanted to stay home.” </p>
<p>For Stephanie Hernandez, “as soon as I could get back to in-person church, I was there. Just walking through the doors into the house of God gave me a sense of relief, of inner peace.” </p>
<p>The Hernandez family attends St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach and their two daughters, 9 and 6, attend school there.</p>
<p>Hernandez said her younger daughter found it hard to focus on virtual church.</p>
<p>“There were a lot of distractions,” Hernandez said with a laugh. “The dishwasher buzzer would go off; my daughter would wander away.” </p>
<p>Hernandez tried taking her computer on the patio to watch Mass alone, but said people at the door would interrupt too often. The biggest void, though, wasn’t spiritual, it was emotional.</p>
<p>“I’m a very social person and mentally it wasn’t good for me,” she said. “I want to stay home when I want to, not when I am told I have to.” </p>
<p>Hernandez calls herself “faith-driven. I was born and raised in the church and Catholic school, and the church feels like family.” </p>
<p>At First United Methodist, Davis has found a new calling in working on the Facebook and YouTube live-streams.</p>
<p>“The joy of it for us as we perfected this was getting notices from as far away as the Philippines from people watching,” Davis said. </p>
<p>The church has even attracted a handful of virtual-only members, that is, folks who don’t plan to set foot in church. “But most of our membership longs for in-person church,” Davis said. </p>
<p>Davis said virtual church has expanded to Bible studies, book clubs, women’s group meetings and other ministries.</p>
<p>“These are just as important to the church as worship,” Davis said. “These are the folks actually doing the work of the church. And through Zoom or GoToMeeting, they can actually see each other.” </p>
<p>And in-person church isn’t what it was. Seating is restricted, so “you can smile and wave,” Johnson said, “but don’t really interact.” There are no Bibles or hymnals, just the printed bulletin. “A lot of people still don’t want to come back because they’re afraid. Being with people is important to me. I want to live my life.”</p>
<p>Davis agrees. “I like it, but it’s not as good as being together.”</p>
<p><br /><em> Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.</em></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>Finding Faith: Pub Theology: Finding faith in fun placeshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-pub-theology-finding-faith-in-fun-places2017-05-31T14:00:00.000Z2017-05-31T14:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p> You can find religion in the strangest places. <br /> Like at lunch. <br /> You’re quietly chowing down on a burger and fries and the guys at the next table are talking about religion. You don’t really mean to, but soon you’re joining the conversation. And the guys are just fine with that. <br /> A couple of years ago, one of those friendly guys was Boca Raton’s Thad Schoen. “It was $5 burger day at the Biergarten in Royal Palm Plaza. We were just talking. People were always joining in our conversations.” <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960725677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960725677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960725677?profile=original" width="102" /></a> It helps if you’re interesting, and Schoen is. He’s a retired scientist and professor and a cancer survivor.<br /> “I specialized in hematology and oncology clinical research,” Schoen said.<br /> If a life devoted to science and to God seems like a contradiction, Schoen says, it’s not. “Many very serious scientists were and are convinced there is a God.” <br /> Schoen decided those impromptu meetings were helpful and should be more official. He had heard about a group called Theology on Tap. Its website is a virtual how-to manual on starting your own casual club devoted to topics of faith. <br /> Schoen talked to the senior staff at his church, First United Methodist Church Boca Raton, and they supported the idea. But the name Theology on Tap was a trademark of a Chicago-based Catholic corporation, so they came up with a new name: Pub Theology. <br /> The group, which is open to people of all faiths, meets twice a month in Boca Raton. “All perspectives are welcome” is the club creed. <br /> “We wanted to reach out to the community,” Schoen said. “We wanted a place where people could discuss questions of faith, God and religion in a nonthreatening environment.” <br /> The group generally attracts 10 to 15 people but as few as six and as many as 40 have turned up. Ages range from college age to octogenarian. Some return every week, while others are one-and-done. <br /> The group sometimes begins with a topic for discussion in mind, and no topic is taboo — even politics. Senior Pastor Marcus Zillman, who sometimes moderates, says the questions and comments surprise the clergy, but that’s what it’s all about: Always questions, and sometimes answers. <br /> Schoen says the group will continue to meet through the summer, but without him for the first time since the group started two years ago. He and his wife, Loretta, a writer and blogger, are moving to Oviedo, northeast of Orlando, to be closer to their grandchildren. <br /> Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation & God meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Biergarten, 309 via de Palmas, No. 90, Boca Raton, and 7 p.m. the third Thursday at Barrel of Monks, 1141 S. Rogers Circle, No. 5, Boca Raton. Conversation, fellowship, open discussion. 395-1244; <a href="http://www.fumcbocaraton.org">www.fumcbocaraton.org</a><br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Fatima celebration</span> <br /> St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church and School joined the rest of the Catholic world in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. Between May and October 1917, Mary Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, appeared six times to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. <br /> On May 13, hundreds of worshippers from the five-county Diocese of Palm Beach came together in prayer and reflection on the messages of Our Lady of Fatima. The event began with a 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass followed by a candlelight procession of prayer and song. <br /> In Portugal, Pope Francis canonized two of the Portuguese shepherd children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, honoring their visions of the Virgin Mary 100 years ago. Those sightings made the tiny town of Fatima one of the world’s most important Catholic shrines, a destination for tens of thousands who wanted their prayers to be heard.<br /> St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church is at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. <br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Coming soon</span> <br /> First United Methodist Church Boca Raton is hosting a Chili Challenge and Bingo Night beginning at 5 p.m. June 3, on the East Campus, 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. This fundraiser will help send 25 kids to Warren Willis Methodist Summer Camp. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children, which includes samples of five chilies and five rounds of bingo. Cast your ballots for the best chili and play for prizes. Purchase advance tickets online.<br /> Info: 395-1244; <a href="http://www.fumcbocaraton.org">www.fumcbocaraton.org</a><br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Music minister performs</span> <br /> Paul Cienniwa, the new director of the music ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will perform his first South Florida concert, “French Sweets on Harpsichord,” at 3 p.m. June 11.<br /> The program will include suites by Francois Couperin, Johann Sebastian Bach and Jean-Philippe Rameau. Admission is free. <br /> St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Call 278-6003 or visit <a href="http://www.stpaulsdelray.org">www.stpaulsdelray.org</a>.<br /> <br /> <em> Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Finding Faith: It’s a jubilee, times three, for St. Vincent Ferrerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-it-s-a-jubilee-times-three-for-st-vincent-ferrer2015-11-04T16:30:00.000Z2015-11-04T16:30:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="446" alt="7960604059?profile=original" /></a><em>Frank McKinney leads a group of students across the George Bush Boulevard Bridge</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>toward St. Vincent Ferrer School, following the same route he took every day with his daughter Laura.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photos by Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960603887,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960603887,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="198" alt="7960603887?profile=original" /></a></strong><em>Bishop Gerald Barbarito leads a special Mass</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>on Oct. 11 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604075,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="446" alt="7960604075?profile=original" /></a></em><em>The pews were packed with parishioners of all ages, including these little ones.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604263,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604263,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="470" alt="7960604263?profile=original" /></a></em><em>A model shows the way the Delray Beach site will look</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>after a planned $6.5 million expansion of school and church facilities.</em><br /> <em><strong><br /></strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> Parishioners are gearing up for the triple jubilee in 2016 when St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Parish will celebrate its 75th anniversary. It’s considered a triple because the parish is also commemorating the 50th anniversary of the popular Parish Festival in March, and this comes on the heels of the 60th anniversary of St. Vincent Ferrer School, which the church celebrated Oct. 11 with an anniversary Mass led by Bishop Gerald Barbarito, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach.<br /> “He is such a humble, gentle man,” Julie Ott, the director of stewardship and development at St. Vincent, said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to have him grant our request.” <br /> Barbarito, who survived brain surgery to remove a benign tumor in February, oversees five counties and 267,000 Catholics. More than 1,000 came to hear the bishop speak. <br /> During the Mass, Barbarito gave his blessing for St. Vincent to conduct a capital campaign to raise $6.5 million for three projects: the construction of an addition to the school; the renovation to the existing 60-year-old school building; and the expansion of the entrances to the church, Ott said. A reception followed, which served as the official kickoff of the campaign. <br /> Before the Mass, the school hosted a reunion of sorts. Alumni and current students and their families were invited on a one-mile walk led by Frank McKinney. The local real estate developer led 150 participants along the path he followed every day when he walked his daughter Laura to school, retracing a route taken nearly 1,800 times. <br /> Ott says the church is anticipating record turnouts for the programming centered around the jubilee. Next up is the Diamond Jubilee Gala on Jan. 24 at the Delray Beach Marriott.<br /> “We’re very excited to have Matthew Kelly coming to speak,” Ott said. “He’s known worldwide as the ‘Dynamic Catholic.’ This program is more than just a speech; it’s a four-hour conference on how to live every day with purpose.” <br /> Kelly is the CEO and president of DynamicCatholic.com, a group that is working to rejuvenate interest in the Catholic Church. He’ll speak Feb. 27.<br /> The 50th Parish Festival on March 4-6 is going to be bigger and better, with carnival rides, games, live entertainment, food and a monster flea market.<br /> Ott is collecting memorable photos and stories from the early years of the church to use in scrapbooks and journals. Photos will be returned, Ott said. In addition, The Coastal Star will publish a special section on the school in 2016. <br /> For more information, call Julie Ott at 276-6892, Ext. 308, or email her at stewardship@stvincentferrer.com.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="396" alt="7960604853?profile=original" /></a><em>Holly House Bazaar co-chairs Edna Fisher and Donna King admire Christmas trees</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach. The bazaar runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 13-14.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Holly House ladies</strong></span> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>in full swing for show</strong></span><br /> Drop by Holly House on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and you’ll find more than two dozen skillful stitchers, clever crafters and fantastic florists hard at work, according to Linda Prior, a longtime Holly House volunteer. <br /> Since March, the Holly House ladies have devoted these two mornings per week to handcrafting gifts to sell at their annual Holly Days Bazaar. They’ll transform their workspace into a gift shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14. <br /> You’ll find Raggedy Ann dolls, aprons, baskets, pillows, tree skirts, place mats and table runners, children’s sweaters and hats, angels, ornaments, wreaths and trees, new and refurbished vintage jewelry. The newest item is a picture frame that holds jewelry, and the dressed-up flip-flops are hot sellers. <br /> A lot of the materials used are donated, Prior said. Old Christmas decorations, leftover fabric and accessories, and unworn jewelry are repurposed into something beautiful and new. <br /> The men of the church are on call for the ladies. “We just call Ed’s garage,” Prior laughs, “and the guys show up.” They do the heavy lifting: making tree stands, jewelry display cases, and shelving — whatever and whenever they are called upon to do. They get paid in baked goods. The guys even get in on the action at the bazaar by preparing lunch for the shoppers. <br /> Around a thousand guests are expected to visit the bazaar over the two days, and Prior says the Holly House ladies can make more than $20,000 in that one weekend. The money is used for other church ministries, but all that cash stays local, fed back into the community these ladies love. <br /> The Holly House, where the ladies meet, was built using funds raised in previous bazaars. <br /> Their kindness stretches past the needlework and yarn, Prior said. They help the parish by cooking meals, making phone calls and providing transportation. “We take care of each other,” Prior said. <br /> During their busiest time of the year, the women found time in October to plan and host a remembrance reception for a member who had recently passed away. <br /> Like Santa’s elves, these women are happy in their work. They welcome new members, and you don’t need to belong to the church to join. First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St., just south of Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more info, call 276-6338. <br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>New rector</strong></span><br /> The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church family will gather for the institution of the Rev. Paul Kane as its new rector on Dec. 1. He’ll lead services for the first time on Dec. 5 and 6. A dinner and reception for Father David Knight, who served as interim rector while the committee searched for a permanent replacement, will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 7. He’ll lead services for the last time on Nov. 7 and 8. The church, at 188 S. Swinton Ave, in Delray Beach, can be reached at 276-4541.<br /> <br /> <em>Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"></p></div>Finding Faith: Holy Spirit hosts Mass in Manalapan while bridge is closedhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-holy-spirit-hosts-mass-in-manalapan-while-bridge-is2012-11-28T17:30:00.000Z2012-11-28T17:30:00.000ZDeborah Hartz-Seeleyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/DeborahHartzSeeley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960407885,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960407885,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="538" class="align-center" alt="7960407885?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Nearly 20 people participated in Saturday afternoon Mass inside the Manalapan Library. <b>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</b></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><b> </b></em></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>By Tim Pallesen</strong></p>
<p>The closing of the <b>Lantana Bridge</b> hasn’t kept Catholics who live in Manalapan from attending Mass.</p>
<p>Instead, a priest from <b>Holy Spirit Catholic Church</b> in Lantana comes to them, leading worship every Saturday at the Manalapan town library.</p>
<p>The services began after the bridge was closed for construction last March. Island Mass recessed for the summer and then resumed Nov. 3.</p>
<p>Manalapan officials approved the library use after a request by Councilman <b>Louis DeStefano</b>, a Holy Spirit parishioner.</p>
<p>“I figured that, if anyone could find us a place, it was him,” Holy Spirit’s senior priest, Rev. <b>Kevin Nelson</b>, said. “He’s the one who made it happen.”</p>
<p>DeStefano’s 97-year-old mother was particularly pleased. The library is across the street from her Point Manalapan home.</p>
<p>“I go there in my wheelchair,” <b>Phyllis DeStefano</b> said. “I’m very happy about it.”</p>
<p>Without the alternative, Catholics who live on the island would be forced to drive north to cross at the <b>Lake Worth Bridge</b> and then go south to reach Holy Spirit.</p>
<p>“It’s not just for Manalapan,” Louis DeStefano said. “It’s for the whole east side of the bridge, whoever is stuck with the bridge being out.”</p>
<p>As many as 40 parishioners attended Mass when it was said in Manalapan last winter. About 20 attended Nov. 3, and that number is expected to grow as snowbirds return.</p>
<p>“It’s a wonderful thing that the church has offered so we can have a place that’s so convenient for ocean people,” Manalapan resident <b>Olga Cuyar</b> said. “We’re blessed to have it.”</p>
<p>Only the priest is inconvenienced by island Mass. Services are held immediately before and after at Holy Spirit Church in Lantana.</p>
<p>“I’m dashing from here to get there,” Nelson said.</p>
<p><span> ***</span></p>
<p><b>Church of the Palms Congregational</b> has joined the city of Delray Beach to collect and ship 500 care packages to the military this holiday.</p>
<p>The Project Holiday project began in 2005 when Church of the Palms member <b>Eleanor Williams</b> heard that the city commissioners were supporting city administrative assistant <b>Delores Rangel</b>’s support group for parents with military children overseas during Christmas.</p>
<p>“I always feel it’s such a huge sacrifice to put yourself in danger and be away from family,” said Williams, whose father was an Air Force prisoner of war during World War II. “You feel alone and isolated.”</p>
<p>Rangel’s daughter <b>Melissa</b>, who served five tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, encouraged the parents group called <b>You Are Not Alone</b> to send the holiday care packages.</p>
<p>The packages include nonperishable food, toiletries and cards of encouragement. The ladies at Church of the Palms knit wool caps for a soldier to wear under his or her helmet to stay warm.</p>
<p>Project Holiday has grown to where Delray Beach placed collection boxes at City Hall, the city library and four other locations in November. Eight businesses in Boca Raton also collected items.</p>
<p>Volunteers gather Dec. 2 to pack boxes for shipment at the <b>Delray Beach Community Center</b>. The church, as a nonprofit, accepted $4,000 in donations to pay for postage.</p>
<p> <span> ***</span></p>
<p><b>Temple Beth El</b> celebrates <b>Hanukkah Under the Stars</b> at the <b>Mizner Park Amphitheater</b> on Dec. 14.</p>
<p>The free community event includes bounce houses, face painting and crafts for children, opening at 5 p.m. A caravan of food trucks will offer Italian, Mediterranean, American and vegetarian cuisine.</p>
<p>The Hanukkah service at 7:30 p.m. has cantor <b>Lori Shapiro</b> joining the congregation’s adult and youth choirs in music to celebrate the Jewish holiday.</p>
<p>“We are always looking for engaging ways to make services filled with meaning and entertainment for people of all ages in the community to enjoy,” Temple Beth El communications director <b>Susan Stallone</b> said.</p>
<p> <span> ***</span></p>
<p>The <b>Delray Beach Chorale</b> performs its annual Voices of the Season holiday concert on Dec. 1, at <b>First Presbyterian Church</b> in Delray Beach.</p>
<p>The community choir will present Puccini’s <b>Messa di Gloria</b> in addition to traditional holiday songs.</p>
<p>Tickets for the 3 p.m. concert are $20 for adults and $5 for students.</p>
<p> <span> ***</span></p>
<p><b>St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church</b> is helping reopen Catholic parishes that were closed in communist countries.</p>
<p>The Delray Beach congregation chose the <b>Diocese of Vladivostok</b> as its overseas mission after hearing how two missionary priests have already reopened 11 parishes in an area twice the size of Texas.</p>
<p>One of the priests, Father <b>Daniel Maurer</b>, traveled halfway around the world to appeal for St. Vincent ’s financial help last month.</p>
<p><b>Siberia</b> became a communist land in 1917 after the Russian Revolution, and <b>Stalin</b> confiscated the Catholic churches.</p>
<p>Other priests have joined the effort to reopen the parishes since the first two priests arrived in 1992. They also operate schools, soup kitchens, women’s support centers and a hospital.</p>
<p> <span> ***</span></p>
<p>The community will have access to a classical outdoor labyrinth to be built at the <b>United Unitarian Fellowship of Boca Raton</b>.</p>
<p>Walking a labyrinth is a way of meditation. Such paths are found in ancient and modern religious traditions around the world. They can be carved in stone, cut into turf, drawn on clay or embedded in sanctuary floors. The labyrinth in Boca Raton is designed to give the community “a place to calm the heart, mind and soul under the beauty of the sky.” For some, walking the path deepens spiritual understanding. For others, it brings quiet contemplation, even a way of healing.Members of United Unitarian Fellowship began fundraising for the labyrinth at their Nov. 11 worship service by purchasing virtual bricks for $10 each.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Tim Pallesen writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Email him at tcpallesen@aol.com.</i></p></div>