Jim Devericks, a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lantana, with the 12-foot lighted cross. Photo provided
You can see for miles the lighted cross on top of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lantana.
The 12-foot beacon of religious faith was recently refurbished by a parishioner who made it his mission to get the light back on.
Jim Devericks has been worshiping at Holy Spirit for more than 20 years. When the cross was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Devericks promised to pay for a new cross as soon as his finances would allow.
His company, SuperCloud International Inc., a technology-based entertainment outfit with a core focus on advanced 5G wireless and other hybrid connectivity solutions, recently received a new round of angel investor funding, which paid to have the cross installed approximately 80 feet off the ground. It took a talented crew about a day with the help of some heavy equipment. A special 70-ton crane was used to secure the cross to the church roof.
Devericks, 60, of West Palm Beach, says the cross represents prayers answered and promises kept. The illuminated cross had always been a source of inspiration and spiritual comfort as he struggled with the demons of everyday life, both personal and professional.
On Feb. 11, the church recognized Devericks with a certificate of appreciation in front of the congregation during the church service.
“I am extraordinarily grateful to Rev. Eli, and to all of the spiritual leaders and members of the church community, who have been so supportive of me through the years. I am also very thankful that my prayers were answered and that I was able to provide the funds to restore the new cross,” Devericks said. “I hope it will always be an inspiration for church members, residents and visitors for many years to come.”
A video, “Lighting the Cross,” is available online at www.vimeo.com/908199467/417a359103?share=copy
Holy Spirit Catholic Church is at 1000 Lantana Road. It was founded in 1964 and serves 4,000 parishioners.
Call 561-585-5970 or visit holyspiritlantana.com.
Armenian Food Festival
St. David Armenian Church’s annual Armenian Food Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 6 at the church, 2300 W. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. An array of authentic Armenian dishes, a marketplace of goods, traditional music and dancing, and kids’ activities and games are planned. Free admission. 561-994-2335.
Mozart’s Great Mass
The Master Chorale performs Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 7 in the acoustically improved St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. The Mass exemplifies Mozart’s brilliance in uniting music and text to create drama. The piece is complemented by two motets: Mozart’s glorious Exsultate, jubilate, and Joseph Haydn’s Insanae et vanae curae. Tickets are $40 and $45, with a preferred seating option at $55. Students with a valid school ID are admitted free; check in at will call. 561-395-8285 or www.stgregorysepiscopal.org.
To argue, in good way
“Civil Discourse — The Jewish Way to Disagree,” a course taught by Dr. Sandra Lilienthal, is offered at 2 p.m. April 8 at Congregation B’nai Torah, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton.
Even the Talmud is a collection of disagreements. But today, disagreements have turned into polarizing issues that are destroying friendships and family relationships. Can Judaism teach us constructive disagreement? Tickets for nonmembers are $10. Register at www.btcboca.org/sandra4 or call 561-392-8566.
Food packing event
Ascension Catholic Church hosts a food packing event with Cross Catholic Outreach to pack 50,000 meals from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at the church, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Meals are to be shipped to families in dire need in a developing country. Register for your shift at www.eventbrite.com.
Donations are needed to host the event. Make a donation in the buckets at the church or at www.crosscatholic.org/food-packing-events/sponsor/#foodpacking-sponsor.
Hats Off to Women!
The Episcopal Church Women at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church invites guests to a tea from 2 to 4 p.m. April 13 in Harris Hall. The women are celebrating by taking their “Hats Off to Women!” The Rev. Dr. Patricia McGregor is the guest speaker. A variety of sweet and savory treats complemented by exquisite teas will be served. Tickets are $40. Mimosas, including non-alcoholic options, are $5. Reach out to Susan D’Ambrosio at 561-350-5964 or Karen Guzik at 404-983-3476.
Parisian-themed fundraiser
Advent Church’s 15th annual Fundraising Gala takes place at 6 p.m. April 13 with small bites, drinks and dancing. Parisian cocktail attire is encouraged. Tickets are $50 or a table of 10 for $450. 300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-395-3632 or email KErnst@GoAdvent.org
Cyclists to support orphans
Ride 4 Orphans, an annual ride presented by RBC Wealth Management, takes place at 7:30 a.m. April 27 from Spanish River Church, 4850 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton. This is the 12th Ride 4 Orphans, benefiting children in need in Chad and Malawi in Africa, Haiti, India and local children in foster care via 4KIDs and Place of Hope.
Last year, more than 900 riders participated, and they raised more than $100,000. The ride is 15, 34 or 62 miles. Registration is $40. There’s also a family ride with lunch and activities and an optional bike ride for $15-$20. www.ride4orphans.com
Secret Church
Boca Raton Community Church hosts “Secret Church” from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. May 3 in the dining room at the church. Secret Church is a powerful time of studying God’s Word and praying for the persecuted church by tuning in to a 6-hour simulcast with David Platt as he leads 50,000 people around the world in this event. Platt is the author of several books, including 2020’s “Before You Vote: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask.”
The registration fee is $30 and covers dinner, livestream access and refreshments, including coffee. Registration ends May 1. Boca Raton Community Church is at 470 NW Fourth Ave. Call 561-395-2400 or visit www.bocacommunity.org.
Shred-a-thon
Cason United Methodist Church hosts another shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon May 11 at the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Bring your old documents and let the Red Shredder team securely take care of them. $5 per bankers box and $10 for a bag. Accepted items include paper checkbook statements, tax returns, bills, receipts and manila folders. No newspapers, X-rays, glass, magazines or food containers. Paper clips and staples are OK. Cash preferred; $25 minimum for credit cards. Call Tricia at 561-788-2822.
— Janis Fontaine
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