After His Resurrection on Easter Sunday, Christ remained on earth for 40 days doing what might be described in contemporary language as "putting the finishing touches" on the teaching and sanctifying organization He had established and which we call the Catholic Church. On the fortieth day He left our planet and in the sight of His followers ascended into Heaven. The "forty days" has traditionally been calculated as concluding last Thursday. That day for many centuries was celebrated as a "Holyday of Obligation" which was known as "Ascension Thursday". In our pluralistic society where many of our people were working on what the secular society regards as a normal weekday, many of our people unfortunately could not attend mass on that day. Most of the Catholic Bishops of our nation a few years ago, realizing that it was important that this basic truth of the Ascension of Christ be continually kept before the mind of the people, transferred with the permission of the Pope the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension to the following Sunday - which is today!.

Today's Liturgy therefore is the Liturgy of the Ascension. We have a special bulletin cover today to commemorate this important truth of our faith.

 

 

Next Saturday, with his classmates, our Transitional Deacon - David Zirilli - will be ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami in St. Mary's Cathedral, Miami!

 

We congratulate Deacon Zirilli, express our appreciation to him for his fine ministry in St. Gregory's for the past year, and assure him of the prayers of the people of St. Gregory during this important week of his life as he prepares his soul for ordination.

 

After his ordination next Saturday, David - then Father David Zirilli - will celebrate his first masses with his family and the people of St. Gregory at 12:00 noon and at 7:00pm here at our parish church of St. Gregory. All our people are of course invited to attend. After both masses we will have a brief reception in our Parish Center for Fr. Zirilli and all our people are of course invited to these events.

 

An interesting reflection by David Zirilli is attached as a flyer to today's bulletin. I encourage our people, especially our younger people, to read this inspiring meditation.

 

 

The following are excerpts from a December 19^th, 2007 letter from Archbishop Favalora to all the pastors of the Archdiocese.

 

"The Archdiocese of Miami has the distinction of being one of the most diverse dioceses in the United States. In keeping with the evangelical mission of the Church, it is important that we assess the pastoral needs of those whom we serve.

The Office of Black Catholic Affairs and the 10^th National Black Catholic Congress Implementation Team for the Archdiocese of Miami will conduct a pilot census to gain information about Black Catholic spiritual growth through the practice of the Roman Catholic faith and reception of the sacraments. The information acquired through this census will be available for use by the Archdiocese and priests of individual parishes to determine ecumenical and evangelical needs of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Miami.

A team of census takers will visit your parish and attend all Masses on Saturday and Sunday (date will be scheduled for your parish)."

 

Following upon that statement from our Archbishop the Archdiocese of Miami "Office of Black Catholic Affairs" will conduct a parish census of our Black Catholics attending St. Gregory Church Masses on the weekend of Saturday/ Sunday, May 17^th/18^th, 2008.

 

We ask our esteemed Black members of our congregation to cooperate with the members of the "Office of Black Catholic Affairs" in completing the census forms which will be available at tables outside church on that weekend.

 

 

The main theme of Pope Benedict's memorable visit to the United Sates was his message of hope - an issue on which the Pope recently wrote a whole encyclical letter. The Pope expressed how impressed he was with the vitality of the Catholic Church in our nation and encouraged and urged us, his people, to be proud of and profess our faith out there in the public market square. Hopefully we have now put behind us the awful scandal of pedophilia from which issue the Pope did not flinch, but addressed head on. He spoke favorably of the tremendous efforts of the Catholic Bishops of this nation to eradicate this hopefully very temporary illness. These efforts are above and beyond any efforts of any other organization - religious, secular or professional - to deal with this plague - efforts of which our people are largely unaware because most of the secular media are not disposed towards reporting positive aspects of our Church.

 

In our parish of St. Gregory, through the initiative of "The Bishops Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People" working through the Archdiocese of Miami, all members of our parish, lay and clerical, staff member and volunteer, who have any significant dealings with children have taken courses on this issue and have undergone thorough background checks.

 

I publish today an article I came across during the past week which continues the hope and pride theme of our Holy Father.

"Be Proud of Being Catholic"

Excerpts of an article written by Sam Miller,

prominent Cleveland Jewish businessman,

Submitted by Dee Lynd

 

"Why would newspapers carry on a vendetta on one of the most important institutions that we have today in the United States, namely the Catholic Church?

 

Do you know - the Catholic Church educates 2.6 million students everyday at the cost to your Church of 10 billion dollars, and a savings on the other hand to the American taxpayer of 18 billion dollars. Your graduates go on to graduate studies at the rate of 92%, all at a cost to you. To the rest of the Americans it's free.

 

The Church has 230 colleges and universities in the U.S. with an enrollment of 700,000 students.

 

The Catholic Church has a non-profit hospital system of 637 hospitals, which account for hospital treatment of 1 out of every 5 people - not just Catholics - in the United States today.

 

But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage.

 

Let me give you some figures that you as Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church, 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual behavior; 17% of lay women have been sexually harassed. Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic Problem.

 

A study of American priests showed that most are happy in the priesthood and find it even better than they had expected, and that most, if given the choice, would choose to be priests again in face of all this obnoxious PR the church has been receiving.

 

The Catholic Church is bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. The agony that Catholics have felt and suffered is not necessarily the fault of the Church. You have been hurt by a small number of wayward priests that have probably been totally weeded out by now.

 

Walk with your shoulders high and you head higher. Be a proud member of the most important non-governmental agency in the United States. Then remember what Jeremiah said: "Stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and find rest for your souls". Be proud to speak up for your faith with pride and reverence and learn what your Church does for all other religions. Be proud that you're a Catholic."

 

Reprinted excerpts with permission of the Buckeye Bulletin - courtesy of Brookside Council #3297, Cleveland Diocese.

 

 

Due to space pressure our continuing series of regularizing marriage situations is held over until next week.

 

 

 

On Thursday, May 1^st, of this week we had our annual May Procession to our Mother Mary and all the school children were involved; it was a very beautiful ceremony. We thank all our faculty and staff who worked on this May Procession to honor our Lord's Mother.

 

We have a great program coming to school; our school has been selected to participate in the Student Signatures in Space Program. In the next few weeks you will be hearing all about it.

 

Following the May Procession we held our annual Scholastic Awards Program. As you all know the parish has committed tremendous resources to enable the school to continue as a leader in academic programs. This is our 7^th Annual Academic Award Presentation and includes NATIONAL, STATE, COUNTY AND CITYWIDE winners in all fields of endeavor. We have winners in math, science, geography, Jeopardy challenge, literature, history, biochemistry, religion, art, drama, and physical fitness as well as 57 students identified by the Duke University Talent Identification Program. This is conducted by Duke University to identify gifted children and provides the opportunity to nurture and develop these bright youngsters. Through the Duke Tip Program a range of activities and programs are accessible to parents and teachers to meet the individual needs of these gifted students. Thirty-one of these students are fourth graders—an amazing statistic!

 

If any parishioner would be interested in an Academic Awards booklet please stop by the rectory—books will be there for you.

 

We also remind you that the books for the 50^th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Miami are for sale in the book store; quite a buy for $25 as they are beautifully illustrated. Each parish in the Archdiocese is represented, and they make a beautiful coffee table book.

 

Endowed Scholarship Fund

 

Our Endowed Scholarship Fund allows you to sponsor the education of many children by providing a gift in your name, family name or friend's name that will generate income each year to be used to help students and parents meet the cost of their education in our school. All criteria for eligibility are reviewed before being awarded. These are need-based scholarships.

 

Here is how it works:

You may establish an Endowed Scholarship in your name, your family, in honor or in memory of a priest, sister or teacher, on the occasion of a death, wedding anniversary, birthday or promotion. Perhaps Mother's Day or Father's Day to honor your parents would be a unique and beautiful gift.

 

Your gift will be held in trust perpetually; only the net income earned on your gift will be used annually for scholarship assistance.

 

We wish to thank the following for their continued generosity and support of our efforts here at St. Gregory the Great Parish. A bronze plaque featuring these gifts is on the main hallway into the school. Our benefactors are remembered daily in prayer by our children.

 

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

 

GEORGE & MARGARET MAKDISI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

REV. JOHN BAKER SCHOLARSHIP

GORE FAMILY MEMORIAL TRUST FOUNDATION

MICHAEL AND DIANNE BIENES FOUNDATION

THE MARY ANN HEINLEIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

THE FRIENDS OF MARY JO BURKE SCHOLARSHIP

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT WOMEN'S GUILD

(perpetual membership)

THE DEAVER FOUNDATION

THE RANDALL HABIG SCHOLARSHIP

THE DICK O'BRIEN SCHOLARSHIP

CROWLEY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

JOHN R. GIBBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (2)

KOENIG FAMILY

ST. GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT

WAXMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

IN HONOR OF MARY DI ROSA SCHOLARSHIP

VINCENT DI ROSA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

THE KATHERINE MORALES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

IN MEMORY OF JANINE PROVOST

IN HONOR OF THE THOMAS J. DONOVAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

IN HONOR OF MSGR. NOEL FOGARTY SCHOLARSHIP

 

Thursday, April 24^th, the Thank You Luncheon was held for all those who worked so tirelessly for the Grand Auction, "Saturday Night Fever." As previously published we did exceed $175,000 in profit but after all expenses they presented Msgr. Fogarty with a check for $225,000! Yes--$225,000 profit! We are most grateful to our chairperson Mary Giles and her dynamic committee. We thank everyone who supported this effort. With you our parishioners and friends, all things are possible.

 

GOLF TOURNAMENT

 

Our Golf Tournament this year was a SELL OUT...we thank everyone who was involved in planning this event. Special thanks to Lago Mar Country Club for going the extra mile to make us all feel so welcome. Shortly in the bulletin we will list our winners, donors, sponsors and everyone who made this such a success. Our chairpersons this year were Scott Taylor and Nikki Pelkey assisted by Donna Wells and many other volunteers who made this event so great. A million thanks to our golfers for coming out and supporting the Endowed Scholarship effort.

 

The Endowed Scholarship Program is the benefactor of this event, which assists families in need of tuition assistance in our school, as printed above.

 

Mark you calendar for next Sunday, May 11^th. Deacon David Zirilli is being ordained on Saturday, May 10^th, and he will say his first mass at St. Gregory Parish on May 11^th at noon, followed by a reception in the Parish Center.

 

 

 

Time for spring cleaning!

Do you have furniture, books or clothing that's taking up too much space? We'll take them for our annual rummage sale. Drop off your items at the gym Friday, May 16^th starting after 3:30pm. To make arrangements in advance, please contact Jon Pierre at (954) 473-6261 ext.154.

 

This Week's LIFE Night: Consumed by Grace

All high school teenagers are invited to discover how chewing gum can help you recognize God's Grace in your life.

 

300 Club News:

Congratulations to Connor Chaves our winner of our fifth $100 drawing.  Next drawing will be Sunday after the LIFE TEEN Mass.  Here is the list of drawings:

v     $100 Drawings: Sundays 3/30 - 5/25

v     Grand Prize Drawings: June 1^st

v     1^st: $2,000 / 2^nd: $350 / 3^rd: $250

 

Upcoming Events:

Sun. May 4^th Consumed by Grace

 

This week we'll be preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost by celebrating in English and Spanish. XLT (Short for EXALT) is a Holy Hour open to the entire Parish.  It consists of live praise and worship followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.  Join us at 7:30pm in the Church

 

 

The Permanent Diaconate is open to both married (for at least seven years) and unmarried men between the ages of 31 and 60, with a strong Catholic faith and a solid reputation and character. They must be in full communion with the Church. Men interested in being considered for the next Aspirancy Year should contact their parish pastor who is responsible for the nomination phase of the application process. For further information, please contact Deacon Victor Pimentel at 305-762-1133.

 

Summer Adventure opportunities at Good Counsel Camp, Floral City, Florida. Owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg. This is a co-ed residential camp for ages 7-15 offering 1 and 2 week sessions. Information available by calling 352-726-1910 or email GoodCounselCamp @aol.com.

 

Thanks to the generosity of the St. Gregory's Parishioners, more than 300 pairs of shoes were collected! This is an amazing response and it is greatly appreciated. The shoes will be given to the children of St. George's Parish and the Kids in Distress organization. 

 

 

Honor your mother with a beautiful corsage for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11^th. The cost will be $5. All proceeds will benefit our Hollywood Respect Life Office, an Archdiocesan center that helps women in crisis pregnancies, indigent families, and those whose lives have been complicated by abortion, with material assistance, educational programs and temporal and spiritual counseling. For more information contact Colleen at 954-465-3471.

 

 

Early registration for all students who would like to attend religious formation classes for the '08-'09 school year began on Monday, April 21^st. We welcome any new students to our program, plus those returning! Early registration runs through June 5^th at a 10% discount. New students may pick up the registration packets at either the Religious Education Office or the Rectory. Returning families are required to pick up their re-registration forms from our office during class or office hours.

 

We look forward to another faith-filled year and warmly welcome any student from kindergarten through high school who seeks support and guidance along their faith journey!

 

 

Please join Mommy & Me for a Park Play date at Sunset Park (10600 Cleary Blvd., Plantation) on Thursday, May 8^th, at 10:00am. Call Diane at 954-474-7636 if you have any questions.

 

 

We have begun a new session of Divorce Care on Sundays at 10:00am in the Rectory Meeting Room. All those divorced or separated are welcome to our video and discussion program. For more information call the Ministry Office at 954-473-6261, ext. 167.

 

 

 

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT in Chapel Fridays after 8:15 am Mass until 7:00 pm. Call Bob Thornton 476-7535.

 

ADULT CHOIR rehearses 8:00 pm Wed. (Sept-June). Sings at the 10:30 Mass on Sun. New members welcome. Call Ext 145.

 

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT meets 2^nd & 4^th Tues. 7:00 - 9:00 pm Ministry Building. Call Carla 424-2824

GRIEF SHARE - Call 473-6261, Ext. 167.

 

BOOK DISCUSSION MINISTRY meets every 4^th Monday at 7pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. Contact Cathey at 321-6465.

 

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP: Wednesdays 7:30 pm Music Room.

 

EMMAUS RETREATS: For Women call Barbara 816-8756, For Men call Martin 614-0151.

 

GRUPO CARISMATICO: Los lunes a las 7:30 pm. Si necesita oracion llame a 476-7571.

GRUPO DE ORACION: Jueves a las 7:30 pm Para mas informacion llame a Maria a 916-5000.

 

LIFE AFTER FIFTY: Parishioners 50 years and up will find support and fun with this group. Call Norma at 583-7480.

 

LIFE TEEN MINISTRY: meets Sun. after 7:00pm Mass, Call Jon Pierre Marcazzo 473-6261, ext 154. 7pm Mass MUSIC MINISTRY also ext 154.

 

MARRIAGE MINISTRY: For marriages not recognized by the Church due to a civil marriage, a prior marriage on your part or your spouse, we can assist you. Please call Sr. Jean 473-6261 ext. 136.

 

MARRIED COUPLES MINISTRY: Socials aimed at strengthening the bond in marriage & within the parish community. Call Andres & Tina 557-5987.

 

MATTHEW 25: SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY: Outreach within Parish & beyond. Planning meetings 2^nd Tues of the month, 7:30pm, Parish Center.

 

MEN'S CLUB: connects men of Parish for social, spiritual and service. Call Wayne Belina 954-325-8981 for info & to volunteer for service hours. General Mtgs: 11/12,12/3,1/14,2/11,3/10,4/14,5/12. Board Mtgs: 11/26, 1/28,2/25,3/31,4/28,5/26,6/30.

 

MINISTRY OF MOMS SHARING (MOMS): a 6 week program for new as well as experienced moms. For info call Valerie 581-4145.

 

MOMMY AND ME meets on Thursday & infants/crawlers meet 2x a month on Friday. Call Diane 954-474-7636, Christina 954-423-6741, Marylin 954-584-8028 & Annie 954-791-0993.

 

NURSING HOME: Parishioners bring community & Eucharist to nursing home residents Fridays 10am. Call 954-473-6261, ext 167.

 

PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - PROJECT RACHEL 1-877-908-1212.

 

RELIGIOUS GIFT STORE Located near the sacristy. HOURS: Before and after weekend Masses & by appoint. 473-6261 ext.138.

 

ROSARY MINISTRY: If you have a special intention or wish to pray the Rosary call Anne 954-423-2313.

 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Interested in the Catholic Faith or have never received First Communion call 473-6261 ext. 167.

 

SEPARATED / DIVORCED: Meetings are held Sunday mornings in the Rectory Mtg Room, 10:00-11:00 AM. For info call Carolyn 423-2473.

 

THE 30'S - 40'S CONNECTION: For activities Steve 290-1108.

 

USHERS MINISTRY: Men & Women needed. Call Paul 732-1613

 

VOCATIONS / BLESSING CUP MINISTRY: Call Kathy 748-4500.

 

WEAVERS OF PRAYER: to make gifts of comfort by knitting, etc. while praying the Rosary for those receiving these gifts. Call 473-6261, ext.167.

 

WE CARE MINISTRY: Meets 1^st Monday of Oct., Dec., Feb., & April. Reaches out to seniors living alone. Call Pat 472-4574.

 

WOMEN'S GUILD: Connects women of parish socially while providing service to the parish and community. Call Anne Carrigan 954-748-4542.

 

YOUNG ADULT GROUPS: Single/married, ages 18-39. William 957-8548.

 

 

MONDAY May 5, 2008

7:00 A.M. Blanche Ostrowski

8:15 A.M. Emilio, Rose, Vincent Vitta

TUESDAY May 6, 2008

7:00 A.M. David Foley

8:15 A.M. Mary Amann

WEDNESDAY May 7, 2008

7:00 A.M. Angelica Mena

8:15 A.M. Ana Francia Gamboa

THURSDAY May 8, 2008

7:00 A.M. Maria and Ludovino Briceńo

8:15 A.M. Kaio Bockino

FRIDAY May 9, 2008

7:00 A.M. Roberta Dela Espriella

8:15 A.M. John & Sadie Sullivan

SATURDAY May 10, 2008

8:15 A.M. Dolores Vazquez

 

 

Please contact Linda Riley at Matthew25JobNet@aol.com or 954-473-6261, ext. 527, if you are seeking employment or looking for job candidates. This is a great way to network within our community.

JOB OF THE WEEK

Aviation, Pre-Employment Work History Verifier - located in Plantation.  This is a work at home opportunity and you must have a computer and fax machine set up in your home.  This is not a sales position.  The requirements are excellent customer service and organizational skills, be able to meet deadlines and work at least 2 hours per day.  This position reports to the main office 3 times per week to drop off and pick up assignments.  You can earn up to $600 per month.  You must attend  3 days of  training.  If you are interested, please contact Mr. Latcham at 954-424-9028 or apply on-line to www.bobl@backgroundresults.com.

SPOTLIGHT CANDIDATE OF THE WEEK

Spotlight candidate has over 10 years experience in the Environmental Health Compliance and Enforcement field.  Educational background - Master program Information Technology, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and certifications as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, American Red Cross Health & Safety Instructor and CPR Instructor.  Please contact the job network at www.Matthew25JobNet@aol.com.

 

 

One Bedroom Apartment - near Church & shopping, 954-791-7914.

Painting interior, exterior, dry wall repair, free estimate 954-326-5883.

Need a babysitter in evening or run errands? STA sophomore, call Kelly at 954-916-1882.

Babysit & Clean House - excellent references, 954-423-2534.

Big Condo - 1 bedroom/2 baths, w/d, $135K. 954587-1891.

Wedding Gown w/ accessories, $300, fits 76-9, $300; Aluminum outdoor table w/ 3 chairs $35. 954-587-1897.

Tutor - Elementary Ed, .licensed, 10 years exp., 954-382-4695.

Queen Size mattress & box springs, l$75 obo, 954-732-8247.

Condo for rent or sale Hollywood Hills, $700/month 954-539-7626.