ATTENTION BULLETIN EDITORS!

Transcription

1 Diocese of Palm Beach The monthly announcements can be downloaded to your PC via the diocesan website at December Special Collection Letter: The Special Collection letter for December is for the Retired Religious Fund. The letter is to be read or printed in your bulletins the weekend of Nov. 25 & 26 with the collection to take place December 2 & 3. The letter has been posted for a few weeks now and can be found at ATTENTION BULLETIN EDITORS! Bulletin Announcements December 2017 Taping of the Christmas Mass for Airing on TV: I would greatly appreciate sharing with your congregations that they are invited to the taping of the Christmas Day Mass that will air on TV on Christmas Day. We tape it Monday night, December 18, at 5:30 p.m. Those helping to fill our pews and be part of our celebration are asked to come dressed in holiday attire. Bishop Barbarito will be the Mass Celebrant. December s Word of Life: At the time of release of these December 2017 Bulletin Announcements, the month s Word of Life is not available. Once released by the USCCB, I will post and share with you. Bambinelli Sunday: The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and there is a tradition called Bambinelli Sunday in which people bring their baby Jesus figures from the crib at their homes to St. Peter Square where the Pope blesses both the people and the figurines. In these announcements, I ve included information about this tradition should you want to encourage the families and individuals in your congregation to participate in this tradition. There is also fill-in the words announcement if your parish will celebrate the tradition at a certain Mass. Important Dates: Dec. 2 - Workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Dec. 2 & 3 - Special Collection Weekend Dec. 3 - Advent Season Begins Dec. 4 - Evening of Healing & Forgiveness Dec. 9 - Annual Lumen Christi Scholarship Gala Dec Month's Mind Requiem Mass Dec Bambinelli Sunday Dec Taping of the Diocese's TV Christmas Mass Dec Christmas Day Dec. 25, 2017 through Jan. 1, 2018: Pastoral Center closed 1

2 New Wording for Catholic Grandparents Association: We have new standard/general wording for the Catholic Grandparents Association Chapter in the diocese. The copy includes wording about all chapters in the diocese & new contact information. Please stop using the previous standard/general wording we previously included in announcements, and please use this new copy that is listed on Page DSA Materials: Similar to past years a few announcements can be found in these monthly announcements but all DSA materials are on our DMR website at Once there click on the Development Tab. The DSA materials and inserts are posted there for access by your DSA Parish Coordinator and your DSA Bulletin Editor. This is a secure site and you will need a logon. The DPB Development Office has created a generic bulletin editor logon. If you do not have it, please contact that office at or call the Office of Communications at This information has been shared with your parish DSA Coordinators via the DPB Development Office. We would appreciate it if you could publish the first four announcements below with the red heading (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) as often as possible. Quick Sneak Peek Pages 1-2: Bulletin highlights & Table of Contents Pages 3-4: Publish as often as possible announcements Page 5: Taping of Diocese's TV Christmas Mass; Air times of the Diocese's Christmas Mass; and Workshop Training for EM's of Holy Communion. Page 6: Special Collection wording; Advent Season wording; Evening of Healing and Forgiveness; and Annual Lumen Christi Scholarship Gala. Page 7: Month's Mind Requiem Mass; Bambinelli Sunday & Blessing of a Manger. Page 8: Wording #2 Bambinelli Sunday; and Christmas Day Wording. Page 9: Thank you message to the congregation at the taping of the Christmas Mass; DSA Materials; Calendar Summary of Diocesan Events; and Catholic Charities Connection. Page 10: Catholic Days at the Capitol; and School of Christian Formation Classes. Page 11: Wording #1 & #2 for Diocesan Anniversary Masses Page 12: Wording #3 for Diocesan Anniversary Masses; Submit 2018 events to the diocese; and Florida Catholic subscriptions. Page 13: Diocesan Facebook links; Steps to Submit Events; and Monthly Stations of the Cross. Page 14: Amahl & the Night Visitors Musical Performance; Day of Reflection; Advent Day of Reflection; New Year's Retreat; and Around the Diocese Events Summary Calendar. Page 15: New Wording for Catholic Grandparents Association Chapters; and Catholic Radio in the diocese. Page 16: Safety Tips for Kids and Families; and Generic Page Fillers Pages 17-20: Continued Generic Page Fillers Page 21: DSA Prayers of the Faithful 2

3 (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) EDITORS: THE BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW MUST BE PLACED IN YOUR PARISH BULLETIN REGULARLY AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH) (New copy as of July 1, 2017) Protection of Children and Young People The Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach is committed to the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults in its care. Victims of abuse by Church personnel are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator to begin necessary emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. The Diocese of Palm Beach Victim Assistance Coordinator, Lorraine Sabatella, can be reached at For more information on Diocesan policies and procedures for reporting abuse as well as to view the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please go to and click on Offices/Safe Environments. (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) Pray for our Priests By popular request, we continue to maintain and update the monthly calendar which originally appeared on the diocesan website during the Year for Priests (June 2009 June 2010.) The prayers of all the faithful in support of the dedicated priests of the Diocese of Palm Beach are much appreciated by our priests. Please continue to pray daily, using the monthly calendar as a guide. The guide can be found on the Events Calendar of the website. Go to and click on the Pray Daily for Priests wording in the left column. Or you can use the direct page address of (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) Pray for Our Deacons The diocese maintains and updates a monthly calendar that you can use as a guide to pray daily for our deacons. The calendar also lists a specific prayer for deacons. The prayers of all the faithful in support of the dedicated deacons of the Diocese of Palm Beach are much appreciated by our deacons. The guide can be found on the Events Calendar of the website. Go to and click on the Pray Daily for Deacons wording in the left column or you can use the direct page address of : (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) Pray for Our Priests and Deacons The diocese maintains and updates a monthly calendar that you can use as a guide to pray daily for our priests and deacons. The calendar also lists a specific prayer for each. The prayers of all the faithful in support of the dedicated priests and deacons of the Diocese of Palm Beach are much appreciated by priests and deacons. The daily guides can be found on the Events Calendar of the website. Go to and click on the Pray Daily for Priests or Pray Daily for Deacons wording in the left column. O you can use the direct web page addresses for each: and 3

4 (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach Promoting Life, Dignity and Justice Counseling; Elder Affairs; Guardianship Training; Immigration Legal Services; Refugee Services; Outreach Information, Referrals and Assistance; Pregnancy Care Centers; Prison Ministry; Respect Life Ministry; Catholic Relief Services; Samaritan Center; and Interfaith Health & Wellness. For general or program information contact Volunteer opportunities are available. (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) **NEW COPY as of July 2, 2017** Watch the Catholic Mass Each Sunday Tune in each week on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for the televised Catholic Mass on local station CW34 WTVX. Each week, priests from around the five counties of the diocese along with Bishop Barbarito bring the Mass to the sick, homebound and all the people of God. The televised Mass is produced by the diocesan Office of Communications. For Mass information, please contact the diocese at or visit and to watch the weekly homilies, please visit To support the televised Catholic Mass or to request a free Mass missal for viewers, call the diocese or write to Office of Communications, 9995 N. Military Trail, Post Office Box , Palm Beach Gardens, FL Also visit (**PLEASE PUBLISH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN BULLETINS AND PARISH WEBSITES**) **Please note: There are PDFs for this announcement in the PDF announcement file.** **NEW COPY as of July 2, 2017** Where to Watch the Diocese s TV Mass The Diocese of Palm Beach s weekly Sunday morning Mass for the homebound airs on CW34 WTVX and at its normal time 10:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. CW34 can be found on the following channels: On Comcast Channels 4 & 435HD On AT&T/U-Verse Channels 4 & 1004HD On Hometown Cable Plus Channels 4 & 304 HD On Direct TV & Dish Network Channel 4 On Digital Antennas Over-the-Air channel 34.1 If you have questions about the change, please contact the Office of Communications at or visit 4

5 **Please note: There are two PDFs for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Be a TV Christmas Star for the Taping of the Christmas Televised Mass All are invited to attend the taping of the Diocese of Palm Beach's televised Christmas Mass on Monday, December 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius in Palm Beach Gardens. There will be great music performed by the choir and Bishop Barbarito will be the celebrant of this Mass that will air on Christmas Day morning on local television for the benefit of the sick, homebound and many others in our community. Please consider being a "Christmas Angel" and attending this Mass. It means so much to our viewers to see a large faith family of individuals and families sitting in the pews together in the Church. Please come dressed in your holiday finest attire and join us for this special celebration! Light holiday refreshments will be served afterward. For more information, contact the diocesan Office of Communications at or dlaubert@diocesepb.org **Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Watch the Diocese s Christmas Mass on TV The Diocese of Palm Beach s televised Christmas Mass will air on Christmas Day, December 25, from 10:30 a.. 11:30 a.m. on CW34. This is the channel that normally airs the diocese s weekly Sunday morning half-hour Mass. On most cable/satellite systems CW34 can be found on Ch. 4 or Ch on Digital Antennas. Additionally, for the benefit of its regular viewers, CBS12 will air the Mass on Christmas Day from 5 a.m. 6 a.m. Bishop Barbarito will be the Mass celebrant. There will also be great music from a choir. Similar to the diocese s weekly-produced televised Mass, this Christmas Mass allows those who are sick and homebound to hear God s Word and to celebrate Mass. **Please note: The PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file IS ONLY FOR YOUR PARISH CAPTAIN AND IS NOT TO BE PRINTED.** Upcoming Trainings for the Liturgy The Diocese of Palm Beach will hold a training workshop in December and one in January 2018 for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. These workshops will assist in training for both new and experienced Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Topics include: background theology, spiritual preparation, principles of good liturgy, ministry to the sick, and general procedures for Extraordinary Ministers. New ministers will get hands-on practice with unconsecrated altar breads and wine. The workshops will be offered simultaneously in English and Spanish. On December 2, the training will take place at Holy Name of Jesus Church in West Palm Beach. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for registration with the session beginning at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 11:45 a.m. The last day to register for the Dec. workshop is Thursday, November 30. On January 27, 2018, a training will take place at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for registration with the session beginning at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 11:45 a.m. The last day to register for this training is Thursday, January 25. New and currently serving Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion wishing to attend should call your parish office as they will be taking reservations and registering all participants with the diocesan Liturgy Office. 5

6 *Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Help Our Retired Religious Sisters and Brothers On the first weekend of December our faith family have an opportunity to those who have given a life time to our Church. On December 2 and 3 parishes in the Diocese of Palm Beach will participate in the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift to this collection helps provide medications, nursing care, and more for thousands of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. It also helps ensure younger members can continue the good works of their elders. Learn more at Advent Season Begins The Advent season begins in the Catholic Church on Sunday, December 3. Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). How will you prepare for the coming of the Lord at Christmas? There are many Advent devotions and activities in which individuals, families and groups can partake to remind us of the meaning of the season. On the website of the USCCB, they have an Advent Calendar that provides a daily activity and prayer suggestions to help you spiritually prepare for the birth of Jesus. Find the resources at The first Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of our Church s new liturgical year. *Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Evening of Healing & Forgiveness Have you ever felt stuck, bound up, unable to move forward? Do you long to experience the love, freedom, and abundant life that Jesus talks about in the Gospels and that you see other Christians enjoying? The Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Marriage & Family Life invites you to an Evening of Healing & Forgiveness where you can encounter the healing power of Jesus Christ through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture reading & reflection, Unbound healing prayer and the sacrament of reconciliation. Come join us on December 4 at 7 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church in Lantana and experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. For more information, call Cathy Loh in the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life at or cloh@diocesepb.org **There is a PDF of this announcement in the PDF related fliers file** Annual Lumen Christi Scholarship Gala Please join us as we celebrate the 29 th Annual Lumen Christi Scholarship Gala for the benefit of Catholic School Scholarships on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at The Breakers Palm Beach. The Lumen Christi Scholarship Gala is the bishop s annual dinner dance is for the benefit of our Diocesan Catholic schools, both elementary and secondary. Please contact Liz Merizzi to be added to our mailing list, inquire about Sponsorship Opportunities, or to receive information regarding the gala. She can be reached at or via emerizzi@diocesepb.org Also please visit wwwdiocesepb.org/lumenchristi 6

7 Month s Mind Requiem Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery will celebrate the Month s Mind Requiem Mass on Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. 11 a.m. Held in the outdoor chapel, this memorial Mass is held the second Saturday of each month and is offered for those laid to rest in the previous month, all of the deceased in our cemetery, and for all the souls in Purgatory. All of the faithful are welcome and encouraged to attend. The tradition of the Month s Mind Requiem dates back to the fifteenth century as a feast of prayerful remembrance for departed souls on or about the thirtieth day of their passing. Though it is still common in Ireland and England, few parishes in the United States continue the custom today. Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery is located exactly 1-mile west of State Road 7 (US-441) and 3- miles west of the Florida Turnpike at Southern Boulevard, in Royal Palm Beach. For additional information, please feel free to contact us at: **Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF announcement file.** Start the Tradition of Bambinelli Sunday For the past several decades, each year on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, children (and adults) bring their baby Jesus figures from the crib at their homes to St. Peter Square where the Pope blesses both the people and the figurines during the Angelus before baby Jesus is placed in their home nativity. Several of chapters of the Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) also practice this tradition in their parish at a designated Mass. This year Gaudete Sunday is December 17, the third Sunday of Advent. This year families and friends can make their own similar tradition. Families and friends can gather to bless their Nativity set at home. Or families can ask their priest to bless the figurine and then take their Bambinelli home and place it in a gift box. Let it be the first gift your family opens on Christmas when together you place your baby Jesus figure in the crib and have a home blessing of the Nativity for your whole family. Below is a blessing for a Christmas Manager or Nativity Scene. Learn more on the USCCB website at Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. R/. Amen. 7

8 **Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF announcement file. It has spaces which you can fill in the blanks for when your parish will celebrate Bambinelli Sunday** **Note space for you to fill in** Our Celebration of Bambinelli Sunday For the past several decades, each year on Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, children (and adults) bring their Baby Jesus figures from the crib at their homes to St. Peter s Square where the Pope will bless both the people and the figurines during the Angelus. This year we will celebrate Bambinelli Sunday at our Mass on Sunday, December 17. All are invited to bring the Baby Jesus figure from their homes to Mass that morning to be blessed. Families can even make their own bambinelli if they want.a suggestion is, following the blessing, take your bambinelli home and place it in a gift box, wrap it, and save it for Christmas. Let this be the first gift your family opens on Christmas, when together you place your Baby Jesus figure in the crib, and have a home blessing of the Nativity for your whole family. Christmas Day Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. It is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin "in carne" means "enfleshment"). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief,god is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-with-us). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). Every Eucharist is like Christmas where the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar. The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts, and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him including the fact that he was born to die for us. The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and a tradition in many Christian homes. It is also traditional to exchange Christmas gifts with family and friends as a way to honor God the Father's gift of his only son to the world. Having received the gift of Christ, we naturally want to pass that gift along to our loved ones. On the website of the USCCB, there are blessings (for a Christmas Tree, a manger and a Home on Epiphany) and other content to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation. Visit 8

9 Wording Option #1 Message to be printed the week of December 25 A Special Thank You Message to Our Christmas Congregation! As the Director of Communications, I wish to thank everyone who attended last week s taping of the Diocese of Palm Beach s Christmas Mass. We have to pre-tape the Mass so that it can air on Christmas Day morning for the benefit of those who are unable to physically attend Church and who are homebound, in nursing homes and hospitals. It means so much to our Christmas viewers to see a large faith family of individuals and families sitting in the pews together in the Church. It helps them to feel less isolated from the community and their faith. I also wish to thank members of the diocesan choir and musicians for their role in the Mass celebration. Whether you participated from a pew or as part of the liturgical music, please know all of you are Christmas Angels. May you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, and a continued Christmas season celebration at your own parish. Dianne Laubert Wording Option #2 Message to be printed for Dec. 31/Jan. 1 A Special Thank You Message to Our Christmas Congregation! I wish to thank everyone who attended and participated in the December taping of the Diocese of Palm Beach s Christmas Mass that aired on Christmas morning on CW34 and other local TV stations. This Mass is for the benefit of those who are unable to physically attend Church and who are homebound, in nursing homes and hospitals. It means so much to our Christmas viewers to see a large faith family of individuals and families sitting in the pews together in the Church. I also wish to thank members of the diocesan choir and musicians for their role in the Mass celebration. All of the participants are Christmas Angels. May you be blessed in 2018 for the joy you brought others! Dianne Laubert, DPB Director of Communications DSA Materials 2017 ***Note: The 2017 Diocesan Services Appeal information for parishes is on the Diocesan Management Resources (DMR) website for diocesan employees. Bulletin Announcements, inserts and other materials are available under the Development tab. The DSA theme is We answer the call to Serve. If you do not have a login please see the instructions provided in the bulletin points on page 1. DSA Prayers of the Faithful can be found on the DMR site but since I get repeated phone calls from Bulletin Editors for them, I ve included them in these announcements near the end where the Word of Life Special Intentions can be found. Coming Soon Calendar Summary of Events in the Diocese for December 2017 Coming Soon - Catholic Charities Connection for December

10 ***Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Early Date for Catholic Days at the Capitol Join fellow Catholics from around the state as they gather in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. Participants attend a legislative briefing on issues prior to scheduled meetings with their elected officials. The event will take place January 30 February 1, Deadline to register will be January 9, This event features a luncheon on Day Two that is attended by the bishops of Florida, legislators and Catholic Days participants. The day ends with the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit (Red Mass) celebrated by the bishops of Florida for the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The third day is for travel. The Diocese of Palm Beach will have a bus that will pick up participants in different locations of the diocese (locations to be determined). Hotel rooms are available as part of the trip. For more information or to register, contact Don Kazimir of Catholic Charities Respect Life Office at dkazimir@ccdpb.org or contact Anna Hernandez-Diaz of Catholic Charities at or via emai: ahernandezdiaz@ccdpb.org Also please check our Catholic Charities website for updates and information at *Please note: There is a PDF for this announcement in the PDF related flier announcement file.** Next SCF Classes Start in January 2018 Begin your new year by learning more about your faith. The first set of classes of the School of Christian Formation (SCF) begin the week of January 8. These are held in several of the Churches around the diocese. The SCF seeks to make its programs accessible to adult Catholics in the diocese who are interested in taking a few classes to learn more about the faith we receive at baptism, enhancing their preparation for ministry. It offers many different classes and programs in English and Spanish on different days of the week. Classes cost just $10 and provide introductions to the major topics and historical periods of the Catholic faith. For more information, call or visit 10

11 **There are multiple PDF options of this announcement in the PDF related fliers file** Wording Option #1 Anniversary Mass to be Held Feb. 10, 2018 Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, will preside at the celebration of our 34 th Annual Anniversary Mass for Married Couples on Saturday, February 10 at 10:30 AM at St. Lucie Church in Port St. Lucie. Cake, coffee and punch will be served in the parish hall after the Mass. All couples who will be celebrating 25, 40, or 50 or more years of marriage in the calendar year 2018 are invited to participate. To attend, please contact your own parish office and register your names as soon as possible but no later than Monday, January 29, We ask that all participating couples arrive at St. Lucie Church by 10:00 AM -- thirty minutes prior to the start of the Mass. Directions: St. Lucie Church, 280 SW Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL From I-95 take Exit 121 (St. Lucie West Blvd.) Travel east approximately 3.5 miles. (Please note: After crossing over the turnpike, St. Lucie West Blvd. name changes to Prima Vista Blvd.) Church is on the right at the traffic light at the intersection of Irving St. and Prima Vista Blvd. Wording Option #2 Anniversary Mass to be Held Feb. 17, 2018 Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, will preside at the celebration of our 34 th Annual Anniversary Mass for Married Couples on Saturday, February 17 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul of the Cross Church in North Palm Beach. Cake, coffee and punch will be served in the parish hall after the Mass. All couples who will be celebrating 25, 40, or 50 or more years of marriage in the calendar year 2018 are invited to participate. To attend, please contact your own parish office and register your names as soon as possible but no later than Monday, February 5, We ask that all participating couples arrive at St. Paul of the Cross Church by 10:00AM -- thirty minutes prior to the start of the Mass. Directions: St. Paul of the Cross Church, Jack Nicklaus Drive (State Road A1A), North Palm Beach, FL From I-95 take Exit 79A or the FL Turnpike take Exit for PGA Blvd. Travel east on PGA Blvd and cross the intersection of US Highway 1 where PGA Blvd changes to A1A/Jack Nicklaus Drive. Travel about 1.4 miles. The Church is located on the left (east) side of the road. (Text Continued on Next Page - Wording Option #3) 11

12 Updated Wording Option #3 Married Couples Register Now for the 2018 Anniversary Masses The Diocese of Palm Beach will hold its 34 th Annual Anniversary Masses at two different locations and on two different days in February. The first will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lucie Church in Port St. Lucie. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. The second Mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Church in North Palm Beach. All couples who will be celebrating 25, 40, or 50 or more years of marriage in the calendar year 2018 are invited to participate. Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, will preside at both celebrations. Cake, coffee and punch will be served in the parish hall after each Mass. To attend and be recognized, please contact your own parish office and register your names as soon as possible. For those attending the Feb. 10 th Mass at St. Lucie, the deadline to register is no later than no later than Monday, January 29, For those attending the Feb. 17 th Mass at St. Paul of the Cross Church, the deadline to register is no later than Monday, February 5, We ask that all participating couples arrive at Church by 10:00 AM -- thirty minutes prior to the start of the Mass. Submit Your 2018 Events to the Diocese Not long ago the Diocese of Palm Beach launched its new, responsive, and updated website. The responsive web design makes the web pages respond and render better on a variety of electronic viewing devices including a cell phone, a tablet or computer. One thing that has not changed: the diocese still provides an opportunity on its web Events Calendar for parishes, ministries and schools to submit their events. Information submitted is automatically sent to the Office of Communications and the Florida Catholic for inclusion on the diocesan website, in the newspaper and thoughtful consideration for possible inclusion in the diocesan E-Newsletter, parish bulletin announcements and our social. Anyone checking out the Calendar of Events section on the website could see your event. Our new responsive diocesan website is expected to increase those who view our site on their mobile device so if you event is posted on our Events Calendar, the number of people seeing your event publicized also increases! We want your events! Just go to and look for the News and Events tab found on the home page to view our Events Calendar. You can submit events at The Florida Catholic Newspaper: A Must for Your Catholic Journey Let your Catholic newspaper help you grow in your faith. Subscribe now or renew your subscription to the Florida Catholic 24 issues of your home diocese for $26; or access to our e-edition, which includes Orlando, Palm Beach and Venice editions, via your PC or tablet, for $20. Want them both? Our combo price is $35. Visit or call toll free Into Recycling but Want to Read the Newspaper? Are you into recycling or have someone on your gift list that is? Look no further than the Florida Catholic s comprehensive and recycle-friendly e-edition! Delivered via cyberspace to your tablet and PC, our e-edition includes three diocesan editions of the newspaper. That s three for the price of one! Subscribe toll free at , or visit 12

13 **There is a PDF of this announcement in the PDF related fliers file** (new copy as of September 2017) Find & Follow Us! Did you know the Diocese of Palm Beach and some of its ministries are on Facebook? Look for our pages listed below and please Like and follow us! Facebook.com/Diocese of Palm Beach Facebook.com/Diocese of Palm Beach, Office of Catholic Schools Facebook.com/Palm Beach Vocation Facebook.com/Diocese of Palm Beach Youth Ministry Facebook.com/Diocese of Palm Beach Family-Life Facebook.com/Catholic Charities Palm-Beach (new copy as of May 2017) Share Your Events - Submit Once; Reach Two Audiences Want to publicize your upcoming events like parish fairs, ministry meetings, guest speakers, fundraisers and other special events? Reach beyond your parish walls to the entire faith community via the diocesan Events Calendar. Submissions from our parishes, schools and lay ministries are welcomed! Information submitted online is automatically sent to the Office of Communications and the Florida Catholic for inclusion in the newspaper, on the diocesan website and for thoughtful consideration in E- News Communications, Social Media and Parish Bulletin Announcements sent to all parishes from the diocesan Office of Communications. Anyone checking out the Events Calendar section on the diocese's website will see your event. With just one visit & click, you can submit your item to TWO places! Submit now using our online Event Submission Form at Questions? Call the Director of Communications at Monthly Stations of the Cross for our Priests Due to the Christmas Holiday, the monthly Stations of the Cross held at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola on the last Saturday of each month will not be held in December. This prayerful time is offered as a sacrificial prayer for all priests, and is held usually following the Saturday morning 8:30 a.m. Mass. The Monthly Stations of the Cross will be resume in January. If you want more information or have questions, please contact Jim Fabyan at

14 A Three Wise Men Story & Musical Performance St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Delray beach invite all to attend a beautiful and moving story that will continue to inspire generations to come of the real meaning of Christmas! Amahl and the Night Visitors Musical Performance will be held Sunday, December 3, from 3 p.m. 4 p.m. in the Church sanctuary. This live musical performed by members of the parish choir under tells the story of the Three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem, as they paused in their journey to rest at the home of a poor, lame shepherd boy and his widowed mother. To help with production costs, the parish is asking for a minimum $10 donation from adults, and $5 donation for students between the ages of six and eighteen; younger children are free. Tickets may be purchased at the Parish Office. A light reception with refreshments will follow in the parish hall. For further information and to make reservations, please the parish at familylife@stvincentferrer.com or call Day of Reflection There will be a Day of Reflection held on December 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. The presenter for the day will be Fr. Paul Wierichs, C.P. The theme will be announced. The day includes: presentations, Lunch, optional confession and ends with Mass. Reservations are required. Please call for reservations. Cost for the day: $ Please offer more if possible. For more information about Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center and our many programs - please visit its website: Advent Day of Reflection There will be a special Advent Day of Refection on December 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. The presenter will be Fr. Melvin Shorter, C.P., and Sr. Roberta Popara, OP. The day includes: presentations, lunch, optional confession and ends with Mass. Reservations are required. Please call for reservations. Cost for the day is $ Please offer more if possible. For more information about Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center and our many programs - please visit its website: New Year's Eve Retreat All are welcome to attend a New Year s Eve Reflection & Celebration to be held December 31, 2017, to January 1, 2018, at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. This retreat will be led by the retreat team with a presentation by Fr. Melvin Shorter, C.P. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. This event includes a presentation, Reconciliation, Mass and Midnight Party. Cost is $90.00 per person for overnight or $70.00 per person for evening only. Registrations are required. Please visit our website to register and make a payment online. Join us for the evening or spend the night. For questions or more information, please call Coming Soon Summary of December Events Around the Diocese 14

15 **New Copy as of December 2017** Pass on the Faith to Your Grandchildren The Diocese of Palm Beach s Office of Marriage and Family Life is a chapter member of the Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA), and a sponsor of the CGA Chapters in our diocese. Monthly gatherings are held at different parishes. All grandparents are welcome to join us as we discuss grandparenting issues and share tips and tactics for passing along the faith to the younger generations. Regardless of where you live, all grandparents are welcome to attend any chapter meetings -- whether you grandchildren live near or far. The CGA is a private association of the faithful to provide support to grandparents and help as the pass on the faith in their families. Monthly chapter meetings are events filled with fellowship, prayer and discussion of passing on the faith. For details, call Kit Johansen or kitjoh@aol.com **Note: This submission below is from WPBV Radio** A New Catholic Radio Station There s a Catholic, faith-based radio station in Palm Beach County. Turn your dial to 98.3 FM, the Catholic Voice of the Palm Beaches. The station can also be listened to via the internet through the station s website and mobile app. Programming is from EWTN but the stations will be adding local programming in the future soon. Listen live at 98.3 FM or You will be blessed! **Note: The wording below is from the diocesan Office of Communications** Catholic Radio Stations There s a Catholic, faith-based radio station in Palm Beach County. Radio station 98.3 FM WPBV - the Catholic Voice of the Palm Beaches. The station can be heard over-the-radio by more than 225,000 residents living in Northern Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County. The low-watt station can be heard from Tequesta to areas of northern Palm Beach County and south into northern West Palm Beach and as far west as Beeline Highway. Plus, the station can also be listened to via the internet through the station s website and mobile app. Programming is EWTN but the station plans to add local programming. Listen live at 98.3 FM or WPBV 98.3 FM joins two other Catholic radio stations located in the diocese: WJPP FM in Palm City-Stuart ( and WDMC 920 AM in Melbourne ( Find Catholic Churches and Radio Stations Listen to your Catholic faith on the radio, through the internet and on your mobile. There are three Catholic radio stations located in our diocese: WPBV 98.3 FM in Northern Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County ( WJPP FM in Palm City-Stuart ( and WDMC 920 AM in Melbourne ( Listen to the stations on your radio or visit their websites and apps: And as you travel away from home, you can find Catholic radio stations along the way through EWTN s radio locator web page at or the website of the Catholic Radio Association at You can also use the Catholic Directory website or phone app to find a Church and Mass times wherever you may travel. 15

16 **Please note: More Office of Safe Environments one-pagers and informational resources/handouts are available at **** Safety Tips for Kids & Families Family outings to parks may be wonderful opportunities for family members to bond and spend quality time together. How can you keep your kids safe? The diocesan Office of Safe Environments provides safety tips to keep children safe in amusement or theme parks, when home alone, and online. At you ll find tips of what to tell your children before you go to the park and what you need to do as a parent/guardian; other tips & resources for online, gaming and texting safety; smart phone safety, bullying/prevention; and Safe to Compete for students and coaches. **Please note: there are a few PDFs of this in the PDF announcement file. More one-pagers and informational resources/handouts are available at **** Safety Tips for Kids & Families Family outings to parks may be wonderful opportunities for family members to bond and spend quality time together. How can you keep your kids safe? The diocesan Office of Safe Environments provides safety tips to keep children safe in amusement or theme parks, when home alone, and online. Visit Here s just some of the valuable resources and tips you ll find: Park Safety: What to tell your children before you go to the amusement park & what you as parent/guardian need to do once there. Gaming Safety NetSmartz: age-appropriate resources to teach children ages 5-17 how to be safer online & offline. KidSmartz: educates families about preventing abduction and empowers kids in grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors. For Teens, Tweens, Parents and Educators: resources on using social media, sexting, and cyberbullying Safe to Compete: safety for student athletes and coaches. Visit the Office of Safe Environments resource page at or call Donna Eurich for information: Learn More About Catholic News in our Diocese Be in the know about what is happening in our diocesan schools, parishes and ministries when you subscribe to the diocese s Florida Catholic newspaper. The paper is available in print edition to be delivered to your home, OR you can get the e-edition of the paper on your PC/tablet/I-pad. As Catholics embark on a journey of faith, let the stories in the Florida Catholic serve as an educational and inspirational guide. Let us walk with you as you explore your faith. Please prayerfully consider subscribing to the newspaper or offering a loved one a gift subscription. Subscribe toll free at , or visit us at and subscribe day or night. 16

17 Do You Know Anyone Who is Separated or Divorced and Needs Support? The diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life will offer its peer-led ministry to men and women who have suffered from divorce: The Catholic s DIVORCE SURVIVAL Guide. This is a 12-week program featuring weekly 30-minute DVD segments covering topics such as anger, guilt, forgiveness, money, co-parenting, the ex-spouse, annulment, sexuality, spirituality, finding peace, and more. Whether you were divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. The Catholic Church is not here to condemn but to console and to help you find peace, power, and renewed passion for life. If you are interested in attending the next session, please contact Cathy Loh at Rosary Service Held Every Month Catholic Charities Office of Respect Life conducts a Rosary Service the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. outside the Presidential Women s Center in West Palm Beach. The center is located at 100 Northpoint Parkway, just off 45 th St. and Village Blvd. Please join us across the street from the abortion center as we peacefully pray. For information, call Catholic Charities Respect Life Office at Rosary Service Each Month in Western Community Join other parishioners from the western community Churches on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. 10 a.m. as they Pray the Rosary for Life on the sidewalk just north of Wellington Regional Medical Center, near an office of Planned Parenthood which performs abortions. For additional information, contact Bill or Melanie Hill at Publicize Your Event on the Diocesan Website Would you like more people than just those in your parish or school to know about your special event, Mass, concert, bible study/class or fundraiser? Go beyond your parish walls! Check out the Event Submission section on the diocese s website at Enter your event information and there s even a place to include a poster or flyer. It s that simple! Information submitted is automatically sent to the Office of Communications and the Florida Catholic for inclusion on the diocesan website, in the newspaper and thoughtful consideration for possible inclusion in the diocesan E-Newsletter and parish bulletin announcements. Anyone checking out the Calendar of Events section on the website could see your event. Just go to and look for the News and Events tab found on the home page. An Offer from You Did It For Me Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services have started "You Did It For Me, " brief stories for parish bulletins or parish, diocesan or organization websites any place you would like to share good news of the Church helping those in need across America and around the world. Catholic parishes can receive a 100 word story with graphics for its bulletin, Website, or newsletter detailing the good work of one of the two organizations every week. For more information about these weekly "good news" stories, contact Steve Herro at sherro@catholiccharitiesusa.org 17

18 Monthly Mass for Home Schooled Students & Families Please join us for a monthly Family Mass for our Home School Students at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center located on U.S. Highway 1 in North Palm Beach on the third Friday of each month! Holy Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. Middle school and teen youth are also invited to spiritual reflection talks at 10:00 a.m. with Father Patrick Daugherty. For more information, please call Gabriella at Support Group for Family Members Encourage is a spiritual support group for family members of loved ones with same-sex attraction. For information about the location and meeting time for this group call or visit our website at All contacts are confidential. On the Diocesan Website The diocesan Office of Safe Environments now has posted on its web pages guidelines for those working in the ministry to Vulnerable Adults. These helpful guidelines help parishes train the people in the ministry. Visit then click on the Vulnerable Adults tab on the left of the page. If you want further information or training assistance, contact Kathy Casey at or kcasey@diocesepb.org Get the Florida Catholic E-Edition You read the printed Florida Catholic newspaper but did you know you can also receive it as an e- Edition on a Smartphone, ipad, computer, tablet and other Internet-connected devices? Subscriptions are available for print or e-edition or both! This is perfect for those who love electronic news and especially for those who go out of town but still want the latest issue filled with diocesan news. With your subscription, you also have access to newspaper archives. Produced as another tool of evangelization, the Florida Catholic is the newspaper of the Diocese of Palm Beach. It covers the local activities of Bishop Barbarito, parishes and other local news. The paper also offers national, international and Vatican news, which gives a voice to the Church and provides witness. An Invitation to Host a Fair Trade Sale Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry wants you to consider hosting a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) FAIR TRADE consignment sale in your parish, school or ministry group. FAIR TRADE respects human dignity, promotes the common good, advances economic justice, empowers disadvantaged people and cultivates global solidarity. For more information visit crsfairtrade.org or contact Elena Garcia at and egarcia@catholiccharitiesdpb.org 18

19 An Invitation to Hold a Good News People Program Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry invites you to hold the Good News People, a program of JustFaith Ministries. Good News People is a fourteen-session program (seven sessions in the fall and seven sessions in the spring) designed for groups of ten participants. The program is a dynamic process engaging sacred scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, readings and reflections, and Church teaching. The purpose of the program is to communicate hope, love, and possibilities found in a faithful commitment to be "Good News" in the world today. This program is for: Young Adults Newly Married Parents with Young Children Working Professionals Active Retired Widows and Widowers New Parishioners And more! For more information contact: Elena Garcia at or egarcia@catholiccharitiesdpb.org No One Buried Alone Ministry at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery As Christians, we believe the body is sacred and as the temple of the Holy Spirit here on Earth, deserves repose in a consecrated dwelling as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus and the resurrection of our bodies. Guided by this truth, Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach accepts the remains of those who have no family or friends to bury them the loveless, the homeless, and the abandoned stillborns who possess inherent dignity because they are made in the image of God. Please consider volunteering to attend these charitable services which occur periodically throughout the year. If you would like to be added to our charitable committal service notification list, please contact Christina: christina@ourqueen.org Learn More About Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery As Catholics, We Respect Life From Conception Until Natural Death, However.not all Catholics are aware of: The respect that must be given to the human body after death Why this respect is due And how we show this respect The Catholic Church s teaching in this area is in logical agreement with the Church s teaching on life issues. Learn more about this teaching by contacting Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery and arranging for a representative to speak to your parish or ministry, either at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery or at a location you prefer. Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery Month s Mind Requiem Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery On the second Saturday of each month Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery celebrates the Month s Mind Requiem Mass. This Mass takes place 10 a.m. 11 a.m. in the cemetery s outdoor chapel. Prayers during this Requiem Mass are offered for those who have been laid to rest during the previous month, all of the deceased at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, and all of the holy souls in purgatory. All of the faithful are welcome and encouraged to attend. The tradition of the Month s Mind Requiem dates back to the fifteenth century as a feast of prayerful remembrance for departed souls on or about the thirtieth day of their passing. Though it is still common in Ireland and England, few parishes in the United States continue the custom today. Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery is located exactly 1-mile west of State Road 7 (US-441) and 3- miles west of the Florida Turnpike at Southern Boulevard, in Royal Palm Beach. For additional information, please feel free to contact us at: (561)

20 Sign Up to Receive Advocacy Alerts Are you receiving Advocacy Alerts from the Diocese of Palm Beach? Through the diocesan website, you can sign up to be a part of our Advocacy Alert E-News Group. Just go to and in the upper right corner of the web page, click on Receive E-News. It is that easy! An added note: when a person signs up to receive our E-Newsletter, he or she is given a menu option of six types of Electronic News to select to receive -- such as DPB News and Calendar; DPB Events Calendar, Advocacy Alerts and more. You can also sign up to receive Action Alerts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. Just visit or Related fliers are posted in this month s PDF file for Bulletin Announcements. Questions about the above announcements? Contact the Director of Communications, Dianne Laubert, at or dlaubert@diocesepb.org DSA Prayers of the Faithful begins on Page 21 December Word of Life is not available at this moment. Coming soon! 20