Parish Ministries

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CONNECTIONS MINISTRY

This is a ministry in which all Catholics should be involved.  All those who are baptized are disciples of our Lord and Savior and therefore are required by their faith to go out and evangelize.  This ministry’s main purpose is to is to bring back to the Church those Catholics who have for one reason or another left the Church.  Is one of your neighbors, your children or one of your friends someone that used to go to Church, who has fallen away, for some reason or another?  Oftentimes all these people need is someone to ask them to come back. This ministry will teach you as a Catholic how to evangelize.

For information or to volunteer for this ministry call Tom Kavanaugh at (904) 540-2165 or email: kavcon@flash.net

Recommended websites: www.wordonfire.org
www.catholicscomehome.org
www.aleteia.org
www.ewtn.com


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FRATERNUS

Fraternus is a Brotherhood of Disciples.  The masculine heart yearns for a challenging and formative brotherhood.  Boys and men often find it in sports, social groups and similar gatherings, but rarely do they find it in the Church.  Fraternus changes this by fostering a brotherhood rooted in virtue and in the richness of the Catholic Faith, while appealing to the masculine yearning for physical activity, competitive sports, and male companionship.  Fraternus challenges men to a virtuous life through personal prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and meaningful involvement with their parish.  As men grow in holiness, the Holy Spirit compels them to pass this on to the next generation. Fraternus trains and equips these men and entrusts them with the challenge to mentor boys in grades six through twelve, into virtuous Catholic men.  Fraternus ministers to the hearts of both adult leaders ("captains") and male youth ("brothers").  Volunteers are required to attend a Protecting God’s Children workshop.

If you are ready to accept the Fraternus challenge and volunteer in mentoring boys of virtue, contact Charles Haupt at (904) 797-5939 or email: hht2day@gmail.com


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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS & AUXILIARY

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s spiritual and fraternal organization, which is of invaluable assistance to the parish and the apostolic works of the Diocese. This organization is open to all Catholic men at least 18 years of age who are practicing Catholics (as recognized by the Holy See). This organization is a family-oriented organization and is based on the principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

First Florida Council #611 meets at the Bishop Baker Center the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 pm with a light dinner/ refreshments at 6:30 pm. A social meeting is held the 3rd Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm.

The Knights Women's Auxiliary meets as necessary to provide assistance with Council programs and to share spiritual, educational, and fellowship endeavors.

The 4th degree, (The Patriotic Degree), recognized as the Color Corp, Assembly #0166, meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at San Sebastian Church.


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LEGION OF MARY

The Legion of Mary is an association of Catholics who have formed themselves into a Legion for service in the warfare which is perpetually waged by the Church against the world and its evil powers.  The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation, under ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary’s and the Church’s work of crushing the head of the serpent and advancing the reign of Christ.  The spirit of the Legion of Mary is that of Mary herself. Especially, the Legion aspires after her profound humility, her perfect obedience, her angelic sweetness, her continuous prayer, her universal mortification, her altogether spotless purity, her heroic patience, her heavenly wisdom, her self-sacrificing courageous love of God, and above all her faith.  The devotional outlook of the Legion is reflected in its prayers and is built upon a profound faith in God and in the love He bears His children.  The Legion of Mary meets weekly for prayer, devotion and evangelization, performing social and outreach services. Do you want to learn more about your faith? Do you want to deepen your prayer life?  Do you want to develop close Catholic friendships?  Do you want to grow closer to Jesus and His Mother?  Come as a guest to a Legion of Mary meeting.  Any Catholic, young, not so young, single, married who would like to become closer to Jesus and His Mother are welcome to give it a try.  There is never an obligation.  The Legion of Mary meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at St. Benedict’s Rectory.

For further information please call Jan Stevens at (904) 377-2172 or at email: janniemaxx@aol.com or you may call Ginger Grant at 904-654-3386 or email: gingergrant13@yahoo.com


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MEN’S GROUP

The Men’s group is that group that is behind the scenes of the goings on around the parish.  They are the ones you don’t see, but they are there to help whenever anything needs to be done at Cathedral events.  The Men’s Group meets Saturday mornings from 6:15-7:45 am for breakfast, a presentation and discussion.  There are programs that run from September to December and January to Easter. Then there’s a Bible Study that covers the summer.  The group covers every age group starting at 18 and older. 

To become involved contact John Datoma at (904) 325-3869 or email: jddawg4@gmail.com


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PRAYER NETWORK

Would you consider joining with this group of caring people in praying for others? It takes no additional time on your part and is a ministry that can do wonders for others, including your friends and families.  Our prayer network consists of a prayer line and a prayer chain.  A prayer request is received and then passed on from one to another in the network by phone and/or email.  As you pray throughout the day you simply add the intentions of others that have been requested.  When many pray for the same intentions they are heard and listened to over and over. This is so simple, yet so powerful. Come pray with us and pass it on.

To join us, to leave a prayer request, or for questions, contact Daniel or Terry Jo Harford at (904) 599-9455 or leave a message at (904) 824-2806, ext. 307.


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RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

We proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self, and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence.  These beliefs flow from ordinary reason and from our faith's constant witness that "life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception to natural death" a teaching that has been a constant part of the Christian message since the apostolic age.

We are committed to bringing the Gospel of Life through prayer, education and service to our parish community.  Our efforts concentrate on all human life from conception to natural death.  Programs involve both youth and adults.  Meetings are on the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm at the Bishop Baker Parish Center, Bracken Room. 

Coordinator is May Oliver.  You may contact her at (904) 674-4412 or email: mayoliv3@aol.com


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SOCIAL/HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

Part of everyone’s ministry in life should be to have fun.  One of our Parish Dreams was that, as a Church family, we all get together.  This is one our newest ministries.  Yes, it’s party time.  Yes, it’s time for dinners, dances and all kinds of fun.  Yes, it’s time to let your hair down, loosen up, make new friends and acquaintances and renew old friendships.  What better way to get together than with your church family.  This ministry is going to take some coordinating and planning and still be a fun time.  If you enjoy putting together a party, decorating or figuring out fun things to do, you should be part of this ministry.  Whether it’s a New Year’s Eve Party, where you can be in a safe environment with lots of food and drink, without being in the neighborhood bars; a fun Las Vegas Night where you can play Vegas style games for fun and prizes; a 50’s dance, poodle skirts and all; a simple dinner or pot luck.  You name it and you can be part of it.  Your help is needed for this fun ministry.

For information, suggestions or to volunteer in this fun filled ministry contact Darlene Kanaszka at (904) 631-7631 or email: darlenekanaszka@gmail.com


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SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Social Justice Ministry works to integrate Catholic Social Teaching with the practical needs of our community and its impact in the world.  We incorporate the views of the Pope and Bishops as they reiterate these challenges based on current situations while working for justice in peace.  Our work is based on the common respect for all of life and the dignity of the human person. Some of our recent projects include, providing and serving meals to the hungry, bringing the Good News to the farmworkers in the person of our Bishop, collaborating on environmental projects with other local faith based organizations and helping migrant children with school supplies.  Nationally, we work to encourage our elected officials as they legislate for issues of justice and peace. 

Contact Judy Sharpe at (904) 501-2632 or email: jsharpe1@comcast.net

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God, may your grace enkindle in all of us a love for the many unfortunate people whom poverty and misery reduce to a condition of life unworthy of human beings.

Arouse in the hearts of those who call you Father a hunger and thirst for social justice and for fraternal charity in deeds and in truth.

Grant, O Lord, peace to souls, peace to families, peace to our country and peace among nations.  Amen


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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

This committee works directly with the Pastor to assist parishioners in the transition from “a giving to the Church” mentality to Stewardship as a way of life mentality. 

The U.S. Bishops, in their document “Stewardship: A Disciples Response”, tell us:

“Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives.  Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have and will be… They are grateful for what they have received and are eager to cultivate their gifts out of love for God and neighbor.”   

Christian stewardship is one of the fruits of discipleship. A Christian disciple makes a mature choice to accept Jesus’ call without counting the cost, and stewardship is an outward expression of such a choice. In responding wholeheartedly to the Lord’s invitation, the mature disciple recognizes God’s gifts, strives to take care of them, and shares them out of love for God and neighbor.

We invite all parishioners to be good stewards of God’s many gifts to us by practicing the three “T’s” – Time, Talent and Treasure.  By offering a significant portion in each of these areas, and when done in a spirit of joy, we see with the eyes of faith the many ways in which God’s love is working and effective in the world. 

Contact Al Poticny at (904) 652-4906 or email: afpotic6@gmail.com


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TOLOMATO CEMETERY PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION

The Tolomato Cemetery Preservation Association (TCPA) was created for the preservation of Tolomato Cemetery, a historic cemetery located on the site of an earlier Franciscan Indian mission (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Tolomato, or Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Tolomato) in St Augustine, Florida. There are large numbers of documented burials from the 18th and 19th centuries, with all burials ceasing in 1884.

Tolomato Cemetery is of interest to a wide range of groups: it has the earliest graves of the Sisters of St Joseph, as well as burials of veterans that represented both sides of the Civil War. It was also the burial site of important political and religious leaders, such as General Georges Biassou of Haiti and Venerable Father Felix Varela of Cuba, whose canonization process is underway.

The Cemetery was once the parish cemetery for what is now the Cathedral Parish and is still owned by the parish, which has maintained and protected it over the years. However, since the main job of a church is not that of running a historic site, visitor access was limited and preservation needs built up.

The TCPA has been working to preserve and protect the site and to interpret its rich history to the public. Association members participate in this activity, working on preservation projects, guiding visitors through the site and assisting researchers in examining this virtual time-line of St. Augustine history. The goal of the Association is to provide regular access to the Cemetery to introduce visitors to this fascinating part of St. Augustine’s past and to make the Cemetery an even more beautiful part of modern St. Augustine.

Tolomato Cemetery is open to the public on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

For further information or membership visit our website: www.tolomatocemetery.com or contact us at Tolomato Cemetery Preservation Association, Inc., P.O. Box 783, St. Augustine, FL 32085


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