southerncross.diosav.org - Around the Diocese

Bishop urges clemency for Davis

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:27:08 -0500

The young men standing in front of the altar at an interfaith vigil for Troy Davis at Sacred Heart Church, Savannah, on July 14 are: Rahsheim Wright, an unidentified youth, Byron Spellman, Robert Coleman, Elijah West, and Aaron Charles.

On June 13, Bishop J. Kevin Boland wrote a letter to Garland R. Hunt, chair of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles to ask for clemency for Troy Anthony Davis, a Georgia death row prisoner, who was scheduled to be executed on July 17. In his letter, the bishop expressed his deep sympathy for the family and friends of Savannah Police Officer Mark Allen MacPhail, whom Davis was convicted of murdering 18 years ago. “The perpetrator of this crime needs to be punished through incarceration,” the bishop wrote. “The State of Georgia has every right to carry out their obligations in this regard.”

But he added that “in the case of Troy Davis, the evidence presented is not clear and compelling and leaves room for reasonable doubt. It appears that in fact Mr. Davis may be innocent. Executing Mr. Davis could be an irrevocable error and a wrongful death. It is in the best interests of all of us that the circumstances surrounding this case be heard in order to prevent the execution of an innocent man. All of life is sacred and the human dignity of each person must be upheld.” Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, and Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory have also written to the board to ask for clemency for Davis. The board granted a 90-day stay of execution on June 16.

During an interfaith vigil for Davis held on July 14 at Sacred Heart Church in Savannah, a half-dozen young black men from the Savannah area donned white tee shirts inscribed with simple letters labeling themselves “Troy Davis” to symbolize his plight.

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Saint Peter the Apostle School Students place at state fair, council members beautify grounds

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:18:15 -0500

Seventh graders Christopher Sells and Keely Hughes excelled at the 59th Annual Georgia Science and Engineering Fair held recently in Athens, Georgia. Keely Hughes won 3rd place in the Junior Division, Behavioral & Social Sciences Category, with her project entitled "Color, Choice Preference and Taste." Christopher Sells' project, "The Effect of Dimples on a Golf Ball's Flight" won him 1st place in the Junior Division, Physics & Astronomy Category as well as the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge Award. Both students are members of Virginia Broderick's Science class.
Student council members from Saint Peter the Apostle School, Savannah, recently decided to beautify the school grounds, by gathering trash, pulling weeds and planting flowers. Pictured during a break are: (foreground) Blake Willioughby and (clockwise), Mary Bostwick, Kristin Moore, Jena Williams, Katie Broderick, Cecilia Ireland, Bridget McCarthy, Niyati MacLeod, Erin Moore, Thomas McCarthy and Joseph Ireland.

For the photos navigate to page 7 of the May 3 Southern Cross PDF located at the top left of this page.

Alapaha teen a winner in OSV essay contest

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 09:36:36 -0600

Editor’s note: Our Sunday Visitor recently solicited essays by young readers from around the country to submit essays on the topic, “How has your Catholic faith helped you live out Matthew 25” (“Whatsoever you do...”). Katelyn Davis, of Saint Ann Church, Alapaha, was one of the three winners whose essays were published in the January 28 issue and who received a one-year subscription to Our Sunday Visitor, Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Church History by Matthew Bunson and When Did We See You, Lord? by Bishop Robert J. Baker and Father Benedict J. Groeschel, cfr. Davis’ essay is reprinted by permission of Our Sunday Visitor.
By Katelyn Davis
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells three parables: The Ten Bridesmaids, The Talents and The Final Judgment. Although these parables have many similarities, the morals taught in the stories are different. My Catholic faith has played a huge role in helping me live the life that Jesus taught in these parables.
In the first parable, 10 brides-maids wait with lamps of oil for the bridegroom. Only five bridesmaids bring extra oil. When their lamps start to run low, the other five go to buy more oil. Meanwhile, the bridegroom comes. When the five foolish bridesmaids return, no one will let them in to the wedding. This parable teaches the importance of always being prepared for death.
Many of my peers don’t think about death. They think that because they are young, they don’t have to be serious about their faith. They choose to party and skip church, and many choose to partake in drugs and alcohol. This year, I lost two cousins and a friend, all three at very young ages. Having God in my life has helped me get through these hard times, and it has also taught me to always have oil in my lamp, because I never know when I’m going to die. Saying the Rosary, participating in Mass and receiving the holy Eucharist are just a few ways that I feel connected to God and keep my lamp full.
The second parable is about three servants. Their master gives each man talents according to their ability. Two of the servants took their talents and traded them to make more. The third man buried his talent.
When the master came to the servants asking for the talents, he rewards the two that made more talents, but throws the servant who buried his talent outside into the darkness.
The parable teaches the importance of not being lazy by growing in your faith. I think that confession is one of the most important ways that helps me to grow in my faith. When I go to confession, I can feel the actual presence of God, and I know that my sins are forgiven. Also, when I participate in saying the Rosary, I can reflect upon the life of Jesus and try to really understand some of the things he went through to save me.
The third parable is very important for Christians. In this parable, Jesus teaches that whatever you do to the least of his people, you do unto him. My Catholic faith teaches me to share and help less fortunate people. There are many ways that I can do this. Last month I participated in a program that sent toiletry items to soldiers overseas. I also donated toys to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have gotten any-thing for Christmas.
Many people participate in these acts of kindness during the holidays, but we must not forget that people need our help throughout the year. Sometimes, something as simple as a smile or kind word will help a passing stranger. Also, I think it is very important to help out the elderly and stand up against abortion.
I’m not a perfect person, and I make many mistakes, but I believe that my Catholic religion has deep roots in my life. Saying the Rosary, participating in Mass at least weekly, receiving the holy Eucharist, going to confession and being kind to others are just a few ways I try to live the life that Jesus teaches in Matthew 25.

Macon child’s recovery: a “miracle”

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:38:00 -0600

By Ed Grisamore
Macon
Amanda Herrold graduated from kindergarten at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School this past year. She received a special award from her class for having the “Best Smile.”
Her parents, Eric and Laura Herrold, probably should have gotten an award, too. They haven’t stopped smiling since the last day of March.
They smile when they see Amanda dancing in the den of their home in south Monroe County. She is a 43-pound bundle of energy. They listen to her singing her favorite “disco” songs. They watch her play with her stuffed birds, bottle caps and “Star Wars” collection. They encourage her as she practices writing each letter of the alphabet.
Is this the same little girl who was at death’s doorstep just two months ago?
I interview hundreds of people every year and tell their stories using thousands of words. I hear the word “miracle” used a lot. Sometimes, it is over-used, like the word “hero.”
The writer inside me wants to reserve the word “hero” for the truly heroic and save “miracle” for the truly miraculous.
But how can I ever judge? What is the threshold? Where is the line?
I do believe Amanda’s story is a miracle, though.
We need to back up about 22 years to get it started, when Eric and Laura met on a blind date. They were both living in Florida. They were married in October 1992.
Eric is a certified registered nurse anesthetist who trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. That’s where Amanda was born on August 3, 1999. Her brother, Taylor, was born two years later on Dec. 7, 2001.
Looking to relocate closer to their families in Florida, Eric landed a job in Macon at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in April 2004.
Said Laura: “The only thing we knew about Macon was that it was between Atlanta and Florida.”
But they quickly settled into school, Eric’s job, their church and the neighborhood.
“It’s the friendliest place we’ve ever lived,” Eric said. “We didn’t know how deep that went until we went through what we went through with Amanda.”
Amanda was born with a heart murmur and had open heart surgery when she was 8 months old. Her brother, Taylor, is autistic.
Although her parents admit they have been somewhat overprotective at times, Amanda lived a fairly normal childhood until the middle of March. That’s when she, her mom and her brother all came down with the stomach flu.
Laura and Taylor eventually recovered. Amanda never could seem to shake it. She made six trips to the doctor in less than three weeks.
On the outside, she was upbeat and active. On the inside, the storm clouds were gathering around her tiny heart.
Her parents took her to The Children’s Hospital at the Medical Center for some tests, and she was admitted. When Eric saw the X-rays, he might have been better off had he not been a medical professional. He understood the lines of light and shadows. It was too much of a jolting reality.
“I saw the X-ray of someone who shouldn’t even be alive,” he said.
Amanda was transferred to intensive care, and further tests provided more grim results. There was a significant fluid build-up. Her left lung had collapsed and her heart was barely pumping.
Despite her youth, Amanda had to know something was wrong. It was spring. The cherry blossoms were blooming. Yet, she was surrounded by hospital walls and a parade of doctors and nurses with puzzled and worried looks on their faces.
When her heart function diminished and the medicine was no longer effective, the decision was made to have her airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, home of the nationally renowned Sibley Heart Center.
Eric elected to ride with Amanda in the helicopter. However, she first had to be put to sleep.
“That was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said. “I had to say goodbye knowing I might not ever see her again. I told her that her mama and daddy loved her and that she was going to go to sleep for a while. When she woke up, she was either going to see mama and daddy or the face of Jesus. I asked if she was OK with that, and she said yeah, she was OK.”
The nurses on the helicopter later told Eric it was the hardest they had ever had to work to keep a child alive. At Egleston, doctors placed Amanda on an ECMO machine (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The machine takes over the functions of both the lungs and heart when they are failing. It pumps blood and exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen outside the body.
She was also placed at the top of the transplant list, with priority for any heart matching her requirements within a 1,600-mile radius.
Back in Macon, students at Saint Joseph’s said special prayers for Amanda, and sent her pictures and cards. Prayer requests were made at all Masses at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, where the Herrolds are members.
But each day came and went without a new heart.
Eric looked at the machine keeping his daughter alive.
“It was just a bridge,” he said. “She couldn’t stay on it forever. We either needed a new heart or we needed a miracle.”
On the eighth day, Amanda’s heart began to beat on its own. It was only a flicker, but you have to have a spark to start a fire.
Although the doctors were astonished, they could only remain cautiously optimistic.
By the next day, Amanda was making a gigantic comeback. Privately, nurses told the Herrolds: “We never see this kind of recovery.”
Two weeks later, on Holy Thursday before Easter, Amanda returned to “Welcome Home” signs in her Cross Creek neighborhood. She got to sleep in her own bed.
Two weeks after that, she returned to school to see her classmates, who smothered her with hugs and kisses.
I asked Eric and Laura if they are even more overprotective now. Are they worried the smallest sneeze, sniffle or wayward germ will trigger a potential relapse? No, they shook their heads. Amanda can’t live her life in a bubble.
They have only been in Macon for two years, but truly believe they have found the kind of place they can call home. The outpouring of support has been unbelievable.
Eric’s co-workers at the Medical Center took up a collection to help the family meet some of its expenses. Parents, teachers and students at the school, and parishioners at the church, sent home enough meals to feed an army.
As I was leaving, Amanda gave me a special purple bracelet. I put it on my right wrist. Purple is her favorite color, she explained.
Said Eric: “We wear them to remind us of our little miracle girl.”

Aaron Killips ordained to diaconate

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:35:17 -0500

Twenty-seven American and Australian seminarians studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, were ordained transitional deacons on October 5. Aaron D. Killips of the Diocese of Savannah was among those seminarians ordained. The sacrament was conferred by Archbishop Edwin O’Brien of the Military Services for the United States of America and Chairman of the Board of Governors for the College. The ordination took place at the Altar of the Chair in the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.
“My diaconate ordination at Saint Peter’s Basilica was one of the most memorable days of my life,” Deacon Killips said. “As the ceremony was taking place I couldn’t help but to think how incredible it was to be ordained over the bones of Saint Peter. Reflecting on Saint Peter’s life always gives me hope. I, like Saint Peter, have often denied Christ, but like Peter I know I am called to come back to Christ’s open arms and spend my life spreading the good news of the Gospels.”
During his homily, Archbishop O’Brien reminded the candidates that “from your very beginnings, even before he formed you in the womb, God has taken great interest in each of you. He has been gracing your heart, your soul and your whole self, toward the path of service. From this day forward your whole identity and existence will be in service of others, in imitation of Christ.”
Reminding them of the need for a personal relationship with Christ to sustain their vocation, Archbishop O’Brien said, “to fulfill your duties at the altar, to be thoroughly a man of charity, you must also and especially be a man steeped in prayer. Unless you prayerfully ponder the Word of God in daily silence, the voice you speak will only be yours, not the voice of Jesus.”
Before ordination, the seminarians completed extensive studies in both philosophy and theology. In addition to studying at one of Rome’s Pontifical universities, the seminarians were also given thorough spiritual and pastoral formation at the College itself, Now that the seminarians arc ordained deacons, they are commissioned by the Church to preach the Word of God, minister at the altar and assist the bishops and priests in ministering the needs of the community they serve.The Rite of Ordination of Deacons exhorts the candidates to “receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”
Deacon Killips’ sister, Amy Parris, who was present, said, “At the moment of the actual ordination, when the bishop was laying his hands on Aaron, I looked up to the beautiful alabaster image of the Holy Spirit which was above him. I asked the Holy Spirit to pour out all of his gifts and to guide Aaron in his new vocation. It was then that I was overwhelmed by the knowledge that on this day my brother was being touched by the hand of God in a way that I will never experience. He has been chosen and set apart to follow Christ in the footsteps of the apostles.”

Gregory Rannazzisi, Assistant for Media Relations, Pontifical North American College, contributed to this story.

Teens Encounter Christ in Lincolnton

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:11:29 -0500

Danielle Culpepper, Michele "Megan" Greely and Kimoanh Vo
“hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil,” as Josh Boese
looks on, at the Teens Encounter Christ weekend at
Lincolnton in July.
Photo courtesy of Joseph and Meledy Kise.

By Joseph and Meledy Kise

Do you remember the days when you were a teenager? The “important” things to many of us were our friends, fitting in, having a car and having a good time. Oh, and yes, of course our family and our faith were important too, but they always seemed to play second fiddle to life’s more pressing issues. Life for today’s teenager is very different than when we were teenagers – the pressures and stress are much greater now. Teenagers are savvier and have to be prepared for life’s realities at a much younger age than in times past. The demands are greater, the expectations higher and the competition is fiercer.

So, where does God fit in the life of the modern teenager? It is here that the teenagers of yesterday, with the oversight of the diocesan youth ministry, step in and point the way for their modern day counterparts. The Savannah Diocese now gives these young people an opportunity to share in the Catholic faith with others from around the diocese through a retreat called TEC, “Teens Encounter Christ.” Spearheading this monumental task, this spiritual journey, are Miriam Martin and Vicky Matson.

Several years ago, our son and daughter had the opportunity to attend a TEC retreat. Their participation was motivated by a minimal dosage of parental influence which culminated in what can only be described as rich rewards. The event began with a healthy serving of skepticism—perhaps even reservation—but by the end of the three day retreat, the Holy Spirit had left his mark and their minds were forever changed. Although they were both touched in different ways by their time as TECees (TEC participants), one thing is for sure, that we saw the “winds of change” in the way they both lived their faith.

So what is TEC? TEC is a three day Catholic spiritual retreat which guides the participants—the TECees—along the path of their individual faith journey. Founded in the traditions of the Catholic faith, TEC is rooted in the wonders of the Paschal Mystery. Each day, while unique unto itself, is filled with inspirational real-life talks and discussions, live music, fun and fellowship. This retreat is a bona fide opportunity for young adults between the ages of 16-18 and 19-21 to experience what a Christian community truly entails. A time for inner reflection, TEC is guaranteed to redefine the notion of dying unto one self so as to be raised up with our Savior Jesus Christ.

The origins of TEC took root at the campus of the Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. The first TEC weekend was held there at the residence hall on October 9, 1965. Since that time, TEC has spread its wings and soared across the entire northern hemisphere. But, as if that weren’t enough, take a vacation and visit Canada, Germany, Lithuania and, yes, the Czech Republic and you know what you will find there…that’s right…you will find TEC alive, well and growing.

Our daughter, Megan, who is now a member of the TEC team, said “I am a teenager myself and I have never been disappointed after any TEC retreat. The music is so much fun to listen to and the games are great. I am really looking forward to the next retreat and I hope young adults will be willing to give a mere three days to devote to Christ.” As the parents of Catholic teenagers, we are so convinced in the riches of TEC that we joined the team.

Last July, TEC VIII was held at Camp Daniel Marshall in Lincolnton, Georgia. Over 20 teenagers experienced the death and resurrection of Christ throughout the weekend. They now share a TEC bond and many of them will be returning to work as team members for TEC IX.
The Diocese of Savannah TEC team is pleased to offer you an open invitation to the risen Christ. Come experience the excitement that is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through your veins. Climb on board and embark with us on a journey of a lifetime and stand witness to your faith journey. This phase of your journey will be provided by the Savannah TEC team and as always is sponsored by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

TEC IX is scheduled for February 2007. For more information please contact Miriam Martin at 706-868-9846 or Vicky Matson at 706-306-5322. You may also visit the Savannah TEC website at www.savannah-tec.org.

God’s will is our purpose and we look forward to sharing with you our life in Christ through TEC. All that is asked is that you open your heart to Jesus and then listen. Can you hear him?

Joseph and Meledy Kise are parishioners of Saint Teresa of Avila in Grovetown and members of the Savannah Diocese TEC council and team.

National Black Leadership on Cancer Savannah Coalition names award for Sister Margie Beatty, RSM

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:39:34 -0500

The National Black Leadership on Cancer (NBLIC) Savannah Coalition named a new award in honor of Sister Margaret (“Margie”) Beatty, rsm, Vice President of Mission Services at Saint Joseph’s/Candler.
The Sister Margaret Beatty Candle Light Award will be presented annually to a community member who supports cancer advocacy, prevention and education programs, especially those that service underserved communities. The first annual award was presented to Sister Margie on August 19th in conjunction with The Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (GBCCF).
“Sister Margie has done so much for the efforts of both grassroots organizations, including helping to secure office space for the local chapter of NBLIC and supporting its efforts. She has also arranged funding for breast cancer survivors from Savannah to attend Breast Cancer Lobby Day in Atlanta and helped to host Breast Cancer Advocacy Legislative Luncheons held outside of Atlanta by the GBCCF,” said Martina Correia, NBLIC Savannah Coalition Executive Director.
Sister Margie told the Southern Cross that the award represents Saint Joseph’s / Candler’s efforts “to collaborate with community agencies which promote health in our community. We provide an office for the NBLIC in the Georgia Infirmary, furnish meeting space, meals and other support. It is a great opportunity to connect our resources with those who need them.” She added, “It is a privilege to collaborate with community leaders like Martina Correia who are so passionate about helping those living with cancer. Of course I am humbled that the award is named after me, but I am delighted that the NBLIC will honor those who ‘shine light in places of diminished hope’.”

Pastoral studies, diaconate programs announced

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:36:12 -0500

Saint Leo University of Tampa, Florida, in conjunction with the Diocese of Savannah, will offer a three-year academic formation program in Pastoral Studies beginning the fall of 2007. The program will lead to a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies for those who are academically qualified. For those who do not have an undergraduate degree, the credits may count toward a bachelor’s degree. Certificates of Completion in Pastoral Studies are possible for those not interested in a college degree. Classes will be held one weekend each month at Immaculate Conception Church, Dublin, with additional work being done over the Internet.
The Pastoral Studies program will be offered in conjunction with the fifth diaconal formation program just announced by Bishop J. Kevin Boland. Deacon George Foster, director of the diaconate program, says that his office will accept applications starting in September and that he will visit each deanery in order to visit with potential applicants and their spouses to answer any questions regarding the formation program for deacons.
Deacon Foster stated that over the last decade the diocese has become increasingly diverse in its ethnic makeup, with a notable increase in the Hispanic population. Hispanic men who feel they are called to this ministry are encouraged to meet with their pastors and express their interest with them. Foster went on to state that there is also a great need for men of African American background, as well as men whose ethnicity is Asian Pacific, and he encourages them to seek guidance from their pastors as well.
Bishop Boland recently sent a letter to all pastors in the diocese announcing the Masters Degree Program in conjunction with the diaconate program. In it, the bishop expressed his wish that lay men and women involved in parish ministry and high school catechesis should have the same opportunity to receive this graduate level of education as deacon candidates. Ann Pinckney, director of religious education, will oversee the lay portion of this program. She will promote lay involvement in the academic formation program with Deacon Foster as he travels to the different deaneries.
The Southern Cross will publish a schedule of dates, times and locations of the visits to each deanery at a future date. Men interested in the diaconal formation program may call the diaconate office at 706-651-8989 or e-mail Deacon Foster at gfoster43@knology.net. Those interested in the lay portion of the Pastoral Studies Program may contact Ann Pinckney at 912-201-4041 or e-mail her at apinckney@diosav.org.

Who is this “Masked Sister”?

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:47:31 -0500

BY JUDITH WEAVER
Sister John Moravec wears a surgical mask a good portion of each day. As a certified nurse anesthetist at Saint Joseph/Candler Hospital in Savannah, the safety and well-being of patients having surgery is a high priority for her — the highest.
Dr. Judson P. Cuttino, speaking for fellow physicians and staff at the hospital who work with Sister John says, “we all learn from her every day. Her primary motivation has not changed after almost fifty years of nurse anesthesia…the care of the patient comes before all other considerations, period.”
Perhaps that is why many people who know Sister John specifically request her to be the anesthetist at their side when they are having surgery. “Don’t worry,” Sister John reassures her patients, relieving their anxiety, “I won’t take my eyes off you,” and until they are doing well in recovery after the surgery, she holds good to her word. Her gentle care and calm manner is recognized by patients and staff alike.
Barbara Ann Moravec grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, one of nine children, and after completing her medical studies, set up an anesthesia department at Providence Hospital in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. In 1959, she answered God’s call and entered religious life. She serves under the Bishop of Savannah. Her medical profession is a ministry she loves. She has ministered at Saint Joseph/Candler since 1973, seeing “wonderful advances in the field of anesthesia over the past fifty years to the point of 100% safety today.”
In 2000, Sister received the Rosalie McDonald Award, the highest recognition presented annually to an outstanding nurse anesthetist in Georgia by the Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists. In nominating Sister John for this award, Martha Kral, CRNA, spoke of Sister being both an example of a dedicated anesthetist and a mentor to many others in this profession.
Sister John balances the pressures of her work with interesting uses of her leisure time. She practices creative cooking—her specialty is desserts for which she is widely known. The “Ac cent” section of The Savannah Morning News featured her in a cover page photo essay. Taste and eye-appeal characterize Sister’s tempting creations, from her scones and cheesecakes, to the rich rum cake appreciated in ecclesiastical circles—“the bishop asks for this one when he has company,” Sister says. Easter breads and cookies of every shape and taste are in her repertoire. A Sister John Cookbook: Favorite Recipes would give Paula Deen a run for the money!
Sister John is a member of the Cathedral Choir. She attends two Sunday Masses, one at the Benedictine Priory, and later at 11:30 a.m., she sings with the choir at the Cathedral. Once a month, the choir members have a pot-luck dinner after Mass, and, you guessed it, Sister’s dessert is gone even before the main entrees. Like the woman of Proverbs 31, Sister John is engaged in multiple good works and “random acts of kindness,” according to friends and neighbors. Simply, she says, “my energy comes from God’s grace.”

Persons interested in knowing more about Religious Life can visit the Web site www.visionguide.org or contact the Vicar for Religious in Savannah (912) 201-4100 to obtain a copy of “Vision” which is an annual vocation guide.

Interfaith Hospitality Network forms on Tybee

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 14:39:46 -0500

Left to right: Bonnie Nesbitt
(Trinity Chapel UMC), Kesha Gibson-Carter
(IHN director), Lamar Webb (All Saints Episcopal Church),
Anne Monaghan (Saint Michael Catholic Church),
Beverly Goode (Trinity Chapel UMC) and Bernie Goode
(Saint Michael Catholic Church) make plans
to provide temporary housing for homeless families.
(Photo by Ormonde E. Lewis)

By Ormonde E. Lewis
Four congregations of churches on the island have made Tybee Island the site of a temporary home for transitional homeless families in the Savannah area. Saint Michael Catholic Church has joined All Saints Episcopal Church, Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church and Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church in an ecumenical effort to serve the poor through the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Coastal Georgia.
Meeting recently at the United Methodist Church, the coordinating committee from the four congregations made plans to use volunteers from each church, secure meals from local restaurants and provide temporary housing for the needy families that will be referred to them by Savannah IHN’s director, Kesha Gibson-Carter.
“We are all only a breath away from homelessness,” says Anne Monaghan of Saint Michael’s who traces the origin of the group back to last winter when Gibson-Carter spoke at the Tybee Women’s Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast. A few weeks later, Carol Immel, wife of the Episcopal vicar, proposed that the group establish IHN of Tybee. A core group consisting of Louise Anderson (Chair), Carol Immel, Bernie and Beverly Goode, Viviane Dubuc, Bobbie Poplin, and Monaghan met and the planning began. During the week of July 23-30 volunteers from all four churches worked to make the group’s first homeless families comfortable in facilities at Trinity Chapel. Local restaurants provided food. “We are eagerly looking forward to this endeavor and all of us feel we will get far more than we will give,” Monaghan said.
In the Savannah area, the Tybee IHN joins ten other “host congregations” that provide overnight accommodations and meals to transitional homeless families. Eight other “support congregations” (including Sacred Heart-Savannah and Saint Frances Cabrini) provide financial contributions. In the Augusta area, Saint Mary on the Hill, Most Holy Trinity and Saint Teresa of Avila are actively involved with IHN activities. IHN is also supported by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Sister Jackie Griffith, ssj, diocesan director for Catholic social services, believes in the role of IHN: “The mission of Interfaith Hospitality Network is in keeping with the mission of CCHD, which is to empower people who are poor and work towards the alleviation of the causes of poverty and powerlessness.”
IHN is currently recruiting “Host” and “Support” congregations to help serve local families with children who are temporarily homeless. These are families who are displaced due to evictions, loss of income, or illness. Congregations are needed to help shelter and feed families. To help in the Savannah area, call Kesha Gibson-Carter at 912-790-9446. In the Augusta area, contact Amanda Gray, 706-364-4462.

First Lady, Governor visit Saint Mary’s Home

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:05:50 -0500

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and his wife, Mary, visited Saint Mary’s Home, Savannah on June 23. The purpose of the visit was for the first lady to give a talk on foster children, a subject dear to her heart.
According to her Web site, Mrs. Perdue launched her “Our Children” campaign in August 2003, in order to raise awareness of “the need for foster care programs in Georgia and to encourage individuals, corporations and faith-based organizations to take an active role in addressing the needs of their community. Her objective is to increase the number of available foster homes and volunteer hours, and financial and in-kind contributions to our youth-serving organizations. In 1998, the first lady and her husband, Governor Sonny Perdue, served as foster parents for eight newborns awaiting adoption through Covenant Care in Macon. Their personal experience served as the inspiration for this initiative. Additionally, Mrs. Perdue has created the First Lady’s Children’s Cabinet, whose mission is to stem child abuse and neglect and to promote foster care and adoption. Cabinet members include heads of state agencies that address children’s issues.”
Saint Mary’s Home is the diocesan facility for caring for children unable to live with their fmilies.
Sister Alvin Seubott, the home’s administrator, said, “We were very pleased that the governor and his wife came to visit Saint Mary’s Home and the children and that they were able to tour our facility. We were pleased to hear of their plans for foster children. It was a very pleasant experience. We would welcome them back at any time.”

“Rachel Mourning” statue placed in Darien

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:04:23 -0500

A pro-life statue, “Rachel Mourning,” was recently placed at Nativity of Our Lady Mission in Darien by the Knights of Columbus Council 1939. Rachel, as the favored wife of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, represents the Chosen People. In the passage from the Prophet Jeremiah (31:15-16) quoted on the base, Rachel weeps for "her children" taken into captivity during the Exile. By extension, Rachel weeps for the innocent children killed by King Herod at the time of Jesus' birth. This scripture passage is used in the pro-life movement to refer to those children aborted by their mothers.

Scouting medals given in Dublin

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:03:07 -0500

Bishop J. Kevin Boland presented the Parvuli Dei medal to Boy Scouts Jonathan Wright (left) and Damian Mahoney (right), and the Saint George medal to Scout Leader Dick Clark (center) at Immaculate Conception Church, Dublin, on May 24.

Benedictine to offer financial aid to Hispanic teens

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:56:39 -0500

By John Newton
Like many Savannah landmarks, Benedictine Military School has a tradition rooted in history. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1902, the school today continues a legacy of academic, religious and military training with an additional emphasis on community service. Originally named “Benedictine College,” the school changed its name in the 1920s but retained the “BC” moniker. Today, it is a private Catholic boys school serving grades 9-12 with a student population of approximately 400 students. The legacy tradition plays an important role in the Benedictine experience and many local families have sent three or four generations of young men to be educated at the school.

Parish Partnership Program aims at rebuilding after hurricanes

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:08:18 -0500

“Additional help is still needed,” says Bishop William R. Houck, President, Catholic Church Extension Society in describing the situation of the Gulf Coast dioceses devastated last year by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
One of the more successful programs to date has been the partnering of parishes throughout the country with parishes in the affected area. 260 parishes from 104 dioceses across the country have joined Catholic Church Extension Society's Parish Partnership Program. In addition, other parishes have partnered on their own. Despite this outpouring of generosity, there remains a need for additional support to the parishes affected by the disaster.