August 3, 2008

Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady,

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Seasonal)

Deacon Ralph Bufano (Seasonal)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Seasonal)

Music Director:

Mrs. Paulette King ................................................. x 316

Sacristans:

Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK .......................... x 304

Directors of Religious Education:

K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum................ x 320

Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC............................ x 321

Outreach Ministries:

Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK.......................... x 321

Ms. Claire Obordo ................................................. x 302

Youth Ministry:

H.S.: M/M Pete & Marie O'Shea .......................... x 322

Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari ................ x 322

Eighteenth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

August 3, 2008 A.D.

Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 & 5:30 PM

(also Thursdays before First Friday at 8:30 AM).

Baptisms are arranged at least two months in advance

by calling the parish office.

Marriages are scheduled with the priest at least six

months ahead of time.

Anointing of the Sick: If you anticipate a hospital stay,

please ask to be anointed prior to hospitalization at one

of the daily Masses. In case of an emergency, please

call at any hour. The infirm may call the parish office to

arrange for a priest to anoint them at home.

Visits to the Homebound: Our Eucharistic Ministers

bring Holy Communion to our homebound

parishioners, usually on a weekly basis. Please call the

parish office if you are not able to attend Mass.

Parish Registration is done by attending a Welcome

Meeting and Breakfast. Please call the parish office for

details.

St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an

excellent academic program (grades preK-8) in a

Christ-centered environment, nurturing each student in

mind, body and soul.

Principal: Sr. Veronica Visceglia, SSND ....... 581-4865

MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Mass (Monday thru Saturday morning): 8:00 AM

Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM; Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM.

Please note: NO 5:30 PM in the summer.

Jesus fed

the five thousand

with five loaves

and two fish.

1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770

Mailing Address: 2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770

Parish Office: (727) 584-2318; Fax: (727) 586-5413

Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org

Summer Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 1:30 pm

Friday: 9 am - 12 noon

What are you

hungry for?

Page 2 - Sunday, August 3, 2008

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week at the 9 AM Mass I preached about the 40

anniversary of the

encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, a foundational modern

document that teaches the truth of marriage and family life. In this papal

encyclical, his holiness Paul VI of blessed memory, declared as a matter of faith and morals

that every use of artificial contraception is a moral evil. He prophetically declared that once

the unitive and procreative aspects of the one marital act were separated by artificial means of

contraception that marriage itself would be threatened. Is it any more in doubt, today, that he

was absolutely right?

Many children will never draw their first breath, or be able to come to know the love of

our Father God through their earthly mothers and fathers. We continue to legislate, fund and

promote ever more vicious attacks against human life at all stages, from the newly conceived

to the elderly. Everyone in society is culpable, whether by active promotion of these evils, or

by failing to do more to stop abortion, contraception, euthanasia or infanticide through partial-birth abortions.

From the abortifacient contraceptives, which are pushed on our young people in

pervasive physiological sex education, to the doctors who pervert their profession in

support of life into one of taking the lives of the elderly, the so-called "useless" and the

unwanted, our society embraces more and more the godlessness of sin and death. Now, in

a Hitlerian turn, we are judging who among the living has no "quality of life" and are,

therefore, liable to legally-sanctioned murder by starvation and dehydration. The most

recent assault against the very institution of marriage has begun by trying to redefine it.

Our bishops and Catholic people are called by Christ to take the strong stand

necessary to stop the violence and bloodshed of the holocaust around us in the culture of

death. Our bishops have called upon us to write, call and lobby our leaders to stop the

attacks upon the sacred gift of human life and have established a national day of prayer and fasting for life. Every

Friday is a perfect opportunity to pray and sacrifice for the sanctity of human life, as we meditate upon the offering

up to death for our salvation of the perfect and holy life of Christ, God and man.

Let us preserve and protect God's plan for the family: fatherhood and motherhood within the lifelong

commitment of marriage. Let us encourage chastity and self-control for the unmarried, rather than condemning

them to the error and unhappiness of promiscuity and births out of marriage that come with fornication. When our

Catholic faith is no longer simply a label, or only an identity for us, but instead a way of life in Christ, then we will

be able to sincerely call upon God in prayerful praise as does our Lord.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church directs us: "Before we make our own this exclamation of the Lord's

Prayer, we must humbly cleanse our hearts of certain false images drawn `from this world.' Humility makes us

recognize that `no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and

anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him,' that is `to children.' " (CCC 2779)

God has existed in His divine eternal splendor from the beginning. We have been called to share His own

wonderful light in and through our Savior Jesus Christ. We must encounter, accept and love Him as He is, not as

we would have him be. Christ founded the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church to enable us to know and live

the truth, already now, in this world that will one day end, and forever in the glory of heaven. Let us become like

children so that we are always able to humbly receive the truth from our ever-living, love-giving heavenly Father.

Praised be Jesus Christ,

Fr. Pecchie

PS Just to reiterate, I would hope that if you take the time to write me a note, that you would sign the note, so that I

can respond to you. As I have preached before, grace builds on nature, and at times my Italian, New York

excitement can come across to some parishioners as yelling. I can assure you, for the four years I have been your

pastor, I have not yelled while preaching. That is not to say, however, that I have not been animated and passionate

about what I preach. I apologize to those who find my preaching style `offensive and unloving'. With your prayers,

hopefully, I will get better.

PS2 A BIG THANK YOU to the Senior and Junior High Youth that assisted with the

Duplex back yard last Saturday. The Sisters and I thank you for giving of your time,

especially a Saturday morning, and your energy in this project. We are grateful!!

JMJ

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

Tel: 727-584-2318

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

Fax: 727-586-5413

First Reading Stand on the mountain; the

ORD

will be passing by. (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-

13a).

Psalm Lord, let us see your kindness, and

grant us your salvation (Psalm 85).

Second Reading To the Israelites belong the

covenants, the law and the patriarchs; and

from them comes the Christ (Romans 9:1-5).

Gospel As Jesus walked on the sea, he said to

the disciples, "Do not be afraid" (Matthew

14:22-33).

Am I grateful to the Lord for His loving care

and guidance? Do I assist those who are

enduring stormy times in their lives?

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ

THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Some of the most comforting words in scripture come to us
today in these readings. The passage from Romans is particularly
comforting when we are worried about our spiritual life and
fretting about it. "What will separate us from the love of
Christ?" (Romans 8:35) Of course, nothing can! Christ's love,
manifested in his life, death, and resurrection, was wholly for God
and us, and he will not permit anything, great or small, to separate
us from him. Our longing, our hunger for him is sustained by the
Eucharist, and even in the darkest of times, when God seems
absent and it is difficult to pray, we know by faith that God is
with us. God's fidelity to us is absolute, especially when we are
in darkness and confusion.

Readings: August 10, 2008

th Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

The Council of Jerusalem

The Council

Around the year 48 an issue arose in Antioch concerning the circumcision of non-

Jews, when some Christians coming from Judea claimed their freedom acquired in Christ

Jesus (cf. Gal. 2:4), which even Paul and Barnabas invoked so as not to impose this rite of

circumcision on pagan converts to Christianity. The community decided to consult the

Apostles and Elders of Jerusalem. Thus, it sent Paul and Barnabas together with Titus,

their Greek companion, as well as a delegation to accompany them to Jerusalem.

The Apostles and Elders of Jerusalem accepted Titus "uncircumcised", thus

recognizing the validity of Paul's proclamation concerning the freedom of grace. The

Assembly confirmed the main leaders of the Church and recognized the missionary

vocation of Peter for the circumcised and that of Paul for the uncircumcised. As a matter

of fact, a sort of partitioning of the missionary field occurred: James, Kephas and John were directed towards the Jews,

while Paul and Barnabas were sent to preach to the pagans.

The Antioch Incident

The incident occurred during Peter's visit to Antioch and it bears witness to the integrity of Paul, who would not

allow for any adaptations of the truth of the Gospel. What happened? At that time, a circumcised Jewish Christian could

not sit at the same table with a Gentile Christian without falling into impurity. Peter, had always testified to the supreme

power of faith in Christ which gathers together within itself all human beings. He continued to do so in Antioch until the

arrival of other Christians sent by James, who presided over the community of Jerusalem. It was then that Peter, who

had previously eaten with the Gentiles, withdrew and separated himself from them for

fear of the circumcision party (thus concealing what he truly believed). Therefore Paul

became angry: "I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong" (Gal. 2:11).

The compromise agreed upon in Jerusalem protected the existence of the mixed

communities of the young Churches of Asia Minor, to whom Paul had preached.

Nevertheless full communion between circumcised and uncircumcised was difficult.

Therefore, was the salvation in Jesus Christ considered secondary? Paul claimed new

life in the faith, the gift of the Spirit and the primacy of the divine promise over the

law... The controversy had originally occurred between, on the one side, James and

the Church of Jerusalem along with Peter and Barnabas who, although hesitant, allied

themselves with James, and on the other side, the same Church of Antioch which in

the end approved the compromise reached in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 15:31). Eventually

Paul left Antioch to visit the towns where he and Barnabas had previously taught,

taking along with him Silas alone, who had been sent back to Antioch with Paul by the

Apostles and elders in Jerusalem after the compromise had been reached. After this

long novitiate, which endured 15 years, Paul entered into a new phase.

St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, pray for us.

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Page 4 - Faith Formation

Coming September 16th:
St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians

Sr. Kathleen

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CR)

Tuesday evenings

New 10 week course will begin in September.
Registration will begin in August.

Adult Bible Study
Sr. Kathleen

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, August 6th

Lectionary Bible Study

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA: Are you interested in learning more about the

Catholic faith? We invite you to join our RCIA inquiry

sessions where you will learn about the richness of our

Catholic faith and be introduced to our parish

family. These sessions are open to all who are not yet

baptized, those who are baptized in other Christian

denominations, and for those who are baptized in the

Catholic faith but have not received the sacraments of

Confirmation and Eucharist. Next inquiry meeting:

August 14th, 7 pm in the Conference Room. If you

have any questions please call Sr. Kathleen. Phone the

parish office at 584-2318, and ask for ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Men's Small Faith Sharing Group: We meet

on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM in the School

Media Center. All men are welcome to join us!

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Religious

Ed.

PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CR)

Monday, August 4th

Coffee Talk: Bring your questions and

enjoy some refreshments, while Father

Pecchie enlightens us on matters of faith.

Foundations of Personal Prayer: We meet

every Tuesday afternoon at 3 PM in the Msgr.

McCall Library.

Have you seen our Web page? Check out what's new and what you missed!

Visit www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

Early Religious Education- "Sunday School" for K - 8th Grade

Open Registration for the upcoming year will take place after the 9 AM Mass on

Sunday, August 24th and 31st in Msgr. McCall Hall. We offer classes for children

entering K through 8th on Sunday mornings from 10:30 to 11:45. We have an

awesome program with dedicated catechists who strive to help you raise your

children CATHOLIC! It is our mission to teach and form your children to know, love

and serve Christ! If you have any questions about the program, please call Joe at

ext. 320. Classes begin September 7th.

Sacrament Preparation for

First Confession, First

Communion and

Confirmation

Those children seeking the

sacraments must register for

sacrament preparation classes.

Open registration is on the last

two Sundays in August, the

24th and 31st, after the 9 AM

Mass in Msgr. McCall Hall.

August 3, 2008 18

Sunday in Ordinary Time A

"Come to me heedfully,

listen, that you may have life.

I will renew with you the everlasting covenant."

Trust God's promise. He nourishes us abundantly.

(Isaiah 55:1-3 & Matthew 14:13-21)

VOCATION VIEW:

Principal:

Sr. Veronica

Visceglia,

SSND

Jr. High Youth Ministers: Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 8:30

PM in the Youth Room. Newcomers are always welcome! If you

have any questions, please call Sue & Bob at 585-5546.

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

ENIOR

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Marie O'Shea, ext. 322

The Senior Youth Group meets during the summer on Saturday nights after the

4:30 PM Mass in the Youth Room. Youth in high school or older are welcome

to attend.

REGISTRATION

for 2008 - 2009

SCHOOL YEAR

REGISTRATION for

all grades (Pre-K-8)

is taking place. St.

Patrick is a fully accredited, Christ-

centered environment, known for

academic excellence. Come and see

what makes St. Patrick so special. For

information call

the school office

(727) 581- 4865.

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

School & Youth - Page 5

NEWSPAPER RECYCLING:

Newspapers, phone books, magazines and any paper

may be placed in the

Big Red Bin

on the east side of

the Church.

Proceeds support the school and

recycling is great for the earth!

Summer Office Hours for School:

Monday through Thursday

9 AM - 1 PM

OLY

OUR

FFERING

ARDS

NOW

AVAILABLE

THE

ARISH

OFFICE

NOT

OFFER

HOUR

PRAYER

BEFORE

OUR

ORD

THE

LESSED

ACRAMENT

FOR

SOMEONE

NEED

Choose from 1 of 3 beautiful designs

for a donation of $5.00

UCHARISTIC

DORATION

EVERY

EDNESDAY

Come, pray with me!

Please consider spending even one hour each Wednesday to be with Our Lord in

Eucharistic Adoration, beginning after the 8 AM Mass and concluding with Benediction at 6:45 PM. Please

priesthood. If you would like to sign up, or if you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Mary Blum

at 581-0838. We will pray a Rosary for Priests at 6:20 pm just before Benediction.

Thank you to both our

Junior and Senior Youth

groups for

working the

yards of our

Sisters and

Pastor.

Page 6 - Stewardship

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

St. Patrick, Largo as of 07/22/08

PARISH INFORMATION:

Assessment: $127,546.00

This is the amount we must give to the

Diocese for the 2008 Appeal.

Pledged:

$ 64,010.88

Assessment

Balance:

$63,535.12

This is the amount pledged through the

Diocesan APA envelopes.

# of Gifts:

220

Average Gift:

$290.96

This is the number of gifts by our parishioners (out of our

1000 registered families) who have made a pledge by

sending their donation in the APA Diocesan envelope.

% of Assessment: 50.9 % Participation: 22.7

Almost 23% of our parishioners are participating!

We need your help! The amount you pledge by using

the Diocesan APA envelopes, marked "St. Patrick

Church, Largo # 370" is not assessed for next year's

APA. Please prayerfully consider making your pledge

today. Diocesan APA envelopes are found at the doors

of the church or at the church office.

HAVE YOU SENT IN YOUR PLEDGE?

2008 Annual Pastoral Appeal

Summary Report

May God bless you and your family!

Your generosity helps support our parish operating

expenses and our ministries each week, so that we

may serve you, our parishioners, better!

OFFERTORY

July 27, 2008 (333 Envelopes)

$ 11,345.75

Children's Envelopes (5 Envelopes)

$ 9.70

Helping Hands (Poor Box)

$ 298.00

Helping Hands Special Donation

$2,000.00

2008

APA

St. Patrick's Weekly Offering of Thanksgiving

Stewardship Prayer

Lord, it's so easy for us

to hold on tightly to the money we earn.

Help us to realize that you alone gave us the ability to

do our jobs and to earn the money that we do.

Help us to be open-handed in our giving

to show our thanks to you.

Bless these gifts. Amen.

GHTEENTH

UNDAY

RDINARY

IME

"The hand of the Lord feeds us," sings the psalmist; "He answers all our needs.'

Often, though, it is with the open hands of generous stewards willing to share His many gifts

that God's people are fed and their needs met. See Psalm 145

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Browse our

books in the comfort of the library in

Msgr. McCall Hall or check it out. For

more information on our Library Book

Club, please phone Renee at 584-3775

or Florence at 595-3254.

SHARE-A-PRAYER: If you or someone you know

needs special prayers, let us pray with you.

Phone 596-8284 or 584-6954 and together

we will lift our hearts to God!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Council #

4892 meets on the second Thursday of

the month at 8 PM in the Cafeteria. Call

Bob Lamelle at 584-1234. See you there!

LEGION OF MARY

Meets every Thursday at 9

AM in the Conference Room. If you would like to

join, contact Peggy at 585-1597.

Our CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP, The Hearts

of Jesus and Mary Prayer

Community at St. Patrick, invite you

to pray with us every Wednesday at

7 PM in the Conference Room.

Join us every third Wednesday for a

Healing Mass at 7 PM in the

Church, as we praise God in song, learn from the

scriptures and pray for each other. For info, phone

Bobbie 584-0503 or Margie 559-7449.

Attention All Parishioners! Please note that all

pledges made for our Capital Campaign

"Remember, Respond, Renew" are sent unopened

to the Diocese of St. Petersburg Campaign Office.

To best record your information, please include your

pledge cards and use a pledge envelope, or mark

clearly on the outside of the envelope "For Capital

Campaign". Thank you for your assistance!

Mass Intentions

Pray

for our

Military

St. Sebastian and St. George, pray for us.

Pvt. Rose Barton, US Army, SC

Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, Iraq

Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, NY

Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, FL

PFC Brendan Gaines, USMC, VA

Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Iraq

Sgt. Jorge Granados, USMC, FL

Sgt. Joshua Harmon, KY

PFC Chris Hazelwood, US Army, AZ

Specialist Matthew Heaberlin, US Army, Iraq

Sr. Airman Sean Heaberlin, USAF, CA

Pvt. Amelia Hinkley/Fridley, US Army, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, US Army, MO

Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force

Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, US Navy, CT

Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, FL

CWO2 Robert Kidney, USCG, FL

Lance Corporal Nick Krege, USMC, Japan

PFC, John Margariton, USMC, SC

Specialist Christopher Martin, US Army, Iraq

Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, FL

Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany

Ensign Christopher McDowell, US Navy, Iraq

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

August 2, 2008

Elmar & Elizabeth Van Megen

August 3, 2008

Bernie Drake

St. Patrick Parishioners

Erwin & Dorothy Steiner

August 4, 2008

Millie McGinley

August 5, 2008

Kevin Barton

August 6, 2008

Peter C. Moran

August 7, 2008

Maureen Ryan

August 8, 2008

Maria Rey

August 9, 2008

Virginia Gay

Draksler and Zorowski Families

August 10, 2008

Tom Brophy

Nicholas Metts

St. Patrick Parishioners

Sat.

4:30

Sun.

7:30

9:00

11:00 AM

Mon.

8:00

Tue.

8:00

Wed.

8:00

Thu.

8:00

Fri.

8:00

Sat.

8:00

4:30

Sun.

7:30

9:00

11:00 AM

Parish Meeting Rooms: Art = Art Room (School Jubilee Building); Cafe =

School Cafeteria; CH = Church, CR = Conference Room in Msgr. McCall Hall;

FLD = Field; MC = Media Center; MR = Music Room (School Jubilee Build-

ing); PE-A/B = PE portables; OLM = Office of Liturgical Music; PC = Msgr.

McCall Hall; PCLib = Msgr. McCall Library; REL = Religion Room (old Span-

ish Room); RE Office = Religious Education Office in PC; YR = Youth Room

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

The Week Ahead

Sun.

8:30 AM

7:00 PM

7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM

Tue.

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

6:30 PM

7:00 PM

Wed.

8:30 AM

9:00 AM

6:30 PM

6:45 PM

7:00 PM

Thu.

9:00 AM

Fri.

7:30 PM

Sat.

3:30 PM

5:30 PM

08/03/2008

K of C Pancake Breakfast (PC)

Junior Youth Group Meeting (YR)

Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

08/04/2008

Pastor's Class

08/05/2008

Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (Lib)

Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)

GriefShare Meeting (Lib)

Respect Life Meeting (PC)

08/06/2008

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)

Adult Bible Study (CR)

Men's Faith Sharing Group (MC)

Benediction (CH)

Charismatic Prayer Group (CR)

Lay Apostolate Prayer Group (CH)

08/07/2008

Legion of Mary Meeting (CR)

08/08/2008

Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

08/09/2008

Confessions (CH)

Senior Youth Group Meeting (YR)

Please pray for the members of our

St. Patrick Parish family and friends who

have died recently and for their families and

friends who mourn them, especially: Fr. Emil

Styczen (Tarnow, Poland) and Rita Campbell.

SFC Lisa Collis Moore, US Army, Iraq

Seaman Timothy Moore, US Navy, CA

Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, US Army, Iraq

Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, England

Sgt. Scott Platzer, US Army, South America

A. B. Michael Pourteau, USAF, TX

Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq

Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force

Major Scott Trapman, US Army, WA

Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, US Air Force, Iraq

Prayer for Hurricane Season:

Our Father in Heaven, through

the intercession of Our Lady of

Prompt Succor, spare us during this

Hurricane Season from all harm.

Protect us and our homes from all

disasters of nature. Our Lady of

Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen..

Diocesan Announcements

VOLUNTEER DOCTORS (ACTIVE LICENSE OR

INACTIVE) are needed for general medical care at La

Clinica Guadalupana, Inc. (1000 Lakeview Drive,

Clearwater). Devote only 3 hours one evening a month

and you will receive an abundance of grace! La Clinica

is an official Catholic Charity providing medical care to

those with no insurance, who meet the poverty

guidelines. Doctors enjoy state of Florida

indemnification (liability protection). Lab work is donated

by Morton Plant and a small pharmacy is in the office.

Please call Jana Carpenter for more information 727-

480-99364. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but

not required.

Light of Christ will be presenting "The Great Adventure:

A Quick Journey Through the Bible" by Jeff Cavins.

This 8-week study of the Introduction to the Bible will be

from August 24 through October 12. I Believe - The

Heart of Catholic Faith a 4-week formation series on

the Creed will follow. Registration for the Scripture

Sessions will be before/after all Masses on Aug. 3, 10

and 17. Group sessions will be held in the Parish Hall on

Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Cost for both

sessions is $25.00. ($22 for only the 8-week session, $6

for the 4-week session). For more info. call Mildred at

531-4355

Page 8 - `Round the Diocese & Saints Spotlight

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Feast of the Transfiguration

Feast Day: August 6

Peter, James, and John believed in

Jesus. They believed so completely

that they had willingly left behind

their former lives their relationships

and livelihoods to follow him.

They had heard him preach, had seen

him turn water into wine and restore sight to the blind.

Peter had even declared with sudden understanding, "You

are the Messiah." But somehow none of that prepared

them for this mountain-top experience, seeing the Lord,

transfigured and dazzling in all his glory, and hearing the

voice of God saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One.

Listen to him." They were dumbstruck and uncertain

about what to do next. Eager, enthusiastic disciples, their

first impulse was to do something to mark the event. But

to be good stewards of this spiritual gift, they were

instructed instead to be still, to listen to Jesus, and to wait

for his directions. That's good advice and good

stewardship for today's disciples, too.

St. Dominic was born in Spain and began his ministry as the canon of a cathedral. But his

focus shifted when he encountered the Albigensians, heretics who denied the truth of the

Incarnation and the validity of the sacraments. To counter this heresy,

St. Dominic became a preacher and gathered around him a group of like-minded companions. The

Order of Preachers (or "Dominicans") practiced personal and community poverty, devoted

themselves to preaching the Gospel, and believed in thorough and diligent study of Scriptures. A

capable and inspiring preacher, St. Dominic was a living example of the holiness he preached.

"Wherever he went he showed himself in word and deed to be a man of the Gospel. During the day

no one was more community-minded or pleasant to his brothers and associates. During the night

hours no one was more persistent in every kind of vigil and supplication. He seldom spoke unless it

was with God, this is, in prayer, or about God." This steward saint used his talents to combat the

heresies of his day. How are we using our gifts to meet the needs of the Church in our time?

St. John Mary Vianney (1786-1839)

Feast Day: August 4

St. John Vianney, sometimes called the

Cure of Ars, is known for his kindness

and dedication as a confessor and

spiritual director. But this good man had

to struggle to become a priest. He found

his studies difficult, but finally the

decision was made that "his goodness was sufficient to

offset his deficiencies in learning," and he was ordained in

1815. Assigned to the parish church in Ars, France, St.

John Vianney gave himself entirely to the service of God's

people, sometimes spending 12 or more hours per day

hearing confessions and helping people become reconciled

with God. In this way, he devoted all of his time and talent

to the Lord. And of treasure, he said, "the Christian's

treasure is not on earth but in heaven. Our thoughts, then

ought to be directed to where our treasure is. This is the

glorious duty of man: to pray and to love. If you pray and

love, that is where man's happiness lies."

Dedication of St. Mary Major

Feast Day: August 5

This day we celebrate not a saint

but the dedication of a church

that was re-built after the

Council of Ephesus to honor

Mary, Mother of God. The dedication of St. Mary Major

in Rome was the culmination of a long theological debate

about whether Mary was simply the mother of the man

Jesus or should rightly be called the Mother of God. In a

homily delivered at that Council, St. Cyril of Alexandria

said, "Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious

vessel, worthy of the whole world's reverence you are an

ever-shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of

orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held him

whom no place can contain, mother and virgin." In their

stewardship pastoral, the U.S. Bishops say of Mary, "As

Mother of God, her stewardship consisted of her maternal

service and devotion to Jesus, from infancy to adulthood,

up to the agonizing hours of Jesus' death." Holy Mary,

Mother of God, pray that we, too, may be good

stewards in the service of your Son.

St. Dominic (1170 - 1221)

Feast Day: August 8