July 8, 2007

O
u
r

L
a
d
y
'
s

G
r
o
t
t
o

w
i
t
h

C
h
u
r
c
h

i
n

b
a
c
k
g
r
o
u
n
d
.

Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Winter)

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Masses...........................................8:00 AM
Saturday Vigil ........................................4:30 PM
Sunday .............8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM

Music Director:

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

Sacristans:

Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK ................................ x 304
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

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 8, 2007 A.D.

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

Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 and
5:30 PM (also on Wednesdays before First Friday;
8:30 AM for the summer).

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.

School Principal:

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

St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an
excellent academic program to grades preK-8, in a
Christ-centered environment which nurtures each
student in mind, body and soul.

AINT

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

HURCH

The Harvest is Abundant ...

... but the Laborers are Few ... PRAY!

Page 2 - Sunday, July 8, 2007

14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Friends in Christ,

I recently received an email entitled the Bible vs. the Cell phone. I found that
the message was powerful and caused me to reevaluate my attitude so I share

it with you for your consideration:

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone.
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to our kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
Where is Your Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our
Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. And no dropped calls!

On Monday, July 9th, I leave with Paulette, our Music Director, to Indianapolis for a
convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Clergy and music
directors from throughout the United States will be present to hear what the new and
upcoming direction for Church Music is. I am sure the meetings will be informative
and helpful for us. Please pray for our safe travel.

A big thank you to Joe and Julie Blum for putting on an outstanding
Vacation Bible School on our Catholic Treasures. A great time was had by all as the
children had fun learning about their Catholic Faith.

The Catholic editions of the Bible see significance in the number being seventy. Why? Seventy was also
the number of men that composed the ruling Jewish council in Jesus' day, the Sanhedrin. In the Book of
Genesis seventy descendants of Jacob moved with him from Israel to Egypt to begin a
new life. In the Book of Exodus, seventy elders go up the Mountain of God along with
Moses to learn about the new covenant with YHWH. Jesus appears to have chosen
seventy, over and above the twelve, as a sign that something new was taking place.

And this is where we come in. Christ sends us all out into the world. He sends us to the people and
places of our lives. He gives us the power to stomp on snakes to conquer the forces of evil. He gives us
the power to announce his presence with our lives. We are not just members of an organization. We are
not just followers of Jesus. We are the heralds of his Kingdom bringing his presence to others.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

Volunteers needed!

We are looking for volunteers to answer phones in the parish office for a
few hours in the afternoon. Volunteers should have a good, clear speaking
voice and must be registered members of the parish and practicing Catho-
lics. A love for dogs is a plus! Please leave your full name and phone
number in the parish office.

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

First Reading -- The word of the L

ORD

is very near to you, already in your
mouths and in your hearts (Deut. 30:10-
14).

Psalm -- Turn to the Lord in your need,

and you will live (Psalm 69) or Psalm 19.

Second Reading -- Christ Jesus is the

image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15-20).

Gospel -- The Samaritan traveler was

moved with compassion at the sight of the
man stripped and beaten by robbers (Luke
10:25-37).

Am I moving beyond

my comfort zone and responding

to someone in need of compassion?

Who am I helping this week?

Readings Ahead:

July 15, 2007

15th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

ARISH

EWS

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

PEACE

The greeting of peace at Mass adds substance to a message
of today's readings: peace is relational. When we greet in
peace the person near us at Mass, we share the touch of a
handshake or embrace, sincere eye contact, and friendly words.
The scriptures speak of a similar peace. The first reading
from Isaiah describes the peace of the holy city, Jerusalem, a
place of prosperity and comfort where the "L

ORD

's power shall

be known to his servants" (Isaiah 66:14c).
The Christian understanding of peace
changes slightly. Paul writes of the "peace and
mercy" on all who are created anew. Jesus
describes a feeling of peace that will rest on
those who accept his disciples and their
message.
Peace is both an absence of strife and a
personal blessing. May we always and
sincerely bring peace to our own lives as we
share it with others.

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

"A CHRISTMAS OFFERING" - A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS PLAY!

Our musical Christmas play is on its way and we are still looking for more singers. Please
notice that on July 3rd practice is cancelled due to the July 4th holiday! On July 10th, the
practice will be only for the Gospel singers to work on the dancing. Sue Tassinari will be

leading this practice. For more information, call Paulette King at 584-2318, ext. 316.

The drama auditions

and rehearsals for this Christmas production will begin in September. The play will be under the direction of
Betty Archer who gave us a moving experience with "The Last Supper" on Palm Sunday night. For more
info, contact Paulette King or Sr. Kathleen Luger, and consider getting involved in our celebration!

New Parish Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 3 PM

Friday: 9 AM - Noon

DANCE AUDITIONS: We are looking for people who LOVE TO DANCE and would like to be a
part of the Christmas play. You must be 9 years of age or older. If interested, please contact Sue
Tassinari at 585-5546 for more details.

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. Hope to see you there!

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

St. Patrick Church is forming a Charismatic
Prayer Group that meet Wednesday evenings at
7 PM in the Conference Room.
Join us for our Charismatic
Mass on the third Wednesday
of the month. For more info,
contact Bobbie at 584-0503.

And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim

the good news to the whole creation. The one who be-

lieves and is baptized will be saved.'

[Mk. 16:15-5]

Have you ever wanted to fulfill your Baptismal
promise? What better way than by going to El Sal-
vador? Our next trip to El Salvador will be in the month of
July. We will be there for about seven days. So, pray about
it or donate towards the trip. If you have questions, contact
Nina at 595-1395 or the parish office.

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

Page 4 - Faith Formation

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Men's Bible Study Group
Robert Smith

6:45 AM - 7:30 AM (CR)

(ph. 587-7961)

Every Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen

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

Wednesday, July 11th

The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen

Tuesday evenings at 7 PM

The Adventure begins again in the Fall. Keep an
eye on this space for future dates!

RCIA: Are you interested in the Catholic faith?

Inquiry classes for The Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults will continue on Thursday, July 12th at 7 PM in
the Conference Room. We invite you to learn what the
Church teaches and be introduced to some of our parish
members. These sessions are also opportunities for you,
and others that you may wish to invite, to ask those
difficult questions about the Church. These gatherings
are open to people who are not baptized, those who have
been baptized in another Christian community and seek
full reception into the Catholic Church, and for those who
were baptized as Catholics but have not received the
sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. For more
info contact Sr. Kathleen at 584-2318, ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

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

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 10 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)

Friday mornings

Resumes in September. Have a blessed and

safe summer!

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Have you seen our Web page? It is filled with lots of information and photographs.

Visit our St. Patrick Parish website www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)

NO CLASS

until Monday, July 30th

Have a blessed and safe summer!

Religious

Ed.

ibrary News: The parish library in
Msgr. McCall Hall is a treasure

trove of books and films of many genre.
Borrow as many as you like from our
shelves. Have you seen "Don Bosco"
with Ben Gazarra? Or Sister Wendy's
"Story of Painting"? Great entertain-
ment!

Join our book club for good com-

pany and erudite discussion. We meet
at noon in the library on the 3rd Thurs-
day of the month. This month we are

reading "The Five People
You Meet In Heaven." Call
Florence at 595-3254 or
René at 584-3775 for more
information.

Sunday School classes will begin again in September.

Check the bulletin in August for registration dates.

For more information call Julie and Joe.

Thanks to everyone who made this summer's Vacation Bible School a great success! Our
campers had a wonderful time on their "Quest for Jesus!" An extra special thank you goes
out to our volunteers: Donna, Kayla, Maria, Kolbe, Daniel, Melissa, Felicia, Chris & Mark.

School & Youth - Page 5

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

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

REGISTRATION for

2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR:

Registrations are being accepted for
all grades (PreK - 8). St. Patrick is a
fully accredited, Christ-centered
environment, known for academic
excellence. For information, please
call the school at (727) 581- 4865.

UNIOR

OUTH

ROUP

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

IGH

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

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

Summer Office Hours

for the School:

June 1- August 6 (Monday -

Thursday) 9 AM - 1 PM

(with the exception of July 2nd

- 16th when the school office

will be closed for vacation.)

Because

foundation is

everything.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

St. Patrick School Early Child-
hood Program opened as a
result of the greater parish
community's understanding of
the need for a program that
offers learning experiences
and care for 3 and 4 year olds
in a Christian environment.
Applications are being ac-
cepted. For info, call the
school office.

We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Marie O'Shea who have volunteered to
organize our Senior High Youth Group. Please continue to watch this space
for upcoming events. Have a blessed and safe summer!

Why Choose a Catholic School?

Catholic Identity of Catholic Schools: Statement of Beliefs

We believe that:

The Catholic school is an integral part of the Church's mission to

proclaim the Gospel, build faith communities, celebrate through
worship, and serve others.

The commitment to academic excellence, which fosters the

intellectual development of faculty and students, is an integral part
of the mission of the Catholic school.

The Catholic school is an evangelizing, educational community.

The spiritual formation of the entire school community is an essential

dimension of the Catholic school's mission.

The Catholic school is a unique, faith-centered community which

integrates thinking and believing in ways that encourage intellectual
growth, nurture faith, and inspire action.

The Catholic school is an experience of

the church's belief, tradition, and
sacramental life.

The Catholic school creates a supportive

and challenging climate which affirms
the dignity of all.

Consider this...

T
T
T
T

EACH

YOUR

CHILDREN

RIGHT

FROM

WRONG

,
,
,
,

AND

WHEN

THEY

ARE

GROWN

,
,
,
,

THEY

WILL

STILL

RIGHT

.
.
.
.

Proverbs 22:6

Page 6 - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

" The harvest is rich," Jesus tells the seventy-two in today's Gospel, " but the

workers are few." The situation is the same today. How can

help with God's

harvest? Am

called into the field? Am

one who could provide food or

shelter or wages to those who toil in the fields of the Lord?

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

St. Patrick Church 2nd Annual Fundraiser Cruise

7-day Southbound Glacier Bay Discovery on the Ryndam

Holland America Line

September 5, 2007 - September 9, 2007 (Land package)

September 9 , 2007 - September 16, 2007 (Cruise only)

Join Fr. Pecchie on a beautiful, scenic 7-day cruise beginning in
Anchorage, Alaska and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Cruise Glacier Bay National Park and stop in Haines, Juneau and
Ketchikan, Alaska. Create your own Alaskan experience in ports that offer a fascinat-
ing array of excursions featuring Alaskan history, wildlife and native culture. Cabin
rates - Inside $1,969.22 and Ocean View $2,229.22 - include cabin, all taxes, and
round trip air fare per person. For reservations or more info, please contact Helene
Riley at (813) 741-2193 or email Helene-TravelBeyond@tampabay.rr.com.

The winner of the raffle was from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tampa. Thank you to all who participated.

Thank you for your

generous support

for our parish!

God bless you!

Your generosity helps support our parish operating expenses and our

ministries each week, so that we may serve you, our parishioners, better!

July 1, 2007

$ 11,153.29 (341 Envelopes)

additional

Peter's Pence

$ 288.00

additional

El Salvador Mission Trip $ 565.00

Children's Envelopes

$ 7.00 (5 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 111.00

elebrate St. Patrick Church's Golden Jubilee ...

by joining Fr.

Pecchie on a special tour of IRELAND

IRELAND

IRELAND September 15-25, 2008.

Journey with us as we travel in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and see his impact

upon Irish faith and culture. Educational Opportunities Tours presents an

exciting and educational 11-day experience for approximately $2698* . Cost

includes roundtrip airfare from New York, first class hotels, traditional Irish

breakfast and Dinner daily, guided sightseeing via deluxe motor coaches and

entrance fees. SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250.

SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250.

SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250. Please

contact Margie Feuser, pilgrimage coordinator, for more information at 1-800-644-4659.

328 families in our parish have made a gift or pledge to the 2007 An-
nual Pastoral Appeal. Our parish goal is to have 100% participation.
Please prayerfully consider supporting the Annual Pastoral Appeal with
a pledge or one-time gift. Convenient ten-month payment plans are
available. The ministries, activities and programs serve people through-
out the Diocese and in our parish.

Thank you to all who have participated in this year's Annual Pastoral Appeal.

2007 APA

Assessment $117,247.00

- Pledged

$85,986.44

Balance

$ 31,260.56

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

Sun.

9:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM

Tue.

6:30 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

6:45 AM
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
3:00 PM
7:00 PM

Thu.

9:00 AM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM

Fri.

7:30 PM

Sat.

3:30 PM
5:30 PM

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

07/08/07
Coffee and Donuts (PC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

07/09/07
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
NO Pastor's Class

07/10/07
GriefShare Meeting (Lib)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Cafe.)

07/11/07
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Adult Bible Study (CR)
Weight Watchers Meeting (CR)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)

07/12/07
Legion of Mary (Lib)
RCIA Inquiry Class (CR)
Knights of Columbus Meeting (Cafe.)

07/13/07
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

07/14/07
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

Sat.

4:30 PM

Sun.

8:00 AM
10:00 AM
5:30 PM

Mon.

8:00 AM

Tue.

8:00 AM

Wed.

8:00 AM

Thu.

8:00 AM

Fri.

8:00 AM

Sat.

8:00 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

8:00 AM
10:00 AM
5:30 PM

July 7, 2007
St. Patrick Parishioners

July 8, 2007
Edmund J. DeClercq
Maria Rey (Living)
Frank Maltese

July 9, 2007
James Lentz

July 10, 2007
Annette Dietl

July 11, 2007
Thomas Hudock

July 12, 2007
John Giambarberee

July 13, 2007
Rose Marie Ponza

July 14, 2007
Madeline Fiore
Joseph Gariboldi, Sr.

July 15, 2007
Tom Brophy
St. Patrick Parishioners
Frank Maltese

Pray for our Military

Pvt. Rose Barton, US Army, Missouri
Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Second Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Korea
Lance Corporal Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Pvt. Joshua Harrison, US Army, Louisiana
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, USN, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kinkade, US Army, Kentucky
Pvt. 1st Class Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, USN, Iraq
Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, Texas
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Major Michael Trofinoff, US Army, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, USN, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, USAF, Iraq

Please pray for the members of our St.
Patrick Parish family and friends who
have died recently, especially:

Joseph Iannello

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let
perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in
peace. May their souls and the souls of all the
faithful departed rest in peace.

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

SHARE-A-PRAYER:

If you or someone you know needs
special prayers, let us pray for you
and your loved ones. Phone 584-
6954 and together we will lift our
hearts to God!

Page 8 - `Round the Diocese, More Parish Info & Saints 'N Feasts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

St. Bernard Preparatory School

St. Bernard Preparatory School is a Catholic co-
ed boarding high school for students in grades 9
through 12 and is located in Cullman, Alabama.
Freshmen and transfer students are being
accepted for the 2007-08 academic year. The
school offers a college preparatory curriculum in a
small class setting. For information contact:
Admissions Office, 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE,
Cullman, AL 35055 or 1-800-722-0999 or
www.stbernardprep.com.

"The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest."

Pray for vocations. Depend on God's providence. (Luke 10:1-9)

St. Benedict

St. Benedict (480-547)

Patron Saint of agricultural workers. fever,

gall stones, kidney disease, schoolchildren

Feast Day: July 11

St. Benedict, called by some "the father
of western monasticism," was at first
drawn to the solitary life of a hermit. He
soon attracted followers, however, and
eventually moved to Montecassino. There he founded
a monastery and wrote the now famous "Rule of St.
Benedict" which outlined a way of life comprised of
prayer, study, manual labor, and community. The
"Rule" became the standard for all monastic life and
contains much that is helpful to the spiritual life of all
Christians, not just the Benedictine and Cistercian
religious who are his twentieth century sons and
daughters. A part of the Rule suggests that every good
work should begin with an appeal to Christ to bring it to
perfection and urges that "we must always serve [God]
with the good things he has given us." St. Benedict's
motto was "Ora et labora" ("Pray and work") and his
insignia was a cross and a plow. This intermingling of
work and worship is the hallmark of good stewardship,
too. Recognizing that God is the source of all we have
and are, we praise and thank the Lord for all the good
gifts we've been given and then use them in the service
of others.

Has anyone told you it
was okay to cry? Women,
men or couples suffering
from a past abortion may
experience the healing love
of Jesus Christ through
Project

Rachel.

The

Catholic Charities Project
Rachel office will be hosting
a

Rachel's

Vineyard

Retreat the weekend of August 10-12, 2007.
Participation is strictly confidential and offers a
beautiful opportunity to experience God's love,
forgiveness

and

compassion.

Visit

www.rachelsvineyard.org

for more information.

Deadline for registration is August 3rd. Call 813-
631- 4370 x 222 to register.

eight

Watchers

has introduced a

new

"Savings

f or

Success" Plan, offered
to interested parties at

St. Patrick Parish. This is a 12-week meeting
series at a special value held in the Conference
Room of Msgr. McCall Hall. We meet on
Wednesdays at 3 PM, join us! Please note that
this is a prepaid program
series (cash, credit card or 3-
check payments). If you are
interested, contact Rosemary
Ingersoll at 584-5015 or
rose35@tampabay.rr.com for
info.

VOCATION VIEW

VOCATION VIEW: July 8, 2007

Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

(1656-1680)

Feast Day: July 14

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is the first
Native American to be proposed for
sainthood. Her mother was a member
of the Algonquin tribe and a Christian;

her father was a Mohawk chief. But when an epidemic
of smallpox left her orphaned, Kateri lived among the
Mohawk people with her uncle who succeeded her
father as chief. Receiving instruction from three Jesuit
missionaries, Kateri was baptized on Easter Sunday,
1676. Her conversion and her subsequent refusal to
marry a Mohawk brave led to persecution, and
eventually she fled to a Christian village near Montreal.
There she led a life of virtue and charity, taking a
private vow of virginity on the Feast of the Annunciation
in 1679. "I am not my own," she declared. "I have
given myself to Jesus." That gift of her whole self
marks her as an exemplary steward. Known in popular
devotion as the "Lily of the Mohawks," Kateri
Tekakwitha was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II.