2
Facebook @FloridaCatholic Nov. 20-26, 2020
YOUR OR NDO COMMUNITY
LINDA CALDWELL
Special to the Florida Catholic
ORMOND BEACH Two middle school students from St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic School were recently named win- ners of separate fine arts contests. Sixth grade student, Riley, claimed first place honors in the poetry division of the 22nd annual "Try Prayer! It Works!" contest sponsored by the Family Rosary. Open to Catholic students nationwide, grades kin- dergarten through high school, this annual competition encourages students to express their faith through art, video, poetry, and prose. This year's theme centered on "Mary, the Mother of Families." The opening stanza serves as a reminder of God's presence and love of Mary: When I cannot simply be, so much to do and see, Staying busy all the time with weights upon my mind. When I feel I am not filled, Lord help me to be still. I know that God loves you because He made you Himself. And in faith we will stay true, in weakness and wealth. Entries from the various divisions were judged on content, ability to capture and interpret the theme, artistic and technical proficiency, and adherence to rules. Riley re- ceived a $100 prize for her winning entry. In another contest, Santino, a seventh- grader, won first place in the local and district levels Lion's Club International Peace Poster contest. For more than 30 years, Lions clubs worldwide have sponsored this special art contest in schools and youth groups to give children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. This year's contest focused on "Peace Through Service." In describing the thought behind his win- ning piece of art, Santino said, "No job is too small. Choose to serve with dignity, respect and a grateful heart. Find joy in what you do, only then can we attain peace in our hearts and on earth." Santino's winning artwork now advances to the state level competition. St. Brendan Principal Philip Gorrasi is proud of the students' accomplishments. "In these days of the pandemic, it has become necessary to look for the good and for the beautiful," Gorrasi said. "Both of our stu- dents, Riley in poetry and Santino in art have given us a glimpse into what beauty there is in this world. Reliance on the Blessed Mother and prayer and the great desire for peace are very important to these youngsters and in turn to all of us."
n
GLENDA MEEKINS
of the Florida Catholic staff
COCOA BEACH As part of their Red Ribbon Week activities, Our Saviour Catho- lic School's National Junior Honor Society reached out to Rosa Reich of Catholic Chari- ties of Central Florida. Reich suggested col- lecting hygiene supplies for the homeless living in outdoor camps throughout Brevard County. Eighth-grader Audrey, president of the honor society, said the project allows stu- dents to put into action the school's mission to cultivate Catholic faith, Gospel values and - exemplifying love and service to oth- ers." Also, it reminds us of the greatest com- mandment - to love one another as Jesus loves us," Audrey added. Catholic Charities of Central Florida in Brevard County works to assist homeless individuals find housing, provides food through area pantries, and accompanies the Brevard Homeless Coalition on outdoor camp visits "to help persons living outdoors or in places not meant for human habita- tion," according to Reich. The goal is to get them back on their feet, when possible." "Parishes, businesses, and individuals have been providing us with items over the past year. - This is the first time a school approached us and asked if they could do something for the persons we serve." The need is real. Reich said there are any- where from 900 to 1,200 homeless persons on any given night within her coverage area of central and north Brevard - from beachside to west of I-95. We've seen a radical increase in calls from people needing help with rent and util- ities (since COVID,)" she said. "During the shutdown, in the early months of the pan- demic, the outreach teams were going out at least twice a week providing food, hygiene, and sanitizing supplies to persons living outdoors. While many agencies shut down, Catholic Charities along with some other Coalition agencies, served persons with the least ability to access food." She is grateful to Our Saviour honor soci- ety students and said, "There is a great need to help house those living outdoors. It is not about handing them food and hygiene items, it is about transforming their living situation. The blessing bags help us connect to them."
n
Catholic students excel in fine arts contest
Junior Honor society helps homeless outdoors
Santino, a seventh grade student, won first place in the local and district levels Lion's Club International Peace Poster contest. (COURTESY) A National Junior Honor Society student from Our Saviour Catholic School in Cocoa Beach helps Catholic Charities of Central Florida case manager, Rosa Reich, load bags for the homeless living in camps outdoors. (COURTESY)
The following are virtual/non-virtual retreats offered at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park: Free Spiritual Resources: Self-guided retreats and downloads including Peace in Pandemic Times; Cultivating the Virtues: Faith; Jesus Calms the Teens; Priest, Prophet and King; and more. New resources added each week at www.sanpedro- center.org/spiritual-resources Retreats listed at www.sanpedrocenter.org/upcoming-events: Senior Day: Thursday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. John the Apostle Building 300. Join Missionary of Mercy, Father Anthony Aarons and "Prepare the Way of the Lord." Includes lunch and Mass. Cost: $15. Register at www.sanpedrocenter. org/products/senior-day-12-10-2020 Relationship Recharge Marriage Workshop: Satur- day, Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m., St. John the Apostle Building 300. Tired of the dullness of everyday tasks and want a spark within your marriage again? Join Regina Boyd, licensed mental health therapist, to learn how to reconnect with your spouse; become more passionate about living; integrate Catholic spirituality to strengthen your bond; communicate effectively and more. $30. Christmas Celebration Family Night: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6 -8 p.m. Featuring live animals, Christmas carols, food, holiday treats, Christmas crafts, photos with the Three Kings, and presentations of the Live Nativity. Free event with food and treats for sale. R.S.V.P. at www.sanpedrocenter.org/december- 2020-family-night Advent Day Retreat: Monday, Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., St. John the Apostle Building 300. Prepare to receive the Lord while awaiting the birth of Jesus this Advent season with Missionary of Mercy, Father Anthony Aarons. Begins with prayer in Mary, Mother of God Chapel at 8 a.m. Mass at 8:30 a.m. $35. Pre-register: www. sanpedrocenter.org/products/advent-day-retreat-2020 Para nuevos recursos en espaol, puede visitar a nuestra pgina de web! www.sanpedrocenter.org/recursos-en- espanol
SAN PEDRO EVENTS
SCHOOL NEWS
Previous Page