Communication and Mercy – Help Spread the Faith Communications Appeal, Sept. 24-25
September 12, 2016
By Kathleen Bagg Pope Francis, in this Holy Year of Mercy, invites all of us to reflect on the relationship between communication and mercy. In his message for the 50th World Communications Day that was released from the Vatican on January 24, this year, he said, “What we say and how we say it, our every word and gesture, ought to express God’s compassion, tenderness and forgiveness for all. Love, by its nature, is communication; it leads to openness and sharing. If our hearts and actions are inspired by charity, by divine love, then our communication will be touched by God’s own power.” Read More
Educating Girls in Afghanistan
September 7, 2016
Photo by Nikki Gamer/CRS For many of us, we know our children will start a new school year each September. But for millions of children around the world, this may mark the first year they’ll have access to an education. In Afghanistan’s rural Ghor Province, more than 70 percent of villagers are illiterate. But they want the best for their children, and that means they want to give them a chance to learn. Read More
Former Student Honors Sisters of St. Joseph on their 150th Anniversary
August 30, 2016
On Friday, Sept. 2, Gail Middleton, a former student of the Sisters of St. Joseph, will place 256 flags on each of the graves of the deceased Sisters of St. Joseph in northeast Florida marking their 150th anniversary. Read More
Sisters of St. Joseph mark 150 years of service in Florida this week
August 30, 2016
by Margo C. Pope The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine will celebrate on Friday and Saturday the 150th anniversary of their ministry that began with teaching freed slaves after the Civil War. The Sisters continue their mission today by spreading their love of God in all that they do: teaching in schools, working in health care and in social services. Read More
Finding the Right Tools to Engage your Parishioners
August 29, 2016
by Cassandra Chesser How would you describe your parish? Is it vibrant, filled with enthusiastic parishioners? Or is it dull and lifeless? These were the questions posed to a diverse group of clergy and lay Catholics at a workshop on stewardship hosted by the Office of Development and Stewardship of the Diocese of St. Augustine last week. Sponsored by Liturgical Publications, Tracy Welliver and Tim Potrikus taught attendees how to build a more vibrant parish through stewardship. Read More
Insights on Today’s Philanthropic Landscape
August 19, 2016
The Diocese of St. Augustine’s Catholic Foundation and Community Counseling Service (CCS) have teamed up to present an event for donors and supporters of non-profits, development professionals and community leaders. Read More
Two Local Catholic Schools Qualify for Free Lunch Program
August 11, 2016
The Guardian Catholic Schools, St. Pius and Holy Rosary in Jacksonville, have qualified as CEP schools this year. All students enrolled are able to receive a free breakfast and lunch everyday. Parents for more information about the program, click here. http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/community-eligibility-provision: Read More
Good as Gold: Local swimmer Ryan Murphy takes gold medal at Rio Olympics
August 9, 2016
Last night, 21-year-old Ryan Murphy finally achieved his childhood dream of being an Olympic gold medalist. Murphy was raised and groomed to be an Olympian in Jacksonville where he attended Palmer Catholic Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach and the Bolles School in Jacksonville. On August 8, North Florida cheered as Murphy secured his first gold medal in the men’s 100-meter backstroke at the Rio Olympics. Read More
Archbishop Gregory of Atlanta to chair USCCB task force on race; Cathedral Basilica holds Prayer Service to Promote Peace, Sept. 9
August 9, 2016
by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta has been appointed as chair of a new task force of the U.S. bishops to deal with racial issues brought into public consciousness following a series of summertime shootings that left both citizens and police officers among those dead. Read More
Diocese Hosts Conference for Exceptional Student Education
July 18, 2016
The Diocese of St. Augustine’s Catholic Schools Office, under the direction of Deacon Scott Conway, superintendent of Catholic Schools, is hosting for the first time a conference for Catholic educators on Exceptional Student Education at the Herbert Center at the University of North Florida, July 27. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Read More