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Diocese of St. Petersburg

Peaceful protesters call for justice

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Dozens of peaceful protesters stood in front of The Shops at Wiregrass on the rainy evening of June 6 — joining the chorus of voices across America calling for the end of police brutality and systemic racism.

Those gathered in Wesley Chapel were there to speak up in the aftermath of the May 25 death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, according to a video that went viral and national news reports.

Jasmine Sanchez, Elijah Sanchez, Isaiah Sanchez and Kimberly Morin raised their voices during a protest at the corner of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. (B.C. Manion)

Chauvin initially was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but  Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison later added a second-degree murder charge against Chauvin. The three other officers — Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane — were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, news reports say.

Protesters in Wesley Chapel walked from the main street of the mall — which had been closed at 3 p.m., by management — out to the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Greg Lenners, the mall’s general manager, said the decision to close was made in an abundance of caution.

“Obviously, we value the beliefs and the opinions of the community,” he said. “It’s just that we have the obligation to protect the safety of the businesses and our employees, and customers,” he added.

So, protesters made their way to the area in front of the mall, which is public property.

They carried signs with messages such as “Silence is Violence,” “Amplify Black Voices,” ”Justice for George,” and “No Justice, No Peace.”

They stood under umbrellas, wore rain ponchos, or simply got drenched.

This protest and others across Tampa Bay came on the same day a second memorial service was held for Floyd, in Hoke County, North Carolina, where he was born. A third, and final service will be held on June 9 in Houston, where Floyd grew up.

Many at the Wesley Chapel event said it was their first protest.

“We feel like this is the time,” said Susan Boyle, who was there with her 16-year-old daughter, Emma. “I’ll cry if I talk.”

She paused for a moment and said, “It’s something black people have experienced all their lives. We really have to say something. White privilege – there’s a huge part of the population who have no idea what’s going on.”

Wesley Chapel resident Tonya Reavis, 52, and several family members walked with a small group that left the mall area and headed to the intersection in front of the mall.

“We’re just tired,” Reavis said. “We’re here showing our solidarity. We want equal pay, equal justice. Every equality. We just want to be treated as human, not three-fifths of a human.”

Tre Moore, 23, who stood next to Reavis, held a sign that said: “Love Black Lives Like You Love Black Culture.”

“We’re peacefully protesting injustice, and against racism,” Moore said.

Protesters stood on the side of the road at the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, chanting slogans to try to raise awareness for the need to take action to end systemic racism.

Protesters alternated chants, repeating phrases including: “We want justice. We want justice. We want justice.” And, “Say their names. Say their names. Say their names.” And, “Black lives matter. Black lives matter. Black lives matter.”

Cars streaming by beeped their horns. One motorist shouted to the crowd: “I support you.”

Some protesters told The Laker/Lutz News they’d heard about the plan to gather through social media.

Jenifer Pepen, who lives in Live Oak, said it was important to be there.

“I’ve been a supporter of the Black Lives movement for many years now. It was time to come out. George Floyd’s death, I think, punctuated what is really centuries of systemic racism and injustice and brutality, in this country.

“It’s important to not be silent, in moments like this,” she said.

“Even in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel, it’s important to show that black lives matter, and come out. Even on a rainy day.

“The system needs reform. It needs reform in the suburbs. It needs reform in the inner cities. It needs reforming everywhere.

“It’s a system that affects the lives particularly of black and colored communities, but it is a system that impacts all of us, and we really all should be involved in reforming it,” she said.

She advocates the passage of laws to ban chokeholds and knee-holds, and also calls for improved training.

“I believe de-escalation needs to be something that is a part of training in the police departments across the United States. We’ve unfortunately seen the complete opposite in many situations, as these protests have been carried out throughout the United States.

“I also believe that the purging and the suppression of the records that detail the violence and brutality of bad police officers needs to stop. They need to be held accountable. They need the full weight of justice, when things happen. I think police unions play a role in that, as well.

“I also believe every city, every county, needs to reevaluate their budget, as it pertains to how we fund police departments,” she said.

“I don’t think that police departments that have been found to brutalize the community should be receiving funds. I think those funds should be much better allocated in the education system, the health care system, in places where we make positive impacts in the communities of color.

Tonya Reavis came to join the protest, held in front of The Shops at Wiregrass, in the early evening of June 6. ‘We want to be treated as human, not three-fifths human,’ she says.

“I also think it’s absurd that taxpayers are the ones that have to pay for the civil lawsuits that are brought against police officers, who brutalize families, brutalize communities.

“We should consider, if I am being perfectly frank, taking it out of certain pension funds,” Pepen said.

Kimberly Morin, who lives in Meadow Pointe, explained her motivation for attending the protest this way: “I am very much against the brutality that is in the police force today, the inhumane way they treat not only citizens, but most black citizens.”

She suggests these reforms: “More training for how to handle situations, not to restrain with their knees on their necks, and not to draw guns on unarmed people for no reason.”

Jasmine Sanchez, who lives in Aberdeen, off State Road 54, came to the protest with her sons, Isaiah and Elijah.

“This is not their first protest,” Jasmine Sanchez said. “Their first protest was for Trayvon Martin.”

Martin was 17 when he was fatally shot by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman acknowledged shooting the teenager but claimed self-defense and was acquitted of second-degree murder, according to news reports.

Isaiah Sanchez explained why he wanted to be at the Wesley Chapel protest.

“I came out today for racial equality, for government change and for justice for all those we’ve lost to police,” Isaiah Sanchez said. “I’d like see reforms in police de-escalation, and the equality of all races in all walks of life — if you’re gay, if you’re black, or you’re white, or you’re Asian. If you’re Hispanic.

“Everybody gets equal treatment,” he said.

His brother, Elijah, added: “I came out here today to bring justice to all of the fallen black people, and just make all of the people who made the black families suffer — they need to pay. They need to be in jail.”

Jasmine Sanchez said she’s sensing a growing awareness.

“You’re seeing everybody coming together for this,” she said. “This group is so diverse. It shows a connectedness that I have never seen before.

“I think a lot of people just didn’t realize what was going on. You live in a quiet community.

“You don’t realize what’s going on in the next neighborhood, in the next city. It’s very easy to become closed off in your own little world.

“Thank God for social media. The information is spreading,” she said.

Others speaking out:

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.
Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, issued a statement that reads in part: “Today, many of our friends, our families and our neighbors are suffering for many difficult reasons.

“We continue to support everyone in our community who feels they are treated unfairly and that their voices are not being heard.

“We are saddened by all of the recent violence taking place around the country and for all of those affected by it, along with all of those impacted by the global pandemic.

“Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it…and no reaction is still a reaction. For this reason, Pasco EDC is reacting by publicly reaffirming its commitment to the equality of all.”

The statement goes on to offer specifics on the organization’s commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and fairness.

Benedictine Sisters of Florida
The Benedictine Sisters of Florida extend their condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd whose death is a grave violation of the values of justice, equality and peace. Our prayers are with those suffering through this tragedy and the aftermath of the demonstrations and civil unrest. We acknowledge the inequities that once again have been exposed and raise our voices praying for good people to come together to “be the change” that will bring peace, compassion and justice to our communities.

This statement, according to the Sisters, was adapted from the original by Sister Beverly Raway, OSB Prioress, at St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota.

The Archdiocese of St. Petersburg
Bishop Gregory Parkes, of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, issued a statement, which says in part:

“The manner in which George Floyd died is an atrocity to the humanity and dignity that each person has as a child of God. As a Church, we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters who demand justice and respect for black individuals who have suffered the effects of racism for generations.

“As is stated in the 2018 USCCB Pastoral Letter, Open Wide Your Hearts: ‘Racism arises when—either consciously or unconsciously—a person holds that his or her own race or ethnicity is superior […] When this conviction or attitude leads individuals or groups to exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity, it is sinful. Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love (Mt 22:39).’

“As Bishop of this local Church, with sincere concern for the souls of all within our Diocese, I urge all people of goodwill to seek peace, unity and just changes that will affirm the dignity of all lives, regardless of color, status, age or stage of life. I also urge an end to violence and destruction that victimizes communities and destroys hope.”

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis
In a June 5 newsletter, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis shared the results of a survey he did on the issue of “the civil unrest that we’ve seen throughout Tampa Bay and around the nation.”

The congressman said he frequently sends out surveys to get feedback from constituents.

“However, last week I was surprised by how an issue that appears in the media to elicit such division actually garnered more consensus than any other survey I’ve sent to date.

“The vast majority of my constituents who responded to the survey on civil unrest indicated that they want to see our Constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful protest protected, they want action to stop the illegal activity that is occurring (rioting, looting, arson, etc.), and they believe that there are systemic racial issues in our criminal justice system that must be addressed immediately.”

Bilirakis goes on: “These lawless actions by a relatively small group of people silence the cries of those who are hurting and detract from meaningful change.”

At the same time, Bilirakis recognizes the difficult work of law enforcement.

“Our law enforcement community is comprised of men and women who bravely place themselves in harm’s way to protect us. Their jobs are dangerous, complex and ever-evolving. “We must always support them as we work to find solutions for how to come together as one nation under God.”

Kathy Steele contributed to this story.

Published June 10, 2020

Coronavirus poses dangers, disrupts daily life

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This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. (Courtesy of the CDC)

The ever-evolving threat posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has forced schools across Florida to shut down, blocked visitors from nursing homes, caused wide-ranging travel and event cancellations, and stripped grocery aisles — especially of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Locally, parents of students in the Pasco and Hillsborough county school districts are bracing to prepare for an extended state-ordered spring break.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also closed schools and early childhood centers through March 20. The diocese already had scheduled March 16 and March 17 as days off for students. Virtual learning will be conducted March 16 through March 20, according to a Diocese news release.

The additional school closures have left thousands of families scrambling to arrange child care, although the impact may be lessened to some degree as many companies are asking workers to work at home, if possible.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic; President Donald Trump has declared a national state of emergency. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state emergency, and Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared local states of emergency.

As of the morning of March 16, there had been four deaths reported in Florida linked to COVID-19, according to the Florida Health Department, which is the lead agency responding to the threat.

The health department also reported 684 negative test results and 514 pending tests. Also, there were 442 people being monitored for the virus and 1,573 had been monitored.

Health officials are trying to limit the spread of the virus — to avoid overloading hospitals — by urging people to avoid large crowds and wash their hands frequently.

The virus can spread person to person, through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may land on objects and surfaces.

Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surface, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath — and may appear as early as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure.

Most people recover from COVID-19 without requiring special treatment, but people with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk.

Impacts from the virus are being felt from Wall Street to Main Street. The stock market has plunged repeatedly, and local businesses are losing revenues because of the uncertainty created by the pandemic.

Huge events have been cancelled or postponed.

On the local front, cancellations include:

  • The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Land O’ Lakes Music Festival, March 21
  • Dog Days in Dade City, March 21
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce/Pasco-Hernando State College Distinguished Women’s Leadership Breakfast, March 24
  • The fourth annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Pasco/New Tampa), March 28
  • The Taste of North Tampa Bay, March 29
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership breakfast, April 7
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon, April 8
  • All SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice.

Attractions also have temporarily ceased operations, including Disney World and a number of regional venues. They include:

  • ZooTampa, through March 29.
  • Tampa Museum of Art, through March 29
  • The Glazer Children’s Museum, through March 29
  • Henry B. Plant Museum, through March 29
  • The Florida Aquarium, through March 29
  • The Museum of Science and Industry, through March 29
  • Tampa Theatre, through March 31

The Knights of Columbus, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, have cancelled until further notice, their meetings, their Lenten Fish Frys, their doughnuts on Sunday and soccer, both games and concessions.

The Savage Race, which was set for March 14 and March 15, at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, was postponed.

And, a Spring Market Day, planned for March 21 at the Old Lutz School, was cancelled because vendors were concerned about setting up, because of the threat of COVID-19.

Both the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and North Tampa Chamber have announced they would be holding off on varied activities, pending future decisions, in light of the evolving nature of the coronavirus threat.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has been keeping parents and staff informed about the district’s response to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 threat through a series of videos posted on the district’s website.

“I know that everyone remains concerned about the possibility of an outbreak,” Browning said, and the district is taking steps to attempt to limit the spread.

It also has conducted a brief phone survey to evaluate its capacity to provide distance learning, the superintendent said, noting the district needs to be prepared.

The district also has announced a plan to provide meals to students at seven designated sites, beginning on March 23. The food will be offered on a drive-thru basis at specific sites. The pre-packaged meals are for children under 18 years old and will include lunch as well as breakfast for the next day. Information about the program can be obtained by going to the school district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the coronavirus information link.

Impacts also are being felt by colleges.

Schools within the state’s university system were instructed to make plans to transition to remote instruction as soon as possible.

Saint Leo University suspended classes for its university campus students, in St. Leo, from March 16 to March 20, to allow its faculty to prepare to deliver all classes online beginning March 23, according to a university news release.

All residential students are being asked to return to their permanent residence following spring break, rather than returning to campus and to remain at home during this period of online instruction.

The university also has suspended all fall and winter sports, indefinitely. And, is canceling all large, group events.

The virus is affecting churches, too.

Concerns about potential spread of the virus also prompted the Diocese of St. Petersburg to take these steps, effective March 12, until further notice:

  • End the distribution of communal wine from a common cup
  • Remove Holy Water fonts, including the baptismal font
  • Avoid physical contact, including during the Sign of Peace

Bishop Gregory Parkes also granted dispensation from Sunday Mass in the Saint Petersburg Diocese through the end of March, to those wishing to avoid large gatherings.

Prevent the spread
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Source: Florida Department of Health

For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Published March 18, 2020

Protect yourself against coronavirus

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Experts advise: Stay informed, take precautions.

The headlines are relentless as news continues to evolve about the threats posed by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

A quarantine is in effect in Northern Italy. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch will be lit without spectators. Stock markets have been plunging. People are being warned not to travel on cruise ships.

And, with the lack of a vaccine and antiviral medications for COVID-19, uncertainty continues over how far the disease will spread and how many deaths it will cause.

In the midst of uncertainty and the ever-changing developments, experts are advising the public to take precautions to limit the potential for exposure, and to help reduce the spread of the virus.

In some places, the reactions to the spread of the virus have included closing schools, requiring workers to work at home, and urging elderly people and those with compromised immune systems to limit their activities to avoid exposure.

Those most at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 include older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Precautions are being taken at the local level.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning is letting the public know how the district is responding to the threat, and offering suggestions to parents as they prepare for Spring Break, which is March 16 to March 20.

Browning shared that information in a video that’s been posted to YouTube.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also has issued guidance, based on protocols from the CDC.

The Diocese advises individuals to stay home from Mass, church activities and school if they are sick, or their immune system is compromised.

“It is not a sin and it will not impact your  grades,” the Diocesan advisory says.

Practices that may be altered at Mass, because of COVID-19, include the sign of peace, which is typically a handshake. Some churches are opting not to do that.

Others are offering Communion in the form of bread in the hand only, and not on the tongue. Certain parishes also have suspended offering communion in the form of wine, to avoid sharing a common Communion cup.

In a number of televised interviews, experts have said it’s important to take precautions to limit possible exposure.

Washing hands and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and avoiding touching your face is important, they said, because the virus enters the body through the mouth, hand or nose.

They also said that the number of deaths and disruptions will rise — as efforts continue to limit its spread, isolate those who are infected and develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

Stop the spread of germs
To prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like COVID-19:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue immediately
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care

Symptoms for COVID-19

  • Fever, cough, shortness of breath
  • Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep informed

Published March 11, 2020

Area responds to Hurricane Dorian victims

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As the death toll grows and residents of the Bahamas continue to grapple with the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian — local groups are stepping up to find ways to help those who are suffering.

Dorian made landfall on Sept. 1 as a Category 5 Hurricane, flattening homes and causing massive flooding, according to national news reports.

Jessica Cooper, who teaches in the Culinary Arts Academy at Land O’ Lakes High School, has been coordinating a supply drive to support victims of Hurricane Dorian. Her husband, LeRone, who grew up there, planned to deliver the supplies to family members and others suffering in the aftermath of the Category 5 hurricane. (B.C. Manion)

The official death toll stood at 50, with an estimated 2,500 still missing as of last week, according to national news reports. Officials expect the death count to rise, as search-and-rescue crews dig through the ruins of Grand Bahama and Abaco islands.

While recovery work continues, groups are rallying to do what they can here.

At Land O’ Lakes High School, Chef Jessica Cooper — who teaches in the school’s Academy of Culinary Arts — put out the word that she was collecting supplies that would be delivered by her husband, LeRone, who grew up in Freeport, the main city on Grand Bahama.

Some of the supplies will be provided to LeRone’s family members who still live there, and the rest will be distributed in an open forum he will be having at an office building, Cooper said.

She let people know that she would be collecting supplies at the school from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11 and, by the second day, so many items had been donated, she had to rent a mini-van so she could transport the contributions to her South Tampa home.

The family also rented a Penske truck, so her husband could make the trip to South Florida, to load the supplies on a ship, which he would take along with the supplies to Freeport, and he lined up two trucks to help him transport the goods once he got there.

People who live in the Bahamas are no strangers to hurricanes, but the massive storms usually blow through the area in a matter of hours, Cooper said. This time, the hurricane stayed for 24 hours — something that’s never happened before.

Initially, family members went to Cooper’s sister-in-law’s house because she lived in the middle of the island, which had not flooded before. But that area flooded, so the family retreated to her niece’s apartment building.

This is just a fraction of the food, cleaning supplies and other items collected at Land O’ Lakes High School to help Bahamians who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

“My sister-in-law lost her home,” Cooper said, and her brother-in-law’s home was damaged.

As of last week, there was still no water or power, and none of their family members had been able to return to work.

Cooper said the outpouring of help for her family and other Bahamians, has been humbling.

“To be completely honest, I am so overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone,” Cooper said, on Sept. 10. “The faculty here, the students who are helping, then the parents who started posting on social media to their communities.”

She appreciates help from other sources, too: “My godmother came over the night before last. I had another cousin come over last night. To organize and  pack.

“I didn’t expect any of this, to be this big. But, I am so grateful for it,” Cooper said, noting some people still want to help, and her husband is planning a second trip in October.

The supply drive at Land O’ Lakes High is just one of several efforts happening across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

At Sunlake High School, in Land O’ Lakes, the Junior States of America Club collected donations through Sept. 13. And, Wiregrass Ranch High School, in Wesley Chapel, collected donations through Sept. 12.

Saint Leo University, in St. Leo, has nearly 150 Bahamian students, with 64 members in the class of 2023, according to a news release.

The college had a candlelight vigil on Sept. 5 and a prayer service at Saint Leo Abbey, prior to the student Mass.

Saint Leo University has been responding to support its Bahamian students who lost family members, or whose family members lost their homes, businesses, personal possessions or suffered other losses from Hurricane Dorian. One show of support was a candlelight vigil at the university’s campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Eric Mutschler/Saint Leo University)

Some Saint Leo students have lost family members. And, some students’ families have lost businesses, employment, homes, cars and all of their personal possessions.

The college is providing individual counseling and check-ins with their Bahamian students, the release says.

The university also has placed donation bins around campus to collect supplies to transport to the Bahamas. Items they are collecting include: nonperishable food items, snacks, flashlights, batteries, diapers, baby wipes, water containers, disposable razors, lotion, work gloves, garbage bags, soap, deodorant and portable chargers.

The donations bins will remain on campus until further notice. Also, Lake Myrtle Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes, and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, in Spring Hill, are hosting partnership drives, so the university’s donations will be able to help more people and pets in the Bahamas, according to Jen Shaw, vice president of student affairs for the university.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also is raising money to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian.

Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office partnered in their efforts to collect hurricane relief supplies.

Meanwhile, at Goodwill Industries-Suncoast stores, shoppers are being invited to round up their purchases to help raise money for Hurricane Dorian relief. The organization planned to launch the campaign on Sept. 5 and run it through Sept. 19, with the goal of raising $25,000 to help people in the Bahamas. The organization decided to collect cash, rather than items, because of the difficulty in getting donated items to people in need, according to a news release.

Others involved in Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts include The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, in conjunction with Rotary District 6950 and AdventHealth Center Ice.

All of the supplies will be trucked to Miami on Sept. 30, then shipped to the Bahamas and distributed throughout the Island by Bahamian Rotarians, according to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel’s website.

AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will be accepting donations from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during the drive.

Donations also may be dropped off at the Make A Difference office, 12311 U.S. 41, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., in downtown Zephyrhills. The chamber is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hurricane Dorian relief items
Rubber gloves
Bleach
Cleaning supplies
Flashlights
Propane tanks
Matches
Coolers
Sheets and blankets
Hammers
Latex gloves
Clorox wipes
Brooms
Large garbage bags
Tarps, all sizes
Portable grills, lighters
Pillows
Roof paper, roofing nails
Portable cellphone chargers
Generators
Work gloves
Face masks
Buckets
Cleaning rags
Shovels
Sterno camp stoves
Candles
Portable cots
Towels
Feminine hygiene products
Adult diapers
Toilet paper
Soap
Shampoo
Diapers
Paper towels
Detergent
Baby wipes
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Baby formula
Canned goods
Can openers
Nonperishable food
Pet food

Published September 18, 2019

Saint Anthony Catholic School celebrates 135 years

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Saint Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, had a special celebration last week to mark its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, blesses the Eucharist at the morning Mass, during Saint Anthony Catholic School’s 135th anniversary event. (Christine Holtzman)

The day began with the Most. Rev. Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, presiding over a celebration of the Holy Mass.

The Rev. Garry Welsh, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church offered welcoming remarks at the Mass and, throughout the service, the bishop reminded those gathered of the many reasons to feel a sense of gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.

“As you can see, there are a lot of things to love about being a student at Saint Anthony Catholic School,” Parkes said, during the May 10 event. “Most importantly, you learn about a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. That is a special gift that you receive while here.”

Louise Traeger Clift, the oldest alumnus of Saint Anthony Catholic School, was honored during the day’s program. The 97-year-old graduated from the school in 1935, and was one of the three students who graduated in that year.

Parkes also offered a blessing for the school’s future.

And, the bishop encouraged the school’s students to “look to the past with gratitude, look at the present with joy, and look to the future with hope.”

He reminded them that as they move forward in life, their time at the school will always be part of them.

After the Mass, a program was held under a large tent on the grounds of San Antonio City Park.

Mark Anderson, the mayor of San Antonio; and, Allen Altman, a member of the Pasco County School Board, provided proclamations.

Jessica Werckman, who has two young children at the school, introduced the speakers and also read a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wasn’t able to attend the event.

John T. Vogel II, a 2002 alumnus of the school, presented the Saint Anthony Catholic School Alumni Scholarship to two students, first-place winner Adeline Shiver and second-place winner, Carys Ragsdale.  Shiver also was the second-place winner in the Catholic Foundation Essay Winner at the Diocesan level.

Lourdes Milan’s Kindergarten class is seen performing an upbeat song called, ‘Smile, Smile, Smile.’

The event also featured a ‘Reflection of History’ presented by Lynn McCaughey.

A special moment during the program came when 97-year-old Louise Traeger Clift was honored. She is the oldest-living alumnus. She graduated in 1935, and was one of the three graduates from the school that year.

During her closing remarks, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty. She also announced that after nine years at the school she is moving to a new assignment in New Jersey.

Following the program, children from each grade performed songs in a spring concert, conducted by Angela Kempe. To get things started, Werckman performed a heartfelt rendition of “How Beautiful.”

The festivities concluded with a picnic lunch provided in the park and an open house tour of the school.

Published May 15, 2019

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, arrives by golf cart to the outdoor program. The cart was driven by the Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Rev. Garry Welsh. The Rev. Allan Tupa, of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, is seen on left.
The Rev. Andrew Siasa, front, and the Rev. Kyle Smith walk down the sidewalk carrying the Eucharist, on their way to return it to the church. The Rev. Siasa is originally from Tanzania and the Rev. Smith also serves as the Chaplain of Saint Leo University.
Clutching her plush Pluto doll, 3-year-old Talya Makowiecki claps after watching Fracnesca Blocher’s first-grade students perform a cheerful song called ‘Positive.’ Her mom, Kymberly, is on her left.

 

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135 years old

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The grounds of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio are expected to be buzzing with excitement on May 10, when the school celebrates its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will preside over a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by speeches by dignitaries, a spring concert and lunch.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal said everyone is invited to attend May 10 festivities to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. (B.C. Manion)

It promises to be a festive occasion for the oldest elementary school in Pasco County and the sixth oldest Catholic school in Florida.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal, school principal, said parents, community members, faculty, staff, students and an advisory board have all played a role preparing for the occasion.

The school, at 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, has 210 students, in kindergarten through eighth grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and faith formation, the principal said.

To gear up for the anniversary celebration, each class researched a 15-year period and fashioned posters sharing facts about events in the Catholic Church, and in the world at large.

The community celebration of the school’s anniversary is fitting, in a place that shows such strong support for the school and appreciates its history, Sister Ottapurackal said.

It’s also an expression of gratitude.

“We’re so grateful for this many years of blessings that God has given us.

“We are celebrating the joy and the gratitude of the opportunity to serve the people for 135 years,” the school principal said.

In addition to blessings from God, the school has enjoyed the support of  the community, families with children at the school, the staff, the Franciscan Sisters, the Benedictine Sisters and Monks, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, she said.

A massive crowd turned out to dedicate the new school building. (File)

“We all just come together,” she said.

“People have a special love toward this school,” she said. “Whenever we ask for help to improve this school, people are ready to help.”

The school initially opened in 1884, in a 12-foot by 24-foot schoolhouse. That was followed by a two-story frame building.

Next, came a three-story brick building, constructed in 1922, which served thousands of students over decades.

A new building was constructed in 2015, designed architecturally to match the 1922 structure. The St. Petersburg Diocese’ Forward in Faith Capital Campaign made the new structure possible. The 1922 structure was renovated in 2016, through the support of the parish community.

One of the special guests invited to the May 10 event is Mary Louise Clift, of San Antonio.

Her family, originally from Germany, came to the area in 1920, and her father helped to build the 1922 brick structure, the principal said.

Anyone who would like to attend the festivities is welcome, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“The people here are so into history and tradition. They value it. We want to celebrate with them,” she said.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135
Where: 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, San Antonio
When: May 10: 9 a.m., Mass; 10:30 a.m., concert, and other festivities
Cost: Free
Details: The Most. Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg will preside over the Mass. There will be a spring concert following the Mass. Dignitaries will speak and then there will be a family lunch, with everyone treated to lunch.
Info: Call Saint Anthony Catholic School at (352) 588-3041.

Revised May 13, 2019

Published May 08, 2019

Hurricane Irma: A disruptive force

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With Hurricane Irma threatening Florida last week, officials weren’t taking any chances on where or when the massive storm would make landfall.

The deadly storm was churning in the Atlantic, when Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Sept. 4, warning residents that Irma is a “a massive storm” that could prove devastating.

Hurricane Irma is deemed to be one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Atlantic. It had sustained wind speeds of 185 mph. (Courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

“This storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew,” Scott said, during a news conference, referring to a Category 5 Hurricane, ripping through Miami in 1992. Andrew claimed 65 lives and caused an estimated $26.5 billion in damages.

“If you’re in an evacuation zone, you’ve got to get out,” Scott said, during one of several interviews he did on national television.

In addition to closing all state offices on Sept. 8, he also closed all state colleges, universities and public schools. He said he wanted to provide ample space for shelters.

Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel is one of several schools in Pasco County serving as a shelter.

It opened at 11 a.m. on Sept. 8 and people were already beginning to arrive.

Ninety-one-year-old Mac McKechnie, of Zephyrhills, and his wife, Rae, were among those planning to stay at the shelter.

These beds, set up at Wiregrass Ranch High, were awaiting special needs residents who needed to be evacuated for Hurricane Irma. (B.C. Manion)

McKechnie said they came to the shelter because they live in an area that floods. Plus, he added: “My wife is a nervous wreck.”

Robyn White, principal of the high school, said the shelter has a capacity of around 1,700.

“Right now, we don’t have rooms set up for that. We’re going to open us rooms as needed,” she said.

The areas are divided into a special needs area and areas for adults and families, White said.

The special needs areas will have oxygen and electricity for people who need it for their nebulizers, said Denise Fackender, of the Pasco County Health Department.

“We will be supplying oxygen, so that they don’t have to use up their small tanks,” Fackender said.

White said the shelter will stay open until officials tell her the event is over, which she expects might be for a few days.

Other local schools that were designated to serve as shelters were Sunlake High School, Wesley Chapel High, Centennial Middle, in Pasco County and Hammond Elementary in Hillsborough County.

Robyn White, principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, said the school could shelter as many as 1,700 people from Hurricane Irma’s effects, if that becomes necessary. (B.C. Manion)

The Laker/Lutz News, regularly published on Wednesdays, went to press on Sept. 8. The initial goal was to deliver the newspaper before Irma made landfall, but the plan changed when it became clear that it would not be possible to achieve that.

As the monster storm approached, it was obvious that residents were taking it seriously.

Gas and bottled water were in short supply, and parking lots were full at home improvement stores, as customers picked up plywood and other supplies to fortify their homes and businesses.

The threat of Hurricane Irma, whose path still remained uncertain at press deadline, caused government offices to close and scores of businesses and local organizations to postpone or cancel events.

The Pasco County Commission issued a local state of emergency on Sept. 6 for Pasco County, allowing the county administrator and assistant county administrator of public safety to waive everyday procedures as they feel necessary to ensure the health and safety of the community.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District closed all district-managed lands including these properties in the Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Conner Preserve, 22500 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes; Cypress Creek Preserve, 8720 Pump Station Road in Land O’ Lakes; the Green Swamp West, in Pasco County; Starkey Wilderness Preserve, Serenova Tract, 14900 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes.

A sandbag operation at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey was shut down due to traffic issues. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department closed all county parks on Sept. 9, until further notice, because of concerns about inclement weather and potential flooding. Camping ceased on Sept. 8 and no reservations will be accepted until further notice.

Pasco County bus service was still running on Sept. 8, but officials said passengers should expect delays. Bus service will be cancelled if winds exceed 39 mph.

All of Tampa’s YMCA locations were closed on Sept. 10 because of concerns for safety of the Y’s members and its staff.

Hillsborough County’s sandbag operations were halted temporarily when the county ran out of sand and bags due to the high demand. At one point, the county was distributing sandbags at an unprecedented clip of 10,000 per hour, county officials said.

As of Sept. 7, Hillsborough had distributed nearly 200,000 sandbags, estimated to be about seven times more than distributed in any previous storm event, officials said.

Evacuation zones were announced as Irma’s proximity grew closer, and as the track of the storm continued to shift.

The threat of Hurricane Irma also caused a number of events to be cancelled.

Pasco County Schools cancelled all of its sporting events and activities that were scheduled for Sept. 8 or over the weekend.

An event that the Tampa Bay Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay planned for Sept. 9 will be rescheduled to a date not yet determined.

In announcing that Pasco County Schools would be closed, Superintendent Kurt Browning said he realized that many people may wonder why all of the district’s schools would be closed.

He explained the decision this way: “The EOC (Pasco County Emergency Operations Center) doesn’t want school buses full of school children on the roads, as evacuees from other parts of the state are arriving here. We expect thousands of south and east coast Floridians to seek shelter here, or to pass through on their way further North.

“We also use school buses to help evacuate special needs citizens to shelters.”

The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel announced it would be close at the end of business on Sept. 8 and hoped to reopen at 3 p.m., Sept. 11, depending on the conditions.

Bishop Gregory L. Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg announced that, for safety reasons, a dispensation of the obligation for attending Mass had been given. He also advised the faithful to check with their local parish regarding any potential cancellations of services.

Dangers remain, after a hurricane passes
While storm surge and high winds are the biggest threats that hurricanes pose, there are dangers that go on well after a hurricane has passed. Here are some pointers to help keep you safe, in the wake of possible impacts from Hurricane Irma.

Be careful

  • Do not drive into areas when you don’t know the depth of the water.
  • Do not touch power lines, anyone or anything in contact with lines.

This could include a fence or other object a line may fall onto. Always assume lines are
energized and stay away.

  • Don’t drive over downed power lines, and if a downed power line makes
    contact with any part of your vehicle, stay inside and tell others to stay away untilthe line is safely removed and power is turned off. Attempting to get out of the vehicle could result in serious injury or death by electrocution.
  • Never trim trees around power lines. Only qualified tree contractors should trim trees
    around power lines.
  • If you are using a generator, be sure it is outside, well away from doors, windows and vents. Generator exhaust is toxic. Carbon monoxide is deadly, can build up quickly and can linger. Do not use a generator inside a home, garage, crawl space, shed or similar area.
  • Don’t use a charcoal grill indoor, either. That, too, creates a potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Limit contact with floodwater, which may have high levels of raw sewage, bacteria, viruses and contaminants.
  • If returning home after evacuating, be sure to keep an eye out for snakes and other animals that may have entered your home during the storm.

Watch what you eat and drink
If you need to boil your drinking water, be sure to bring it to a rolling boil for a full 1 minute, to kill major water-borne bacterial pathogens.

If your power has gone out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full).

Use dry ice or block ice to keep a refrigerator as cold as possible during an extended power outage. Fifty pounds of dry ice should keep a fully stocked 18-cubic-foot freezer cold for two days.

Food safety after a flood

  • Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwater. Discard food that’s not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it came into contact with floodwater.
  • Inspect canned foods, and discard any food in damaged cans.
  • Check each food item separately. Throw out any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or that feels warm to the touch.
  • Check frozen food for ice crystals. Food that still contains ice crystals may be safely refrozen.

Cleaning up, making repairs

  • Remove mold because it can cause serious health problems. The key to mold control is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24 to 48 hours.
  • Be sure to use plastic sheeting to cover roof damage and/or broken windows, to keep water from entering your home or business.
  • Wear protective clothing and use proper equipment when cleaning up the mess the storm left behind. Before trimming trees, make sure there are no power lines nearby. Only qualified tree contractors should trim trees around power lines.

Making claims, avoiding scams

  • Contact your insurance agent to report any covered damage to your home, apartment or vehicle. Be sure to have detailed photographs, so you can submit them with your claims.
  • If you had to evacuate, save receipts for all dining, hotel, medical, hygiene and even entertainment. Some of these items may be eligible for reimbursement. Save the receipts from the time you leave your home until you return to stay there.
  • Watch out for scams and unlicensed contractors. Verify the contractor’s business license and insurance. Make sure quotes are in writing.
  • If you suspect price gouging, call the state’s Price Gouging Hotline (866)-9-NO-SCAM (66-7226).

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tampa Electric Co., the State of Florida’s Attorney General’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Published September 13, 2017

Helping Hurricane Harvey victims

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Area churches, and others, are getting involved to help raise money, or collect goods, to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked all 81 parishes and missions in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to hold a special collection the weekend of Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, or Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, for the needs of people affected by natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey that is causing devastating damage to Texas and is expected to impact Louisiana.

Thousands of Texans are being rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey.
(Courtesy of Army National Guard Lt. Zachary West)

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy,” Bishop Parkes said in a statement published on the Diocese’s website. “The prayerful and financial support of people from all around the country is urgently needed.”

First Baptist Dade City, at 37511 Church Ave., is collecting items to provide relief to Hurricane Harvey victims. The church is accepting bottled water, blankets, soap, shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper.

Donations are being accepted until Sept. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday and on Sunday morning.

Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, is also helping.

It planned to hold a second collection on Sept. 3 to help Hurricane Harvey victims.

And, it also planned to put together some hygiene kits and some 5-gallon flood buckets filled with cleaning and drying supplies, to help victims in the aftermath.

Harvester will have a special box located in the back of the sanctuary for the next couple of weeks for donations.

The church will be providing its help through the United Methodist Commission on Relief, or UMCOR, for short, said Gary Evans, of Harvester United.

“UMCOR is usually one of the first, second or third agencies to respond to emergencies around the world,” Evans said.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast invited shoppers to round up their purchases, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 12, to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Normally, the Round Up program supports the agency’s employment services, but this special Round Up collection will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist people affected by the devastating storm.

Cashiers at all 18 retail stores and three outlet stores operated by Goodwill-Suncoast will also accept hurricane relief donations from people who don’t make purchases, with all of these funds being forwarded to the Red Cross.

Goodwill-Suncoast stores are in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Highlands and Marion counties.

Published September 6, 2017

Catholic schools take part in week of caring

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Catholic schools around the Diocese of St. Petersburg partnered with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay for Carefest 2016.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach. (Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach.
(Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)

Students joined thousands of volunteers across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties to take part in the week devoted to service, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 24.

At the same time, the diocese celebrated “The Week of Caring in the Year of Mercy.”

During Carefest, schools throughout the diocese engaged in various efforts to extend themselves beyond the Catholic community, said Mark Majeski, associate superintendent of schools for the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Students at Mother Teresa of Calcutta School in Lutz donated 15 violins to be used by students at St. Joseph Catholic School, and held a school supply drive to help other schools in the diocese.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill had a first responders’ week and donated canned goods and baby items, collecting enough to fill more than four large containers, to benefit Catholic Charities.

Students at Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio took part in a number of activities.

From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O' Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016. (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)
From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O’ Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016.
(Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)

Children made thank you cards and banners, and sang for first responders.

“We thanked them for the sacrifices that they are making for our safety. We are totally grateful for their service, because it is truly a call of faith and courage. They do a lot of selfless work for us, for our safety,” said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

The children also made “survival kits” for the first responders.

They gave 105 survival kits to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and 19 to the local firefighters.

Each kit contained:

  • A prayer card for first responders. For police officers, a holy card of their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel; for firefighters, a holy card of their patron saint, St. Florian

Each kit also contained a variety of candies, along with an explanation for first responders. Those were:

  • Life Savers: To remind you of the many times you have been one
  • Starburst: For the burst of energy you need
  • PayDay: Because you’re not doing it for the money
  • Paper clip: To hold it all together
  • Hershey Kisses: Because you deserve them from all
  • Gum: To help your unit stick together
  • Tootsie Roll: To help you roll with the punches
  • Peppermint Patty: To help you keep your cool
  • Snickers: To remind you to have a sense of humor
  • Mounds: For the mounds of courage you need
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service. (Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service.
(Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)

Other good works performed by Saint Anthony School students included donating personal grooming supplies for the migrant community, donating supplies for a baby pantry, and donating kits for children at Sunrise Center.

“This is the Year of Mercy, so we wanted to do something special — caring for the poor, as well as caring for people who do good things for us,” Ottapurackal said.

When the police officers and firefighters visited the school, it offered a chance for children to learn more about the services that first responders provide to the community, she said.

And, the children were able to express their gratitude.

“So we are giving and receiving,” the principal said. “Children are learning how community works. A lot of good things are happening in this world.”

Published September 28, 2016

Saint Anthony’s makes history again

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At a place that can trace its history back to the 1880s, Saint Anthony Catholic School marked another milestone on June 3 with a ceremony to bless the completion of a renovated building constructed in 1922.

It was the second time in two years that Saint Anthony Catholic School paused to celebrate the completion of a construction project.

This view of the new school shows the St. Anthony Catholic School sign. The façade on the old school is plain red brick. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
This view of the new school shows the St. Anthony Catholic School sign. The façade on the old school is plain red brick.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The first event occurred on Feb. 5, 2015, when the Rev. Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, presided over the dedication of the school’s new building. That building, designed to architecturally match the existing building, was funded through the Diocese’s Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.

At last week’s event, Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presided over the ceremony to bless the school’s newly renovated 1922 building. The Saint Anthony Parish community is covering the cost of the $1.8 million project.

Those gathered at last week’s ceremony expressed gratitude for the education the school provides.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Quinn was among those attending the ceremony. His son, Gabriel, just graduated from the school, and his twin daughters, Faith and Grace, are seventh-graders.

These children are sharing a special moment in history at Saint Anthony Catholic School as they witness the blessing of the school’s renovated 1922 building. They are from left in the front row, Sofia Trevino, Andrew Werckman, Cora Woodard and Taylor Young. In the back row, from left are Abigail Kocher, Boden Ballinger, Kyle Bueno and Joseph Hammond.
These children are sharing a special moment in history at Saint Anthony Catholic School as they witness the blessing of the school’s renovated 1922 building. They are from left in the front row, Sofia Trevino, Andrew Werckman, Cora Woodard and Taylor Young. In the back row, from left are Abigail Kocher, Boden Ballinger, Kyle Bueno and Joseph Hammond.

“We got here three years ago. This is a pearl of joy for us,” Quinn said. He noted that he searched all of the Diocese, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Brandon, before choosing to enroll his children at Saint Anthony.

“I wanted a place where my parish life and my kids’ school life would be one and the same.

“When I found this place, with the sisters in residence, that was it.

“The surrounding community is just so supportive,” Quinn said.

Leo Brand and Kyle Christmas, both members of the Knights of Columbus, were there, dressed in their full regalia.

They came to present the school with a gift: A pole and a stand, to hold the school’s banner.

“They’ve always borrowed ours for years,” Brand said. So, the Knights of Columbus San Antonio Council 1768 decided to purchase one for the school, he said.

Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presides over the ceremony which included blessing the restored building, room by room. Brother Lucius Amarillas stands to the abbott’s right.
Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presides over the ceremony which included blessing the restored building, room by room. Brother Lucius Amarillas stands to the abbott’s right.

Christmas noted that one of his family members helped build the school decades ago. “He’s got his name on one of the bricks up on the top of the roof,” he said.

Christmas said he’s pleased to see that the school is building for the future.

“It’s nice to see that they are expanding and that they’re getting busy enough to expand, that people are taking advantage of a Catholic education,” Christmas said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader was at the event — but not in his role as an elected leader. He has closer ties to the church and school.

“I’m an alumnus. It’s my parish. My church. It’s a great part of our community. My parents were actually married in the church,” Schrader said.

The renovation of the 1922 school building marks a proud moment for the parish and school, Schrader said.

“The community just came together. They recognized the importance of a Catholic education,” Schrader said.

Leigh DiMaria has three children at the school.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal takes the stage during the June 3 dedication and blessing ceremony for the renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony Catholic School campus. She spent the majority of her time expressing gratitude for the project and thanking those who were involved in making it happen.
Sister Alice Ottapurackal takes the stage during the June 3 dedication and blessing ceremony for the renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony Catholic School campus. She spent the majority of her time expressing gratitude for the project and thanking those who were involved in making it happen.

“I love the fact that they were able to restore a lot of the old elements,” DiMaria said.

She’s pleased that her children, Faith, Vincent and Nolan, attend Saint Anthony, and that her family is part of the school’s community.

“The community around here, the support, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing,” DiMaria said.

Abbott Camacho presided over the ceremony, but others took part, as well. Rev. Garry Welsh, the current pastor, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the current principal, and Sister Roberta Bailey, the Prioress at Holy Name Monastery and former principal of the school, also offered remarks.

Students took part, too. Hannah Fox, led the assembly in “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” Lindsay Golliday read a selection from scripture, and Aiden Fox and Adeline Shiver were altar servers.

Abbott Camacho reminded those gathered that “one of the characteristics of us Benedictines (who founded the school) is to welcome the other, as Christ, no matter who the other is. To see in them, the image of Christ.

“It’s not about the teachers. It’s not about the good reputation of the school. It’s about the other. Can we see Christ in the other, no matter their background? If we see in them, Christ, things start to change for good,” Abbott Camacho said.

Sister Bailey recalled Saint Anthony Catholic School’s rich history, and noted that it has faced some tough times.

“We owe a great deal of credit to the pastors that were in this area. There was a day when the principal and the bookkeeper would come up with budget, based on the tuition that we knew we could collect. And, whatever we thought we couldn’t collect, we gave that debt to the pastors, and they figured out how to support the school,” Sister Bailey said.

But through prayer, God’s blessings, the help of the Diocese, and the generosity of the parish and community, there’s now a new school building and a renovated building, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“Our school looks beautiful, and it is ready for 21st century learning. We are proud of how it came out, because of God’s blessing and people’s help,” the principal said.

Published June 8, 2016