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St. Faustina Catholic Church Clermont logo

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Faustina Catholic Church
1714 Highway 27 (Suite 23)
Clermont, FL 34714

September 24, 2023
Weekly Bulletin
Jesus, I Trust in You

Parish Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday,  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 pm
Phone: 352-515-9297
Fax: 352-559-3920

Facebook: St. Faustina Catholic Church

Mass Schedule
Doors will open 30 minutes before Mass.

Saturday: 4:00 PM,  Mass in English
Sunday:    7:30 AM , 9:30 & 11:30 AM, Mass in English
Sunday:    5:00 PM – Mass in Spanish

8:00 AM Daily Mass
Monday – Saturday, Mass in English
Wednesday Holy Hour, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
First Friday Exposition, 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Confessions, Saturday, 3:00 – 3:45 PM or by Appointment

A reminder that the Saturday 5:45 pm Mass has been
suspended until further notice.

The Church is Open for Personal Prayer
Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am  to 3:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Pastoral Team
Pastor
Father Ramon Bolatete, Ext. 101,
Direct: 352-354-4563, rbolatete@stfaustina.org

Actively Retired — Father John McNalis

Diocesan Administrator
Father Ed Waters, VF Tel: 352-515-9297

Deacon
Deacon Cris Stout   cstout@stfaustina.org

Operations Manager
Joe Seddio Ext. 104, jseddio@stfaustina.org

Director of Music & Liturgy
Kelly Mucci Ext. 102
Direct: 352-658-0137, kmucci@stfaustina.org

Faith Formation 
Marylu Mariniello Ext. 103
Direct: 352-702-4735 mmariniello@stfaustina.org

Administrative Assistant / Database Administrator Coordinator
Donna Cuttita Ext. 100
Direct: 352-702-4715, dcuttita@stfaustina.org

Receptionist
Carmen Pagan  Ext. 106
Direct 352-515-9297, cpagan@stfaustina.org

Pastorial Care Coordinator
Duane Hyland    ext. 107
Direct: 352-515-9297, dhyland@stfaustina.org

OUR MISSION — St. Faustina is a parish family inspired by the Holy Spirit and called to reflect God’s Divine Mercy through a responsible stewardship of time, talent and treasure in the context of ministry.

Pastor’s Message

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:12-16)

We are recipients of the Lord’s abundant mercy and generosity. The moral of today’s Gospel parable seems so blatantly unfair. The workers who put in a whole day’s work and sweat receive the same wage as those who were there for only one hour? It makes us want to ask, “Jesus, what’s going on here?”

The point then, it seems, is not about our sense of fairness or justice, but about the behavior of the landowner. He does not act like most owners; his generosity is…well, scandalous. He offers a living wage to all who work for him, even the one-hour laborers. He understands what it takes for these workers to be able to subsist: to care for their families, eat, pay taxes, and have the self-respect and dignity of work.

The landowner is representative of the kingdom of heaven. We get a glimpse of the good Lord who offers salvation. It is salvation available to anyone who enters the vineyard, at any time, and is not diminished for one by its distribution to another. The Lord does not offer “partial” salvation, and it is certainly not salvation that we “deserve.” We have no cause to be envious of the good fortune of another, for ours is equal in measure and justice. Rather, we can praise God for his continuous mercy to us. After all, serving in his kingdom is not drudgery; it is love and grace – all that we could ever hope for – all the days of our life.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9)

Weekly Collection Weekend of September 10, 2023

Offertory / Ofertorio: $12,620.00 Mortgage Debt Reduction / Reducción de la deuda hipotecaria: $3,998.00
Mass Attendance for the Weekend of September 10, 2023: 1,464

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, September 23, 2023

4:00 pm             + Donald O’Brien,  Requested by:  Dn. John & Nora Broehl

Sunday, September 24, 2023

7:30 am               Parishioners of St. Faustina

9:30 am               + Ralph Vieto, Requested by:  Ida Vieto

11:30 am              + Luis Ramos,  Requested by:  Miriam Ramos

5:00 pm               + Teresa Santiago,  Requested by:  Betsy Lopez

Monday, September 25, 2023

8:00 am               + Virgilio Cruz,  Requested by:  Carmelita Flores

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

8:00 am              + Enrique Zapata,  Requested by:  Daughter Esperanza

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

8:00 am             + Carolyn Schanen,  Requested by:  Daughter Lynda

Thursday, September 28, 2023

8:00 am             + Warren & + Hilda Lightner,  Requested by:  Family

Friday, September 29, 2023

8:00 am + Eliodoro Sousa,  Requested by:  Oti Sousa

Saturday, September 30, 2023

8:00 am           + George Gomez,  Requested by:  Elsa & Melvin Gomez

4:00 pm            + Jack Murphy,    Requested by:  Loretta Murphy

Sunday, October 1, 2023

7:30 am            + Terry Gagnon/Sampiere,  Requested by:  Peter Sampiere

9:30 am Parishioners of St. Faustina

11:30 am          + Kevin Madsen,  Requested:  Lois & Jim McGuire

5:00 pm           + Fernando Mora,  Requested by:  Mora Family

Prayer Requests
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In order to properly update our parish “Prayer Request” section of the bulletin, we are asking you to resubmit names that you would like on our list by emailing: office@stfaustina.org.

David Venditti, Ed David, Deborah Hollis, Christina Gallagher, Mike McGee, Alan Matthews, Michelle McCreary, Jorge L. Martinez, Judith Bottari, Frank Sebastian, Larry Wilson, Joseph Foster, Carmine Gallo,  Mariette Mondelus, Michael Kelly,  Jim Exnicios,  Elisa Walush, Elsa Gomez, Nancy Harrigan, Judith Crogman, Jean Conn, Carlos Corrales, Theresa Wentling, Kara, Jennifer Brinson, Deidre Cantwell, Paulette Sparlik, Frank Montagnino, Lilian Hawkinson, Tina Cyr, Patrick J. Cyr, Barb Nelson, Mark Thomas, David Bache, Zachary Birkholz, Jim Exnicios, Angela & Exevior Bojda, David Bartkus, Mary Ann Cunningham, Jeannie Burns, Linda Patrick, Michael Patrick, Sue Puffs, David Valerian, Josefina Bacosa, Daniel Tomberg, Anita Boyd, Julie Haley, Larry Brunke, Sr., Ron Henefer, Hadley Epps, Tina Audino, Daniel Cuttita, Patricia Dick, Linda Dugan, Lenise Shope, Marge Tagler, Mary Garl, Sue & Gene Plante, Donald & Trish Villeneuve

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE of EVENTS at OUR PARISH

Daily Mass, Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 am followed by the Holy Rosary

Saturday, September 23     No Events Scheduled

Sunday, September 24        Parish  Blood Drive, 7:30 am to 1:30 pm
Walk-ups Welcome  To Make an Appointment go to: OneBlood

 Monday, September 25        Rosary Makers Ministry, 9:00 am to 11:00 am in classroom
Legion of Mary, 9:30 am to 11:00 am in classroom
Spanish Bible Study, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Tuesday, September 26       Bible Study, 8:30 am to 10:00 am in classroom
First Grandparents Ministry Meeting, 1:30 pm in classroom
Children’s Choir Practice, 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm in church
Adult Choir Practice, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in church

Wednesday, September 27  Caring Crafters, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in classroom
Holy Hour, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in church

Thursday, September 28    Divine Will Study, 9:00 am to 10:15 am in classroom
Grandparents Ministry Meeting, 7:00 pm in classroom

Friday, September 29        El Santo Rosario, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in church
Taller Oracion Y Vida, following El Santorio Roario

Saturday, September 30    Grandparents Ministry Meeting, 1:30 in classroom

To see  all  the events in one place, please go to:  https://stfaustina.org/calendar/events-at-st-faustina/

Ministry leaders, if you would like to be included on the calendar and in the bulletin,
please email bulletin@stfaustina.org

THINK AHEAD, SPACE IS LIMITED – Do you have a parish meeting or event coming up and need to reserve one of our rooms or the church?  Simply click on the following link, fill out the form (in either English or Spanish) and hit the submit button.  You will receive a confirmation email and then, after your request has been reviewed, an email from our own Kelly Mucci to either confirm or explain why she had to deny your request.  EVERYONE who would like to reserve space at our church, MUST complete the form at the following link:

https://stfaustina.org/ministries/ministry-room-request-form/

Thank you all, very much, for your consideration and attention to this matter.

Our Lady of Sorrows

by Marylu Mariniello

The Catholic Church designates each month for a special person or event. For January, it is the Month of the Holy Name, February is the Passion of Our Lord, March is for  St. Joseph, April is the Month of the Holy Eucharist, May is the Month of Our Lady, June is for the Sacred Heart, July is for the Most Precious Blood, August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows, October is for the Most Holy Rosary, November is for the Souls and December is the Month of the Immaculate Conception.

As September is coming to a close, let us look at Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary had seven sorrows. This feast day is commemorated on September 15.

The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:35)

After the birth of Jesus, Mary was obligated to purify for forty days, as was the Jewish custom. Then she and Joseph went to the temple to offer their son to God, as the first born child. There she met Simeon, who held the baby and proclaimed him as the Messiah. He blessed Jesus and told Mary “And you yourself a sword will pierce ” Mary was shocked, holding her son close as she walked out of the temple. Joseph was shaken too, but he was thinking of his wife and son. They returned to Nazareth, still pondering Simeon’s words.

The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13)

Joseph had a dream. “The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him’ ”

He woke up Mary and told her of his dream. Now she felt the sharp words of  Simeon’s prophecy. There was no time to reflect. They had to pack what they could carry and flee to Egypt in the night. Imagine if we had to do the same, leaving our possessions and running away to save our child. The long trip across the desert scared Mary, but she never complained. Was she wondering about enough food and water, the weather, the health of their donkey to get them there or living in a foreign country? Worrying can overshadow everything, but Mary had faith that God would take care of her family.

Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:46, 48).

Mary, Joseph and Jesus took their annual trip to Jerusalem with other relatives. On the way home, Mary thought that Jesus was with the other family members, but soon they realized that Jesus was missing, a parent’s worst nightmare.

Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to find him. After three days, while walking by the temple, Mary heard her son’s voice. They ran inside and found Jesus talking to the elders. These learned men were astounded at the knowledge of a young boy. Mary and Joseph questioned Jesus why he remained in Jerusalem and he told them that he is doing “his Father’s work.”

Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary  (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)

Mary’s life was hidden now. She was a widow living a quiet life. When news of Jesus’ miracles reached her at Nazareth, she was happy but the disturbing information of the tensions mounting about her son made her apprehensive. She went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, hoping Jesus would be there. Mary was helping with the meal preparation when she was told that Jesus was arrested. She pushed her way through the crowds and saw her son carrying his cross. Her heart was broken and she was powerless to help him. Their eyes met and she knew that she needed to trust, so she walked the Way of the Cross.

Standing at the Foot of the Cross  (John 19:25)

Mary saw the cruelty of the soldiers and what they did to her son, but this was all part of God’s plan. Jesus had to suffer and die. John, the beloved disciple, put his arm around Mary, helping her. “My precious child, ” she weeps, “heralded at Bethlehem, now suffering an ignominious and painful death! “ Jesus looked at Mary and said “He is your son.” Then he looked at John and said “She is your mother.”

The Crucifixion and Descent from the Cross (John 19:38)

Jesus died on the cross and Mary’s spirit died with him. His body was placed in her arms. Even though she was distraught, Mary said “Let it be done according to thy will, Lord

Assisting at the Burial  (Luke 23:55)                                                                                                       

According to Jewish custom, the women prepared the spices and ointments and gathered the winding sheet and the grave cloth. Mary wanted to help them. They washed the body and wrapped it in long strips of linen, taking care to place the fragrant spices, including the myrrh and aloes which Nicodemus had brought. Mary kissed Jesus one last time and watched as the stone was rolled over the opening. Then John took her home.

Mary always kept her faith, despite her grief, which is a great learning lesson for everyone. There is a daily prayer where a Hail Mary is said before naming each sorrow. Try to say this prayer every day.

Parish Ministries & Upcoming Events

Grandparents are a Precious Gift to their families and to the faith community. Join other grandparents of St. Faustina Catholic Church, as we support one another in passing on the faith and keeping prayer at the heart of family life.  Interest meetings will be held Tuesday, September 26 at 1:30 pm, Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, September 30 at 1:30 pm.  Come to whichever works best for your schedule, or contact Jerilyn Polson at office@stfaustina.org for more information.

SAVE THE DATE—Bring your furry, feathered, reptile (and/or fish)-scaled, or any other pet you cherish to the parish’s first Blessing of the Animals in our our new home on Sunday, October 1st, at 1:00 pm, in the parking lot.

A time-honored tradition here at St. Faustina, and throughout the Catholic Church, Deacon Cris will be on hand to bless your pride and joys as we also honor St. Francis  of Assisi, whose Feast Day is October 4.

Brand New Hand Bell Ministry is Looking for “Ringers” — Hear Ye!  Hear Ye! We are looking for a few experienced hand bell ringers to help us start our new hand bell ministry!!

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact our Director of Liturgy and Music, Kelly Mucci, at: kmucci@stfaustina.org or by calling her at 352-515-9297.

The 2024 Mass Intention Book opened for ACTIVE REGISTERED PARISHIONERS on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH AT 9 AM.  Please be able to provide your envelope number for verification.  We are still following the guidelines of only ONE per MONTH on the WEEKEND and two per month on weekdays.  NO PRIVATE INTENTIONS will be scheduled on Christmas, Easter, Mother’s & Father’s Day, All Souls Day, Thanksgiving, and a few others.

For those that are not active and/or registered, the book will open on Wednesday, December 6th.  You will be able to do at total of 12 intentions, with only six of them being on a weekend Mass.

“MEMORIAL MASS ASSOCIATION”

Masses listed into the Memorial Association will be held every Saturday at the 8 am Mass beginning on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, and every Saturday thereafter except on Holy Days, Christmas, New Years, and a few others.

Your Loved One’s name will be listed in the Memorial Mass Association book which will be placed on the Altar every Saturday morning for Mass as well as the TV monitors in which all names will be added as they are received… The cost is $25 per name for the year 2024.

This will be open to everyone on Wednesday, September 6th.

MINISTRY FAIR UPDATE
(October 7th and 8th)

Caring Crafters Will Have
Items for  Sale At Our Ministry Fair 

Please stop by the Caring Crafter’s tables to talk with some of our members and pick up a flyer to learn more about who we are and what we do.  You will also be able to purchase gift items that we made to raise money to help buy various supplies to continue to service our church and community to help others in need.

Some of the items we will have are: Fabric Christmas trees, purses, bags, bowl cozies, hot plate holders, table runners, children’s blankets and pillows, pencil cases for kids filled with pencils, crayons, and scissors, tree ornaments – snowflakes, angels — children’s fabric books both holiday and nursery rhymes — Variety of religious book marks — crochet or knitted headbands, wash cloths, purses, placemats, baby blankets, sweater and hat sets, gift packages and much more.

And of course, we will have our prayer shawls and blankets that we crochet and knit for the ministry to the sick and the bereavement ministry.  You can purchase these items for friends or loved ones to comfort them and show you care.  Or, you may want one for yourself to use on those chilly nights of winter.

We will be located right outside the church entrance and hope you will stop by and check us out.

We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

For more information on our ministry, please go to our web page on our secure parish website at:

Caring Crafters – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

 

We Need Your Help
To Make Our International Bake Sale a Big Success

Our second-ever International Bake Sale will certainly be one of the highlights of our upcoming Ministry Fair the weekend of October 7 and 8 after the Masses (don’t forget, the Sunday Mass in Spanish has been moved from its usual 5 pm time slot to 2 pm…for this weekend only).

The Ministry Fair is the first big event at our new church building.  All of us at St. Faustina take pride in our diverse community, and what better way to show that pride in your culture then by making a dish or baking a treat for the International Food & Bake Sale.

What kind of dishes are we looking for? … well, what kind of dishes do you like to make?

Hot dishes, cold dishes, hors d’oeuvres, baked goods, are all welcome (but please put them in to-go containers).  Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Filipino…whatever you enjoy cooking, whatever represents your culture or one of your treasured family dishes…share it with the rest of the church community.

If you can’t or don’t bake, we can also use help in setting up and cleaning up.

Our first International Bake Sale was one of the last events held at Glenbrook Commons, and it was a big success.  We know that we can, with your help, top that as we continue to celebrate our new, and beautiful, home here on Boggy Marsh Road.

If you would like to help, please email us at: office@stfaustina.org or go to our parish web page at:   https://stfaustina.org/ministries/bake-sale/  and fill out the online form.  Either way, someone will get back to you.

And oh yes, we are going to need buyers…so bring your appetites! (written and submitted by Kathy Jacobowski)

See you at the fair.

Father Ramon and Four Parishioners Travel to Fatima in a Pilgrimage for the Blessed Virgin

Editor’s Note: Thank you to David and Gloria Russell for writing and submitting the following articles.  The plan is for David to send daily photos and information back to the parish for posting on our parish website and Facebook page so that our parishioners can also enjoy their incredible experience in real time.) To do that, please go to our parish website at:

               Fatima Five Trip 2023 – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

On September, 11, Father Ramon, David and Gloria Russell, Carmelita Flores, and Yolanda Inumerable, departed Miami airport for a direct flight to Barcelona. Arriving the next day, they visited Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world. It has been under construction for 140 years (and we all thought St. Faustina’s took a long time!)

Their next stop was to Zaragoza, Spain where they visited our Lady of the Pillar, the very first church in the world dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Legend has it that while she was still alive, and on the wings of angels, Mary was flown to Zaragoza to encourage St. James’s mission to spread the Gospel. The Virgin Mary, with the Child Jesus in her arms and standing on a pillar, asked Saint James and his eight disciples to build a church on the site, promising that “it will stand from that moment until the end of time in order that God may work miracles and wonders through my intercession for all those who place themselves under my patronage.” We hope to bring some miracles home to you!

The third stop is San Sebastian de Garabandal the site of an alleged Marian apparition to four young girls beginning in 1961. Go to: https://youtu.be/T4__CcFNieE?si=zWnbfhFyAFvyhUs3 for a fascinating video about the many appearances Mary made in Garabandal.

Following a two-night stay, they will pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. The destination of millions of pilgrims who have traveled the way of St. James across northern Europe to thank God and venerate the relics at the tomb of St. James.

The last stop for this part of the journey is Fatima Portugal to meet with Fr. Jude and purchase the Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima statue for her work of ministry here at St. Faustina. Father Ramon, Carmelita and Yoly leave September 19 while Gloria and David continue to seven more destinations of great Catholic and Marian significance.  They will be accompanied by the Pilgrim Statue!   Please pray for them!

While you are at our parish Ministry Fair on October 7 & 8, make sure you stop by and meet David and Gloria Russell at the Divine Will and Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima table, where the new statue of our Blessed Mother will be on display).

These ministries will be sharing powerful spiritual gifts for our time and together are destined to advance the Will of God on Earth, as it is in Heaven.

The Divine Will is primary to all that exists and will ever exist. It is the very Intention of God for all Creation. By disobeying God’s Will, Adam and Eve were banished from Paradise and forced into lives injured by sin.  God has a loving plan to redeem Humanity through a New Adam and Eve, namely Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We are now living during the culmination of God’s plan for Redemption: the time of Sanctification. For which our loving Father is providing special gifts and graces through His Will and the message of our Lady of Fatima. As Pope Benedict said “we would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s          prophetic mission is complete.”

By combining the message of Fatima and Mary’s plan for our Salvation: The Rosary, Scapular, daily offerings, Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and First Saturday Devotion, In the Divine Will, the Father cannot refuse our plea for Peace.

But we need volunteers! Souls thirsty for holiness and the desire to pray unceasingly for His Kingdom to come and Will be done! No matter your state in life you can sanctify the world through Jesus and Mary!

To invite the Pilgrim Virgin Statue into your home for a week of prayer or learn more about the mystical gift of living In the Divine Will, call David and Gloria Russell at 863-353-1673.

Visit our parish’s Divine Will Ministry web page at: https://stfaustina.org/ministries/divine-will/

Legion of Mary to Resume at St. Faustina — Are you interested in becoming a member of the Legion of Mary? Exciting News! We will begin meeting again on Monday, September 11, from 9:30-11:00 am in a classroom. Please come and join us. For more information, please email:                        office@stfaustina.org

Caring Crafters News — On August 13, the ministry provided the South Lake Pregnancy Center with 68 baby items to give to those in need.  They included, 28 baby carriage and crib blankets, 23 preemie hats and mitts, four each of quilted crib blanket, bibs, and bootie sets, three each of baby hats and hat and bootie sets, as well as a baby sweater and a burp clots.  As you can see, we have members that just love making baby items.  If you like to make baby clothes, blankets, shawls, scarfs, or any other items that touches your heart and talent, please come join us on the second Wednesday of each month.  This month’s meeting is set for Wednesday, September 13 from 9:30 am to 11:30am … a little change from our normal 10:00 am to 12:00 pm time.  For more information, please go to their web page on our secure parish website at: https://stfaustina.org/ministries/caring-crafters/

Giving Blood Saves Lives!! Our parish began this bi-monthly ministry on June 19, 2019, and so far our parishioners and visitors have contributed 446 pints of blood while saving over 1,338 lives, as each donation has the ability to help up to three patients. Following our recent July drive, which had 26 people donate.  OneBlood presented our parish a certificate of appreciation (photo on left).

OneBlood will be sending a Spanish-speaking teammember to assist our Spanish Community.

Our next life-saving drive is set for the last Sunday of this month, Sunday, September 24 from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.  While walk-ups makeup roughly 90% of our donors, you can make an appointment by going to:   OneBlood

To learn more, please go to our parish web page at:  https://stfaustina.org/ministries/bi-monthly-blood-drive/

Thank You to Our Bulletin Advertisers—Saint Faustina’s advertisers faithfully support our parish.  As your needs arise, please consider supporting them and using their services.  Check them out in our bulletin and on our website.  Thank you, and thank you St. Faustina advertisers!

We have a web page on our secure parish website that will take you to our advertisers websites. To access that page, please go to: Bulletin Advertisers – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

SAVE THE DATE!

JOIN FATHER RAMON on a PILGRIMAGE to POLAND and MEDJUGORIE
SEPTEMBER 9-19,
2024

Join Father Ramon and Father Dominick Libiszewski for a thanksgiving  pilgrimage to Poland and Medjugorie, September 9 – 19, 2024.  See where our patron saint, St. Faustina, and St. Pope John Paul II lived, and travel to the Marian Apparition Site of Medjugorie! 

Parish Outreach Opportunities

St. Faustina’s parishioners, visitors, and friends, are famous for their generosity, not only to the needs of the church, but to those in the community who would be suffering even more without our help.

Donations to the South Lake Pregnancy Center, to the Hands of Hope food pantry, and participation in the bi-monthly Blood Drive have given hope, support, life, and much-needed material goods to those less fortunate.

Coming soon is another opportunity to help. St. Faustina Catholic Church has partnered with St. Pauly Textile, Inc., to provide clothes for families in need.  You will soon see a shed, much like the one pictured on the right, in our parking lot that will give us, as well as surrounding communities, a clean, convenient, and well-cared for option to donate used, clean, and functional clothing items such as: shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases, stuffed animals…and of course…clothes.

This new outreach ministry enables our parish to join the St. Pauly Textile, Inc. family that has already collected and donated over 150,000 pounds of clothing every day, not only in the United States, but in 44 countries around the world.  In 2022, the company was able to keep over 68 million articles of clothing out of landfills, which clothed an estimated 8.3 million people worldwide.

John (the Baptist) answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” (Luke 3:11) 

If you would like to learn more about St. Pauly Textile, Inc., please go to their website at: About St. Pauly Clothing Donations (stpaulytextile.com)

Parishioners, are you called to service at St. Faustina? If you are interested in any of our  ministries below please contact the parish office at 352-515-9297 or email our Director of Music and Liturgy, Kelly Mucci, at: kmucci@stfaustina.org.

Readers: Do you have the gift of public speaking and want to share your talent with the community, please consider being a reader to proclaim the Word during the Masses? Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: If you are interested in learning more about serving the Precious Body and Blood of our Lord at St. Faustina. Ushers: If you are ages high school and up and interested in learning more about welcoming fellow parishioners and visitors at St. Faustina. Altar Servers: If your children are in grade 5 or age 10 and up are interested in Altar Serving, or if you as an adult are interested. Music: If you are interested in joining the children’s or adult choirs, or are interested in leading the singing at our Masses as a Cantor.  We also need help with the streaming our Masses for those who are unable to attend through our Audio/Visual ministry. 

You can find out more about our liturgical ministries at:  https://stfaustina.org/worship-and-liturgy/

St. FAUSTINA’S GOT TALENT….calling all Event Coordinators, Planners, and anyone willing to help plan St. Faustina Ministry and Social Events.
We need your expertise, involvement, and leadership as we look to move forward with the many ideas and requests of our growing parish community that have been received for more parish social events and ministries.

Please share your ideas by emailing the parish at: jseddio@stfaustina.org

Weekend Mass Praise & Tribute — If you would like to donate flowers as a Weekend Mass Praise & Tribute, please contact Joe Seddio in the parish office  at jseddio@stfausttina.org.  This is a stunning way to honor loved ones and occasions!

The Parking Ministry is looking for your help —The Parking Ministry’s goals are to assist St. Faustina parishioners, especially the disabled, in their efforts to park and navigate the parking lot as well as to greet parishioners on their way into the church facility.  Typical duties would include placing handicap cones and assisting disabled parishioners with wheelchairs/walkers and assuring a smooth flow of traffic before/after each Mass as well as assisting visitors. If you enjoy the outdoors, helping others and meeting parishioners, the Parking Ministry may be for you!    For more information, please email office@stfaustina.org if you are interestedgo to our website at:

Parking Ministry – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

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GRIEF SUPPORT — Have you experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, or if you are a caregiver.

St Faustina’s Grief Support group is here for you.  Please reach out to us.

For more information, please e-mail us at kmucci@stfaustina.org and someone will contact you.

HONORING OUR ST. FAUSTINA HEROES — We would like to honor our St. Faustina Heroes, those individuals who serve…or served…in the military and/or those who are…or were…First Responders.

If you, or a family member, would like to be recognized in our bulletin and on our parish web site, please email names to: office@stfaustina.org  in the following format:

Name, rank, branch of service …  if the individual was killed in action or died as a result of combat, please indicated with a *.   If the individual is deceased, please indicate with a +.

Unfortunately, in order to make sure that the information printed / posted is 100 % correct, we are unable to accept any phone calls.  The information contained in your email will be copied and pasted in both our bulletin and our website.

Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and cooperation.

For the updated list of our St. Faustina Heroes, please go to:  https://stfaustina.org/ministries/honoring-our-st-faustina-heroes/

DECADE A DAY MINISTRY

Do you have 5-10 minutes to spare? Many of you will say no. We are all so rushed,with work, school, social life. We all can make excuses, but really, are we that busy that we can’t make a little time to increase our prayer life. The decade a day rosary ministry is your chance to do just that! It is a commitment to say one decade of the rosary(same decade) everyday. It can be said anywhere, anytime. Walking the dog, driving the car (turn the radio off), sitting in your room. Your decade will be added to 19 other people to compete an entire rosary of Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous and Glorious Mysteries!

We have people from all over the US and a few other countries too!  Your intentions are your own, but many of us also pray for this special group. Our  intentions are also prayed for at several shrines and churches around the country. It is a wonderful to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Mary has asked us many times to pray the rosary–when will we heed the call?

For more information, email Rosemary Satterlee at resres517@yahoo.com or on our secure web page at :                                                  https://stfaustina.org/ministries/decade-a-day/ 

Each year parishes of the Diocese of Orlando are assessed with a contribution commitment toward the Diocese’s   Our Catholic Appeal (OCA).  Among many things, the Diocese OCA supports:

Diocesan ministries and families in the Mission of San Juan de la Maguana
Adults with disabilities at Bishop Grady Villas
Veterans and homeless at Pathways to Care
Every ministry and school in the Diocese of Orlando
People and families locally and globally in need of food, shelter, and education
State and National outreaches
Missions work locally and around the world

In February we announced that St. Faustina’s OCA assessment for 2023 is $87,990.92 which must be met before November.  A very obtainable goal for our parish!  If the goal is not met, the parish bank account is required to fund the remaining portion.  But if the goal is exceeded, most of the excess is returned to the parish.  A very reasonable outcome!

Each week Father Ramon and I (Joe) receive an OCA statement from our Diocese listing St. Faustina contributors and their contribution amounts.  It is so humbling to see the generous donations from our parish to our offertory, our Mortgage Reduction Fund and Capital Campaign, and of course the OCA!

Our latest St. Faustina statement reports that $57,927.60 has been pledged to the OCA!  Again and again, can we repeat our thankfulness to you?!  We are now at 66% of reaching St. Faustina’s OCA goal!  Once all commitments have been received, our goal is realized!

St. Faustina’s report from our Diocese shows 151 families having given to our OCA commitment in 2023.  If you have not yet contributed to the Diocese of Orlando’s OCA on behalf of St. Faustina, would you prayerfully consider doing so?  Envelopes (returned directly to the Diocese) were mailed to parishioners’ homes in February, but the address and more envelopes are available if needed.  With every OCA contribution, please be sure to use an OCA envelope/tag showing St. Faustina’s name so that proper parish credit is given…

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our office at Office@StFaustina.org or (352) 515-9297.

-Father Ramon and Joe

THE NEW INSTALLMENT OF BRICKS HAS ARRIVED The next round of bricks for the Memorial commemorating the unborn have arrived.  This joint fundraiser between our Knights of Columbus and our parish has already raised more than $4,000 for St. Faustina.

You can join your fellow parishioners by purchasing a commemorative brick to honor your family and friends.  A total of 229 bricks have already been placed.  There is no time limit or deadline to purchase bricks as the site outside the south side of the building will accommodate 700 bricks. The latest 50 bricks were recently placed…and we “thank you” for your patience.

This joint Saint Faustina Knights of Columbus and the St. Faustina Parish fundraiser is highlighted by a Memorial Monument commemorating the unborn. The cost of each of the 4×8 bricks is $100.00 and the cost each of the 4×4 tile is $25.00.  Your tile would have the same lettering as your brick.

The pamphlets to place your order can be found on the literature rack in the rear of the church. For additional information, please go to the Knights’ web page on our secure St. Faustina website at: Memorial to the Unborn Fundraiser – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)  or contact Bill Mattingly at 352-988-7000  or wmattingly@cfl.rr.com.

Since moving into our new home on February 4, our St. Faustina parish as been working on streaming live Masses, both the 8 am Daily Mass as well as the various weekend Masses.  While there may still be a few “kinks” to work out as we go forward, we are ready to present this new ministry to our parishioners and our entire Catholic Community.

The big question to be considered by everyone is: “Does viewing Mass on the Internet satisfy our Sunday obligation?”

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops*, “viewing a Mass, whether via television or on the Internet, is certainly a worthwhile activity, but it doesn’t fulfill one’s Sunday obligation regarding the Lord’s Day and the Third Commandment. However, if one is sick or physically unable to attend, one would be dispensed from the obligation.” *United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 

Attending mass should not be looked at as an obligation. Jesus wants us to want to be with Him and His community each and every Sunday in order to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass together as a Catholic Family.

In order to live stream our St. Faustina Masses, please go to our secure website at: www.stfaustina.org and click on the icon to the right of the page.

Our Parish Stewardship Prayer

O good and gracious God, we praise and thank you for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon us since the foundation of this great parish. We stand in gratitude for a beautiful building we can call our own, where worship celebrations and the administration of sacraments and ministries duly take place.

As we transition into our own place of worship, may we remain worthy stewards and willing instruments of your mercy, healing, and peace to the world around us. May visitors, pilgrims and friends feel the welcome and warmth of a growing faith community here at Lake County.

May our parishioners, benefactors and associates be blest with generous and loving hearts to collaborate and work together in harmony for the growth and increase of this faith community. Jesus, I trust in you, Jesus, I trust in you, Jesus I trust in you. St. Faustina, apostle of mercy and our patroness, pray for us!

Thank you for your OCA Contributions on behalf of St. Faustina!
Your Generous Contributions Support Missions Locally and Around the World!

WELCOME TO OUR ST. FAUSTINA PARISH FAMILY  Whether you are a new parishioner, a constant visitor, or a Snowbird, we invite you to register with our parish.  Registration forms can be downloaded from our website at: New Parishioner Registration – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)). Registration forms are also available in the back of the church and at the parish office during regular business hours…Monday thru Thursday from 9 am until 4 pm and on Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.

OUR HISTORY — If you are new to our parish and would like to learn about our 16 and a half year journey to our new home here on 15551 N. Boggy Marsh Road, please go to our website at:  St. Faustina History – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

Church Bequests After considering the needs of your family and loved ones, you can make a bequest of your remaining assets to St. Faustina Catholic Church.  Your bequest could be a set amount of money, a portion of your estate, or valuable collections you’d like to donate.

To observe the best method for naming St. Faustina in your will or trust, please ask your attorney to use the following terminology:

I give, devise, & bequeath (amount, article, stock, etc.)
to Bishop John Noonan, as Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, and his successors in the office, for the use of St. Faustina Catholic Church

15551 N. Boggy Marsh Rd. Clermont, FL 34714

As always, “thank you” for your continued support of our St. Faustina parish in everything that you do.

The St. Faustina Bereavement and Consolation Ministry is reaching out to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Our primary goal is to comfort and support those left behind.  Have you recently lost a loved one?  Are you struggling with the upcoming holidays? Our Consolation Ministry, Heart Links In Faith, can help you during this difficult time.  Please feel free to call the office at 352-525-9297 (ext. 102) for more information.

There are two ways you can get the bulletin digitally.  The first is to go to our new website: News / Weekly Bulletin – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)  The bulletin is usually posted on Friday morning.  The second is to have it delivered to your email. FIRST, click on the following:  St. Faustina Catholic Church | Discover Mass

THEN, click on the “bulletin” button and go down to the “Sign Up Today” button.  Fill in your email address, hit submit and your bulletin will be delivered to your email.  The cool thing about getting the bulletin digitally is that you can simply “click” on the various links that are in the publication and be taken to the corresponding site.

OPPORTUNITES TO PRAY TOGETHER—There are several opportunities for us to pray together as a parish family during the course of the day, the week, and the month.  Please consider joining us for any, or all, of the following:

Daily Rosary after the 8 am Mass,    Wednesday Holy Hour from 3 pm until 4 pm,  First Friday Adoration, 8:30 am to 9:30 am after the morning Mass

MARIA ROSA MYSTICA–First Thursday of each month, Maria Rosa Mystica ministry, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the church.  We pray for the Pope, priests, deacons, the religious, and for the increase of religious vocations.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY FIRST SATURDAY ROSARY–after the 8 am Mass, from 8:30 to 9:00, to pray for peace, understanding, comfort, and the healing of all peoples. For more information please see the Home Page of our website: www.stfaustina.org

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS is who we are as followers of Christ.  Sometimes when something is repeated over and over and over again, it loses its meaning.  Such could be the case with the Sign of the Cross. For us as Catholic Christians, it should be a reverent prayer, one to be reflected upon as we make the sign and say the most holy words: “In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen”… (which means, “I Believe.”)

To see a couple of articles on what Pope Francis says about the “Sign of the Cross”,     please go to:   Pope on Sign of the Cross – Aleteia

The sign of the cross is our badge, Pope Francis says | Catholic News Agency

Watching the news and reading the headlines, we may feel helpless seeing the heartbreaking lack of respect for human life. How do we respond when our efforts seem small in the face of the culture of death? 

LOOK FOR THE FOOD WAGONS!! “Thank You” for your continued support of our Food for All Ministry.       To participate, simply bring non-perishable food items and place them in one of the two wagons that will be located in the narthex near the warming kitchen.  Your donations will go directly to Hands of Hope America, which supports our local Four Corners families in their time of need.    Shopping bags, other than plastic, are also needed.

To learn more about the mission of Hands of Hope American, Inc., please go to their website at:              Home – Hands of Hope America

HAVE YOU BEEN TO OUR PARISH GIFT SHOP LATELY? — If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some really great items that are a part of our parish history.  Mugs and tumblers featuring the Divine Mercy image, our patron saint, our parish AND our new church building are currently among the various Christian items that are now on sale.  If you have collected St. Faustina parish fund-raising memorabilia in the past, you won’t want to miss adding these items to your collection.  If you would like to learn more about our Gift Shop or how you can volunteer to help, please go to their page on our new parish web site at:   Gift Shop – St. Faustina Catholic Church – Clermont (stfaustina.org)

South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center — Our Parish support for the South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center continues. Your gifts of diapers (especially Sizes 4 & 5), wipes and sanitary supplies are greatly appreciated. Lightly used baby clothing, strollers and other small items can also be accepted. Contact Tom and Nancy Madden at tomnancy94@msn.com for more information.
For more information, please go to their web site at:  www.slpfcc.org 

RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS at ST. FAUSTINA

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

The sacrament of Holy Baptism is usually scheduled for the third weekend of each month on Sunday at 12:30. Baptismal Preparation Classes are typically scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm. The Baptismal Preparation Class is required for first-time parents or if there is no record of a previous class. A Baptismal date cannot be scheduled before registration for the preparation class is scheduled. Class space is limited, so please plan ahead.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a serious commitment not to be taken lightly or unadvisedly. It typically takes 6- 12 months to complete the required and proper preparation for marriage. Therefore, if this sacrament is a consideration, please contact our office approximately one year in advance and before wedding plans and a date are set.

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