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Pastor Fr. Fernando Orejuela (A.I.C.) evicts Society of St. Vincent de Paul from St. Boniface Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL
I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it first hand, but the new pastor of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL is making some major changes at his parish. His preoccupation with all the Spanish ministries has left the ignored English-only speaking parishoners (many lifelong and elderly members) to leave their “neighborhood” parish and pilgrimage to other churches.
It’s a different parish than even a few years ago. There has always been a great need for Spanish ministries in the parish neighborhood, but now they make phonecalls to parishoners for donations to buy personal translating devices so English speakers can understand what is being said. I could understand if the parish is a “mission parish” like San Isidro Mission in Pampano Beach, but marginalizing the English speakers is a poor pastoral example.
In the past few days, the pastor wrote a letter to one of their longest working ministries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocese of Miami council link), to vacate the premises by the end of the month (10 days away). They need to shut down their parish food pantry to make room for a bigger chapel. Not even meeting with the ministry volunteers, but writing a letter while the ministry head was sick in the hospital, only to return home to an eviction letter from their pastor for a ministry they volunteer their time on a daily basis.
Why would they turn away an independent organization that provides for the needs of the needy (with food, clothing, money, support, prayer, etc.)? Many depend on selfless groups like St. Vincent de Paul for essentials. I hope and pray the parish can continue to meet the needs of the suffering of the parish, while redecorating the rectory with expensive new furniture.
I don’t know much about who this new pastor is, but I hope his changes are just a case of poor communication and mistaken perception of his vision and direction for the parish.
Pastor Fr. Fernando Orejuela, A.I.C. is a religious priest from the order of La Sociedad de la Inmaculada Concepcion (Society of the Immaculate Conception) from Colombia. He has an active following on YouTube and through Spanish radio/tv shows. The charism of his religious order is:
El Carisma de nuestra Sociedad de la Inmaculada Concepción es: “Aceptar, vivir y proclamar el Señorío de Jesucristo, a imitación de la Santísima Virgen María en la Iglesia y en el mundo, en orden a la Cristofinalización” (Cf. Ef. 1,10)
which I Google translated into: “The charism of the Society of the Immaculate Conception is: “Accept, live and proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Church and in the world, in order to renew in Christ everything that exists through him in heaven and on earth” (cf. Eph 1. 10)
summer migrant ministry in VA
A speaker from the Office of Migrant Ministry in Richmond, Virginia came to the seminary today to invite us for a summer pastoral ministry position in Virginia. Here are some details from their flyer …
Office of Migrant Ministry works with local parishes to extend the church’s pastoral presence to migrant farm workers and their families particularly on the Eastern Shore and in Southside Virginia. The office networks with local agencies to meet the social service needs of migrant farm workers and advocates for social policies to protect and promote their rights. Phone: (757) 787-7862. PO Box 584, Accomac, VA 23301. Coordinator: Mr. James R. Albright
SUMMER PASTORAL MINISTRY position available: You can serve through Pastoral Outreach amongst farm workers and their families in rural Virginia. An opportunity to be the “welcoming” presence of the local Catholic Church and to be the bridge that connects the migrant farm workers and the local community. Work with parish volunteers to help provide access to liturgies, sacraments and needed social services and advocacy.
PRE-REQUISITES:
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Be a practicing Catholic, possessing knowledge, understanding and positive regard for the Faith
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Be a Spanish speaker
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Possess a valid driver’s license & good driving record
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Have interpersonal, organizational and good communication skills
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Be self-motivated and successful at college level responsibilities
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Be able to work as a team and work with volunteers
TIME COMMITMENT: from 9 to 12 weeks (depending on one’s availability & ministry needs) beginning after mid-May and running through mid-August. A significant amount of time will be spent visiting people at their homes in the evening. One is expected to minister at least five days (about 20 hours) and six evenings (about 18 hours) per week.
FINANCIAL & SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS: the following will be provided: (may vary — call for details)
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vehicle & travel expenses for ministry related travel
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local housing and parish office support
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a weekly stipend (~$300)
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airfare to Virginia
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(not provided) workers are expected to buy & prepare their own food
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(not provided) workers must maintain their own medical insurance for medical needs not related to employment
— I would probably be interested if my Spanish was better
volunteering @ Convenant House
I went for a volunteer interview at Convenant House (shelter for runaway teens) today. It looks like a great place for kids. They have 100+ bed capacity with kids of all different backgrounds. I noted I was interested in the pastoral ministry they have, but was open to whatever area they could use me for. The big question? My schedule. I know seminary life is primary, but I would like to challenge my ministry experience to try to be “all things to all people,” as the priesthood entails. Covenant House was started by a Catholic priest and I really like the mission statement:
Mission Statement: We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that effects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.
The kids really need “regular” pastoral ministry, so creating a fixed schedule will be crucial, even if it is every other week (Sat or Sun). If I do find time to volunteer, I’d probably get to know the kids in some other position, like “activities” or “intake.” — We’ll see.
As I mentioned that I start seminary tomorrow, it’s starting to hit me … I’m not ready (packing)!
Covenant House
I finally filled out the volunteer application for Covenant House, a Catholic shelter for homeless teens (under age 21) on Ft. Lauderdale beach. They’ve been looking to fill a “Pastoral Minister” position for years, but only recently found someone for the last couple of months. They organize spiritual activities like prayer services, council, Bible study, and take kids to church (of various faiths). It sounds like a difficult, but very necessary service for these teens.
After last months YES Retreat, which had a speaker from Covenant House, I decided to see if I could volunteer some time on the weekends, especially since our youth group is no longer active. While trying to get to the place today, the police had 2 blocks around the building blocked off — I thought it was a hostage standoff. Apparently, a dump truck driver knocked over some electrical poles and cause a major power outage. Of all days that I pick to go!
Just to top things off, I found out the new “Pastoral Minister” is leaving in a couple of weeks. — These kids just can’t get a break!
Y.E.S. D5: Closing Mass
To close day #5 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, families were invited to celebrate Mass.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D5: Breakfast & Prayer
Day #5 of the Y.E.S. Retreat had breakfast & opening prayer.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Dancing?
Usually, on the last night of a retreat, nobody can sleep. Well, after 4 days on the Y.E.S. Retreat, this was no exception. Most got involved in an interesting version of “So You Think You Can Dance?” to grooves by Mixmaster “Upsidedowny” on the laptop. Since I only had 15 minutes of videotape left, I saved it for tomorrow’s Mass. I think that was God’s plan. 🙂
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
I found a 2 minute video clip (accidentally recorded on my memorystick) recorded by “Esmerelda” in the hallway at night just before lights out. I think they’re playing “Mission Impossible” or mountain climbing??? WARNING: If you get motion-sickness, this is not the clip for you. (12 MB in size)
Y.E.S. D4: Great Commission
On the last evening (day #4) of the Y.E.S. Retreat, we had a evening prayer service which included a commissioning service.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Dinner
Our dinner on day #4 of the Y.E.S. Retreat was good, especially with Bishop Estevez.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Bishop Estevez
On day #4 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, we had a surprise guest, Auxiliary Bishop Estevez. He joined us for evening prayer (before dinner) and gave a great teaching on the Eucharist.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Covenant House
On day #4 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, we had a guest speaker from Covenant House, a shelter for runaway teens in Ft. Lauderdale.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Free Time
For free-time on day #4 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, some slept to catch some ZZZs while others played football.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Daily Bread Food Bank
Our third Y.E.S. service project (on day #4) was sorting food @ Daily Break Food Bank in Lauderdale Lakes.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D4: Breakfast & Prayer
Day #4 of the Y.E.S. Retreat began with breakfast and prayer.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D3: Free Time
For free-time on day #3 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, some slept to catch some ZZZs while other practiced their S.W.A.T. team training. 🙂
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D3: Providence Place
Our second Y.E.S. service project was a painting at a women’s shelter @ Providence Place.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D3: Breakfast & Prayer
Day #3 of the Y.E.S. Retreat began with breakfast and prayer.
[pictures coming soon]
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D2: Immigration & sharing & making lunch
On day #2 of the Y.E.S. Retreat, we had guest speaker Sr. Ondina Cortes (Director of the Office of Youth & Young Adults) show the movie, “Dying to Live” and speak on our response to the Immigration problems in our country.
At the end of the night, we all got together to review the day and share our experiences. To save time in the morning, we made P&J sandwiches for our lunch the next day. An AWESOME first day!
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D2: “Class” Dinner
Our dinner on day #2 of the Y.E.S. Retreat had a twist. To determine the “type” of dinner each would eat, we randomly chose an “Upper,” “Middle,” or “Lower” class dinner.
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
Y.E.S. D2: St. Elizabeth Gardens
Our first Y.E.S. service project was an elderly day-care center in Pompano Beach, St. Elizabeth Gardens. We played games like “wheelchair races” & “beanbag toss.” Then, after an aerobic workout, we had lunch before playing some BINGO.
NOTE: MASTER LIST of all Y.E.S. events & video status HERE.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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