In April 2021, Pope Francis announced the next General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.” Since its establishment during the Second Vatican Council, the Synod of Bishops has provided a forum for the forward progress of our Church. Recognizing that the Church today must exist “permanently in a state of mission,” the Holy Father has stated that the Synod of Bishops “must increasingly become a privileged instrument for listening to the People of God.” (Episcipalis Communio) With the convocation of this XVI Synod of Bishops, therefore, the voice of the People of God will be solicited and heard in a new way.
Our Archdiocesan synodal process will commence in communion with the Universal Church this Sunday, October 17, 2021, and close on the feast of Pentecost, June 5, 2022. During this time, every parish and all the People of God are called upon to participate in the consultation process, so that we may “gather the wealth of the experiences” of our local church (Vademecum 31). Not only will we be exploring the themes, challenges, and gifts of the Universal Church as one family “journeying together,” but we will also be exploring our own local initiatives in light of the Archdiocese of Miami’s 2014- 2016 Pastoral Plan, “Disciples in Faith, Missionaries of Hope,” and seeking to establish renewed priorities for the upcoming five years.
Synod (syn-od, pronounced sin'ud) comes from Greek roots meaning to come together in order to move forward on a path. In a synod, the bishop calls his people together in order to move forward on a pathway.
Since the first council of Jerusalem to the present, the people of God, guided by the leadership of their shepherds, have grown by dialog and consultation about matters that pertain to our life within the Church and in the world. Since Vatican II, the synod has been revived as a major instrument of spiritual and pastoral renewal. Blessed John Paul II encouraged the use of synods as a means to carry out renewal within the universal Church.
Answering Blessed John Paul II's call for revival, our second Archbishop, Edward J. McCarthy, convened the First First General Synod in Miami in 1985.
We have now entered into the 3rd millennium of Christianity, and the challenges and opportunities present to the people of the Archdiocese of Miami are numerous; some are as old as the Church herself, others are products of the many changes in our world. The goal of the synod is to set pastoral priorities for the future and inspire and engage the People of God to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The work of the Synod will be accomplished by a diverse group of volunteers, comprised of clergy, religious, and lay leaders from across the Archdiocese. Thousands will participate in one of many listening sessions held throughout the diocese or on various teams sponsored to address a certain area of focus surfaced during the listening sessions.
The listening sessions are a centerpiece of the Synod process. These are large town hall-type meetings to which all Catholics are invited. Participants at the listening sessions will be asked to individually reflect on three questions, then to further explore the questions in small groups, and finally, will be given the opportunity to share any comments with the larger group. The feedback gathered at the sessions will be collected and recorded, and will provide the foundation for the work of the Focus Area Teams.
Please click here for the Synod Listening Sessions Calendar
The final step in the process is the integration of all the input from the people of the Archdiocese and the work of the various teams into actionable goals and plans to guide the work of the Archbishop and the church for the next three to four years. The priorities and goals established as a result of the Synod process will be formally announced and the Synod concluded in October, 2023.
Synod Timeline
September 2021 | Preparatory Document + Vademecum
October 9, 10 & 17, 2021 | Celebration of the Opening (Rome + dioceses) Diocesan synodal phase
April 2022 | Synthesis
September 2022 | Instrumentum Laboris 1
Before March 2023 | Continental/Regional Ecclasial Assemblies
Below you will find the links to employment opportunities currently available within the archdiocese. Read each posting thoroughly and follow the particular instructions on how to submit your resume properly.
All employees hired by the Archdiocese of Miami will need to complete the Archdiocesan criminal background screening prior to employment, and participate in Safe Environment Virtus Training (U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People) shortly after hire.
Documents
Interested applicants will need to submit an updated resume, cover letter and application to the email provided on the job posting.
The Archdiocese of Miami, in communion with the Universal Church and Pope Francis, opened the Jubilee Year of 2025 with a solemn Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on December 28, 2024.
Over 1,000 worshippers were present @stmaryscathedral for the opening of the Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Miami.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presided over the celebration of the Mass.
The person is "moved by a spirit of charity," is "purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by Holy Communion" and prays for the Pope.
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Places of Prayer for Jubilee Year
For pilgrims who cannot travel to Rome, Archbishop Thomas Wenski has designated the following special places of prayer for Jubilee Year, offering opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences, and other events intended to strengthen and revive faith.
Groups of faithful who wish to organize pilgrimages should coordinate with the designated site so that the pilgrims can be properly welcomed and have access to the Sacraments, especially confession.
Interested in a Catholic school? Admission to a Catholic school begins with an in-person visit and tour. We encourage you to visit the website of any potential school to better get to know the community. You should then contact the school office and arrange for an in-person tour.
After you complete your tour, you may be invited to complete an Application for Admissions. This application may include such information as your child’s academic background, your contact information, your child’s relevant medical history, experiences in any schools so far, participation in any Catholic sacraments, etc. Once you have completed an application, your school will contact you regarding next steps.
In completing your child’s application, it is important to disclose any/all diagnoses of specific physical, behavioral, or learning needs. We want to try to work with all families, and it is important that your child’s needs be understood during the application phase.
We welcome families of all backgrounds to our schools, including children from different ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and geographic origins.”
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
The link below will go on the top bar of the web site.
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St. John Bosco Clinic now part of Archdiocese of Miami
MIAMI | Effective Oct. 1, 2021, St. John Bosco Clinic and the SSJ Health Foundation came under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Miami, with Catholic Charities set to oversee the management of both.
In doing so, the archdiocese will continue the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine in caring for "the dear neighbor" in need of health care. The Sisters founded the clinic in 1992 and established the SSJ Health Foundation to raise funds for its work. The clinic, staffed by volunteer physicians, serves underserved and uninsured children and adults who lack access to basic health care. Most of them are poor and undocumented.
The clinic was first located on the grounds of St. John Bosco Church in Little Havana and is now located on the property of Corpus Christi Church in Miami.
"While the early days of the clinic attended to a mostly Cuban population, the countries of origin of our patients have grown," said Berta Cabrera, who has served as executive director of both the clinic and the foundation for the past 10 years and will be retiring effective Dec. 31, 2021. "In the past years, we have seen many more patients from countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, and most recently, Venezuela — some receiving full health screenings at our clinic for the very first time in their lives."
Catholic Charities will provide management services to support the operations of the St. John Bosco Clinic and the SSJ Health Foundation effective January 1, 2022.
"We anticipate our role to be more of guidance and oversight as these two organizations have operated independently for close to 30 years," said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities.
The Archdiocese of Miami is home to over half a million Catholics in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. Mass is celebrated in a dozen languages. We have 109 parishes and missions, including the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity; and 64 schools, including 14 high schools and one virtual school. The archdiocese is led by Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
When he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami in 1979, the Most Reverend Agustín Román became the first Cuban in 200 years to be appointed bishop in the United States.
Bishop Román came to South Florida after being expelled from Cuba by Fidel Castro's regime. He and 132 other Cuban priests, including Bishop Eduardo Boza Masvidal (deceased former auxiliary bishop in Venezuela) were aboard the Spanish ship "Covadonga" when it sailed from Havana on Sept. 17, 1961.
Bishop Román ministered in Chile for four years before coming to Miami in 1966, where he became identified, almost immediately, with the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity. His exhortations to fellow exiles to donate "kilos prietos" (tarnished pennies -- what little they could afford in those early days) over a seven-year period raised enough to pay for the construction of the Shrine on Biscayne Bay. Dedicated to Cuba's patroness, it has become a beacon for exiles from many nations, luring thousands of worshippers each year. After retirement, Bishop Román remained active at the Shrine, where he greeted visitors, taught catechesis, responded to letters from fellow Cuban exiles, answered the phone and heard confessions until the last day of his life.
He is fluent in Latin, English, and French, and holds advanced degrees in theology and human resources. He served on the U.S. Bishops' Committee for Hispanic Affairs, and was a member of the Committee on Migration and Tourism. Prior to becoming a bishop, he worked as a hospital chaplain (1968-1973); director of the Spanish-speaking Cursillo Movement (1978-1979); spiritual director of the Charismatic Movement (1977-1979); member of the committee on Popular Piety; and episcopal vicar for the Spanish-speaking people of the Archdiocese (1976 – 1984).
The son of humble Cuban peasants, Bishop Román has never forgotten his roots. His ministry in South Florida has been marked by humility, tenacity and unceasing devotion to his work. He tends to speak in parables, using stories full of everyday symbolism to illustrate his point. Yet in his quiet, unassuming way, he gets things done.
At no time was this more evident than in December, 1986, when Cuban detainees rioted in federal prisons in Atlanta and Oakdale, LA, to protest their indefinite incarceration and probable deportation to Cuba. Seeking a mediator for their negotiations with federal agents, the prisoners called on Bishop Román, who had been corresponding with many of them or their families since their arrival on the 1980 Mariel boatlift. His role in ending the crisis without loss of blood earned him recognition as ABC News' Person of the Week, "a man of compassion, gentility and commitment... a man with a strong personality and humble spirit."
When the press began calling him a hero, Bishop Roman responded with characteristic humility: "A bishop, a priest, is a servant, not a hero."
Biography
Auxiliary Bishop Agustín A. Román
Biography Of The Most Reverend Agustín Román (13:20) Spanish Version May 25, 2004
Born/Died:
May 5, 1928, San Antonio de los Banos, Havana, Cuba
April 11, 2012, Miami, Florida
Ordained:
To the priesthood, July 5,1959, for the Diocese of Matanzas, Cuba
Titular Bishop of Sertei and Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Miami, March 24,1979
Education:
Philosophy: St. Albert the Great Seminary, Matanzas, Cuba
Theology: Seminary for Foreign Missions, Montreal, Canada
Master's in Religious Studies, Barry College (now university), Miami, Florida
Master's in Human Resources, Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University), Opa-Locka, Florida
Priestly Ministry:
Diocese of Matanzas, Cuba, 1959 - 1961: Pastor of Coliseo-Lagunillas and Pedro Betancourt parishes, and spiritual director of Catholic Youth
Expelled from Cuba, September 17,1961, along with 132 fellow priests and Bishop Eduardo Boza Masvidal
Diocese of Temuco, Chile, 1962 - 1966: Spiritual director and professor of the Institute of Humanities; pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, in Temuco; spiritual director of Cursillo
Archdiocese of Miami, 1966 to present:
He served as Vicar General, Consultor, member of the Archbishop's Executive Council, as well as Vicar for Hispanics from 1976 to 2003
From 1979 to 1997, he served as Executive Director of the Ministry of Pastoral Service, which includes: Hispanic movements; ministry to Haitians, Blacks and other cultural groups; ministry to families, youth, young adults, the sick, the handicapped, farmworkers, prisoners, and Respect Life
He served as director, Ministry of Persons, which includes priests, religious and laity, from 1997 to 2003
Director, Our Lady of Charity Shrine, since 1967; rector emeritus since 2003
Archbishop Emeritus of Miami John Clement Favalora
John Clement Favalora was born December 5, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, Louisiana; Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans; and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, where he was ordained on December 20, 1961.
On November 3, 1994 Bishop John Favalora was appointed to succeed retiring Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy, becoming the third Archbishop of Miami. Archbishop Favalora was installed on December 20, 1994, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Miami.
Archbishop Favalora has spoken out on behalf of the rights of immigrants, especially Haitians. The Archbishop has and will continue to fight for the rights of Haitians that have arrived on our shorelines to get them Temporary Protective status to stay in our country.
The Archbishop was chosen in 1997 as a U.S. delegate to the Synod for America. Many of the initiatives now being taken in the Archdiocese, chief among them the emphasis on missionary activity at the parish and school levels, are in keeping with the recommendation of that synod.
Archbishop Favalora initiated the Vision 2000 endowment in 2000 with the goal of raising $75 million to secure the future of the archdiocese. Vision 2000 raised about $108 million in pledges.
In the fall of 2006, he promulgated “Fountain of Grace,” a 50-page booklet containing a basic introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The booklet was created at his request, to make sure that anybody engaged in ministry in the archdiocese has a fundamental understanding of the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. “Fountain of Grace” is required reading for anyone seeking to teach, sing, lector, distribute the Eucharist, or engage in any other type of parish service in the Archdiocese of Miami.
The Archbishop has written four Pastoral letters; his first two coincided with the beginning and the end of the Jubilee Year 2000 and his last two coincided with the beginning and the end of the Archdiocese’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2008. In his last pastoral letter he wrote brief reflections on the events in the life of the Holy Family and some applications to our present day family life.
The Archbishop has supported both St. John Vianney College Seminary and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary by being a strong role model of priestly formation and by attending Mass with the seminarians. In 2009 St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami celebrated its golden jubilee with a record number of seminarians enrolled.
Biography
Born:
December 5, 1935, New Orleans, Louisiana
Only son of Felix J. Favalora and Leona M. Stevens (both deceased)
Ordained:
To the priesthood, December 20, 1961
Appointed Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana, June 24, 1986
Consecrated Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana, July 29, 1986
Appointed Bishop of St. Petersburg, Florida, March 7, 1989
Installed as third Bishop of St. Petersburg, May 16, 1989
Appointed Archbishop of Miami, Florida, November 3, 1994
Installed as third Archbishop of Miami, December 20, 1994
Retired as third Archbishop of Miami, April 20, 2010
Education:
St. Joseph Seminary, St. Benedict, Louisiana (1954-56)
Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana (1956-58)
Licentiate Degree in Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy (1958-62)
Teacher certification for secondary school Latin and Social Studies, Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana (1964-65)
Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. (1965-66)
Master in Education Degree in Major School Administration; Certification for Administration and Supervision, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana (1968-69)
Honorary Doctorate Degree in Sacred Theology, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana (1987)
Honorary Doctor of Letters, St. Leo College, Florida
Priestly Ministry
Assistant pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, New Orleans (1962-70)
Secretary to Archbishop, Archdiocese of New Orleans (1963-65)
Vice-Chancellor, Archdiocese of New Orleans (1963-65)
Vice-Rector, St. John Prep, New Orleans (1964-67)
Principal, St. John Prep, New Orleans (1968-71)
Director, Office of Permanent Diaconate, Archdiocese of New Orleans (1971-74)
Administrative Assistant, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans (1971-73)
Pastor, St. Angela Merici Church, Metairie, Louisiana (1973-79)
Director, Office of Vocations, Archdiocese of New Orleans (1979-81)
Rector-President, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans (1981-86)
Other duties: Ecclesiastical Notary; Pro-Synodal Judge; Dean; Vicar for Pastoral Planning; Consultor of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Past Memberships / Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Knights of the Holy Sepulchre; Knights of St. Peter Claver
Florida Catholic Conference Board of Directors
Board of Trustees: St. Leo College; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary; St. John Vianney Seminary; Florida Catholic newspaper; Catholic University of America
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry; Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse; Pro-Life Committee; Black Liturgy Subcommittee
Central Louisiana Ministerial Association; Louisiana Catholic Conference Board of Directors; Louisiana Catholic Conference Continuing Education of Clergy Committee; National State University at Alexandria Lay Advisory Committee; North American College in Rome Board of Governors; North American College Formation Committee
The coat of arms of Archbishop Wenski as Archbishop of Miami is a combination of his personal one with that of the archdiocese.
As chief shepherd of the Catholic Church in South Florida, Archbishop Thomas Wenski is responsible for the pastoral care of more than 1 million Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities and over 34,000 students learning in 62 Catholic schools in the archdiocese.
The Office of the Archbishop has canonical and legal responsibilities associated with the administration of the Archdiocese. These are carried out at the Pastoral Center, which is located in Miami Shores. The Archbishop heads the Executive Office of the Pastoral Center and is assisted by the Chancellor for Administration, Chancellor for Canonical Affairs and the Vicar General.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski describes the priesthood as a constant state of sacrifice. Which is not to say that he regrets any of his more than 40 years in ministry.
“It’s the best work you can do,” he said. “You give yourself to God and God’s people.”
A lifetime of giving certainly has not diminished Archbishop Wenski’s sense of humor. He loves to joke (in three languages), rides a motorcycle for relaxation and has been known to puff on a cigar now and then.
Born in Lake Worth, Florida, the blond, blue-eyed son of Polish immigrants, he speaks Spanish like a Cuban, Creole like a Haitian and, ironically, only “limited” Polish. He first thought of becoming a priest as a third grader at Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth and entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami at age 13.
He learned Spanish from classmates there and at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, as well as by listening to Cuban radio stations and hanging out in Hialeah and Little Havana.
Ordained in 1976 by Miami’s first bishop, the late Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll, Archbishop Wenski thought he would be working with Hispanics all his life. Then he arrived at Corpus Christi Parish in Miami’s Wynwood section and found a group of 40-50 Haitians who gathered regularly for Mass and prayer.
“They filled that church with song,” he recalled.
His conviction that every group needs to be ministered to in its own language compelled him to back his words with actions. So he took a course in Creole, and when Archbishop Emeritus Edward A. McCarthy found out, Archbishop Wenski’s fate was sealed. After spending a summer in Haiti learning Creole, he spent the next 18 years working with Miami’s growing Haitian community, a role which made him concurrent pastor of three missions: one in Miami, one in Fort Lauderdale, another in Pompano – all of which he founded.
He often traveled as far away as Winter Haven, Fort Pierce and Immokalee to celebrate Mass with Haitian communities, a commute which spurred him to earn a pilot’s license. His ministry also included frequent visits to the Krome Avenue Detention Center, where newly-arrived refugees often languished for months.
“My task was to make the Church visible to the Haitians and to make the Haitians visible to the Church,” he said. “All of God’s children should feel at home in their Father’s house. The best way to make them feel at home is to speak their mother’s tongue.”
Archbishop Wenski quickly became known as an outspoken advocate for Haitians not only within the Church but in the community. The Pierre Toussaint Haitian Catholic Center, which adjoins Notre Dame d’Haiti Mission in Miami, provides day-care, English classes, legal advice and job referrals to Haitian immigrants.
As if his duties as a circuit-riding pastor were not enough, he learned desktop publishing and single-handedly put out the nation’s first Creole-language newspaper, Lavwa Katolik (The Catholic Voice). In 1993, he also earned a master’s degree in sociology from Fordham University.
The archbishop traces his strong convictions on social justice issues to his upbringing as the child of Polish immigrants and the word made famous by a Polish pope: Solidarity.
“I come from very simple stock,” he said, joking that Lake Worth is a far cry from West Palm Beach, let alone Palm Beach. His father worked with his hands, “he had callouses and sunburn” and he drank beer, not cocktails.
While the Catholic Church in the United States started out as a Church of immigrants, more and more Catholics are now middle-class suburbanites, Archbishop Wenski said. “It was easy for that newly middle-class Church not to see the newcomer who was poor. Since the Gospel is for all men and women, we have to make it present to all.”
In 1996, that meant even Cubans on the island. Despite loud objections from some in the exile community, he spearheaded a relief operation that delivered more than 150,000 pounds of food to Caritas Cuba for distribution to people left homeless by Hurricane Lily. It was the first time that Miami’s Cubans had undertaken such a humanitarian relief effort for their compatriots.
Becoming auxiliary bishop of Miami in 1997, and subsequently being named head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, allowed Archbishop Wenski to broaden his advocacy. In 2003, the committee and its Mexican counterpart published “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” a first-ever joint pastoral statement urging better treatment of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. Archbishop Wenski also has traveled as far away as Korea and the Congo to study the plight of refugees. And he has been heavily involved in PROCHE, the international Partnership for Church Reconstruction in Haiti in response to the January 2010 Port-au-Prince earthquake.
After being named coadjutor bishop of Orlando in 2003, and taking over as bishop in 2004, Miami’s “native son” returned to South Florida in 2010 as the archdiocese’s fourth archbishop. He quickly moved to reopen some parishes that had been closed due to the 2009 financial crisis, and launched a second archdiocesan synod in 2012. It concluded in October 2013 with a Strategic Pastoral Plan which began to be implemented in 2014.
He continues to speak out as strongly for immigrants as for the unborn, and urges Catholics to set an example of holiness in a world full of outrage and divisiveness.
As his episcopal motto, taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, states, Archbishop Wenski has “become all things to all in order to save at least some.”
“That is what I’ve tried to do,” he said. “To save souls for Christ, and hopefully in doing so, to save my own soul.”
Biography
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
Born:
October 18, 1950, West Palm Beach.
Son of Chester S. Wenski and Louise M. (nee Zawacka) Wenski.
One younger sister, Mary Engle.
Ordained:
To the priesthood, May 15, 1976, for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Appointed Titular Bishop of Kearney and Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, June 24, 1997.
Consecrated to the episcopacy September 3, 1997.
Appointed coadjutor bishop of Orlando, July 1, 2003; succeeded Bishop Norbert Dorsey upon his retirement, Nov. 13, 2004.
Appointed Archbishop of Miami, April 20, 2010.
Installed as fourth Archbishop of Miami, June 1, 2010.
Served as Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, March 2011-June 2012.
He is the only Florida native serving as a bishop in the state.
Education:
Sacred Heart School, Lake Worth.
St. John Vianney Seminary, Miami, Associate in Arts (1963-1970).
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Bachelor in Arts (1972); Master of Divinity (1975).
Catholic University of Lublin, Poland, summer courses in Polish language and culture (1981, 1983).
Fordham University, Master of Arts in sociology (pastoral planning) (1992).
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, some Polish.
Priestly Ministry:
Parochial vicar, Corpus Christi, Miami (1976-1979).
Associate rector, St. Mary Cathedral, Miami (1981-1984).
Director, Haitian Apostolate (1985-1998); includes Pierre Toussaint Haitian Catholic Center, Miami, and circuit-riding ministry that establishes Haitian communities from Homestead in the south to Fort Pierce in the north, Immokalee in the west and Fort Lauderdale in the east.
Pastor, Notre Dame d’Haiti Mission, Miami (1985-1998); and concurrently, pastor of Divine Mercy Mission, Fort Lauderdale (1987-1997), and St. Joseph Mission, Pompano Beach (1991-1997).
Coordinator, Ministry to Cultural Groups (1990-2003).
Director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami (1995-2003).
Archdiocesan director of Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Disaster Relief, Catholic Commission for Social Advocacy, and Ministry to Sexual Minorities (1996-2003).
Other appointments: Archdiocesan Committee on Popular Piety and Presbyteral Council; secretary of the Catholic Community Service Board, Catholic Child Welfare Trust Board and Catholic Family and Children’s Services; Archbishop’s representative to the Greater Miami Religious Leaders Coalition and the Board of Directors of the Florida Loan Fund.
Committees, boards:
Chair, U.S. bishops' Committee for Religious Liberty (July 2020-November 2020).
Member, U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration (chair, 2002-2004).
Consultant, U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace (chair, 2005-2008).
Member, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development (chair, 2013-2016).
Member, U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America .
Consultant, U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Board member, Catholic Relief Services.
Board member, Catholic Leadership Institute, “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” .
Board of Directors, St. John Vianney Seminary, Miami.
Board of Trustees, St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Boynton Beach .
Board of Directors, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan.
Member, Scalabrini International Migration Network Advisory Committee .
Board member, The Catholic University of America (2009-2017) .
Chair, U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Policy (2004-2008).
Member, Governor’s Task Force on Haiti (2004-2005).
Board member, Florida Council on Homelessness (2001-2004).
Awards:
1975: Seminarian of the Year, Archdiocese of Miami.
1987: St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary’s annual award to outstanding priests, for his “apostolic zeal and multicultural openness.” He was only the third recipient of the honor and the first seminary alumnus to be so honored..
1994: Charles Whited Spirit of Excellence Award, from The Miami Herald.
1996: Father Moczygemba Award from National Polish American Priests’ Association.
2008: Outstanding Community Service Award, UCF-Global Connection Foundation.
Honorary doctorates: Barry University, Miami Shores,1997; St. Leo University, St. Leo, Florida, 2004.
Episcopal Motto:
Omnia Omnibus (1 Corinthians 9:22): “I have become all things to all in order to save at least some”
The Archdiocesan News Widget is a free application you can post on your parish or school website that updates automatically every time a new story or statement is posted.
Click on any of the links below to see examples of the Archdiocesan News Widget :
Enrique Delgado, born December 26, 1955 in Lima, Peru is one of 12 siblings. All are professionals.
Delgado studied at the University of Lima where in 1986 he earned a Masters in Economics with a concentration on
Finance and Accounting. He managed a company with 150 employees, but after several years of working he discerned a
vocation to the priesthood.
Delgado decided to immigrate to the US and applied for the Archdiocese of Miami and was accepted into its seminary
programs in Miami and Boynton Beach where he graduated with honors receiving both a Masters of Theology and a
Masters of Divinity. Father Delgado was ordained June 29, 1996 for the Archdiocese of Miami in Lima, Peru. Miami
auxiliary, Agustin Roman, was the ordaining bishop.
After being assigned as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Key Biscayne from June 1996 to June 1999 and
Nativity Catholic Church in Hollywood from June 1999 to April 2003, Father Delgado was appointed pastor of St.
Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Key Largo, Florida in April of 2003.
In August of 2010, he was appointed pastor of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Weston, Florida where he
recently completed construction of the parish’s first church building.
In December 2015, having completed his doctoral dissertation, “Building our Parish Together: An Exploration in
Participatory Leadership”, Father Delgado was awarded a PhD in practical theology from St. Thomas
University in Miami Gardens, Florida.
On Oct. 12, 2017, Pope Francis appointed Bishop-elect Delgado as Auxiliary Bishop of Miami.
Biography
The Most * Rev. Enrique Delgado
Born:
Dec. 26, 1955, in Lima, Peru
Fourth of 12 siblings
Ordained:
To the priesthood: June 29, 1996 in Lima, Peru, for the Archdiocese of Miami
To the episcopacy: Dec. 7, 2017, in Miami
Education:
Industrial engineering degree, 1982, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal
Master’s in economics with specialization in accounting and finance, 1986, Universidad de Lima
Master's in Theology, 1995, Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
Master's in Divinity, 1996, Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
Ph.D. in Practical Theology, 2015, Saint Thomas University
Work Experience:
Industrial engineer, Lima Caucho (B.F. Goodrich), 1980-1987
Adjunct general manager, Artesanías del Peru, 1987-1988
Sub-director, COFIDE, Peru’s corporation for development, 1988-1991
Priestly Ministry:
Parochial vicar, St. Agnes, Key Biscayne, July 1996-June 1999
Parochial vicar, Nativity, Hollywood, June 1999-April 2003
Administrator/pastor,St. Justin Martyr, Key Largo, April 2003-August 2010
Pastor, St. Katharine Drexel, Weston, since August 2010
Appointed Titular Bishop of Aquae Novae in Proconsulari and Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, Oct. 12, 2017
Episcopal Motto:
Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”
Bishop Estévez was born February 5, 1946 in Havana, Cuba and arrived in the United States on a Pedro Pan flight as a teenager. He was ordained in 1970 and has done extensive studies in Spiritual Theology, earning a doctorate from Gregorian University in Rome. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
From 2001 to 2003, Bishop Estévez served as spiritual director of Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where he had served as rector from 1980 to 1986. He was pastor of Saint Agatha Parish in Miami for 14 years, while also directing the Campus Ministry at Florida International University.
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop on November 21, 2003, and ordained January 7, 2004, he oversees the archdiocese's Ministry of Pastoral Services including family life, youth, campus, prison and Respect Life ministries, as well as all the apostolic movements.
In 2010, under the leadership of Archbishop Thomas Wenski Bishop Estévez was appointed Vicar General of
the Archdiocese of Miami.He remained in that position until assuming his new role as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine on June 2, 2011.
Explanation of the coat of arms of Auxiliary Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez:
Jesus Christ is the source and purpose of the episcopal ministry, which participates in his selfless love for the Church (Eph 5:25). The eternal Son is sent by the invisible Father to reveal that he loves us to the end (in finem dilexit eos, Jn 13:1).
In this coat of arms, two hands come from above in majestic verticality, to express the gratuity of this mission by the Father which is the central fact of Christian revelation. These hands also express what is most familiar in our gestures of communication. The image echoes the prayer: "When we were lost and could not find the way to you, you loved us more than ever; Jesus … gave himself into our hands"
(Mass of Reconciliation I)
The Word became flesh (Jn 1:14). The hands express the utterly humble condescension of his divine love:
"He emptied himself … coming in human likeness … becoming obedient to death on the cross" (Phil 2:7-8). The wounds in Jesus' hands express his saving death for our salvation. These wounds are a saving place for all sinners, a place of rich mercy for all. Contemplating this mystery, Ignatius of Loyola exclaimed: "In your wounds hide me."
Jesus' wounds are glorious because they, too, participate in the resurrection of the Lord of glory. Showing forth his wounds, the Risen Lord invites the unbelieving apostle to "put your finger here and see my hands…. Do not be unbelieving, but believe"
(Jn 20:27)
In his hands he holds the earthly gifts of wheat and grapes in honor of the Creator of heaven and earth. The image also affirms the goodness of the fruits of the earth and of the work of those who till the soil. The inspiration for this comes from an ancient document called the Didache (or "Teaching of the Apostles", ch. 10): "You created all things to the glory of your name and gave men the satisfaction of food and drink for their enjoyment so that they give you thanks. But to us you gave spiritual food and drink and eternal life by your Servant."
The Eucharist is thus seen as the sacrificial banquet: "In this gift, Jesus Christ gave the Church the perennial actualization of the paschal mystery … which is included, anticipated and concentrated forever in the Eucharistic gift"
(John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 5)
The dove represents the efficacious activity of the Holy Spirit in the work of our sanctification. As St. Ephrem the Syrian states: "He called bread his living body, he filled it with himself and with his Spirit" (Homily 4 for Holy Week). The Spirit is the true source of renewal and transformation of the world.
The light blue color which serves as backdrop seeks to honor Mary, the Mother of the Lord. Her fiat ("Let it be done to me according to your word," Lk. 1:38) made possible the incarnation of the Son, and her prayerful and unique presence in the paschal mystery enables us to call her the woman Eucharistic.
The cross is a replica of the Great Cross which towers over Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine as a reminder of the humble beginnings of Christianity in this new land in 1565. The cross links the episcopal story of Bishop Estevez to the antecedents of evangelization in Florida, in which the church in Cuba played such a vital role.
Biography
Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, S.T.D.
Bishop Estevez (7:34) June 24, 2004
Born:
February 5, 1946, Havana, Cuba
Second of three children (two boys and a girl) of Adriano and Estrella Estevez; most of the family lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Ordained:
To the priesthood, May 30, 1970, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the Diocese of Matanzas, Cuba
Incardinated into the Archdiocese of Miami, February 9, 1979
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami, November 21, 2003
Consecrated to the episcopacy January 7, 2004 in Miami, Florida
Appointed Bishop of St. Augustine, Florida, April 27, 2011
Installation as Bishop of St. Augustine, Florida, June 2, 2011
Education:
Montreal University, Montreal, Canada (1970), Licentiate in Theology
Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida (1977), Master in Arts
Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy (1980), Doctorate in Sacred Theology
Additional courses at: The Warren H. Deem Institute for Theological Education Management (1982); University of Creighton (seminar for spiritual directors, 2001); Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality, Chicago (2001); St. Luke Institute (psycho-sexual integration workshop, 2002)
The Brooklyn-born son of first-generation Irish immigrants, Msgr. Reynolds is marking his 80th birthday (Jan. 18, 1925), his 55th year in the priesthood (ordained June 3, 1950 for the Archdiocese of Brooklyn) and his 25th year as pastor of St. Henry, a parish of 1,300, as he puts it, “chronologically-gifted” families. After the vigil Mass on Saturday nights, Msgr. Reynolds is better-known as the singing and joke-telling emcee of Henry’s Hideaway, a 987-member private club which he describes as “a pastoral experiment to create community.”
Msgr. Reynolds came to south Florida in 1966 on the advice of doctors who said it would alleviate his bouts with pleurisy. He holds master’s degrees in psychological counselling and religious education and was named a monsignor in 1997.
Nicknames:
“Baby, baby” for his trademark line; “gangplank Jim” for his frequent sailings on cruise ships; “God’s little bookie,” a moniker he shares with his two long-time secretaries, because “they help me make reservations for our exciting shows.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
He was an usher at Ebbett’s Field when the Brooklyn Dodgers played there. He sold lamps at Abraham and Strauss, worked in the machine shop at Sperry Gyroscope Co. and worked for a division of the Shell Oil Company in the RCA building in New York. As a seminarian, during summer vacations, he was a lecturer on the Gray Line sightseeing buses in New York City –“uptown in the morning, downtown in the afternoon, Chinatown at night.” He also worked for the Martin Travel Co. in the Empire State Building, escorting tours to Canada.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
At age 19 or 20: “I was impressed by the joy that priests seemingly possessed.” Seeing the movie “Going My Way” with Bing Crosby clinched it, as did his work as a tour guide. “In leading people to exciting locations on earth, I thought I might be able someday to escort people to heaven and manage perhaps to get in through a side door myself.”
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
“Certainly not show business—I’d starve.”
‘I might be able someday to escort people to heaven and manage perhaps to get in through a side door myself.’
What he does on his days off:
“I save them up and then sail away as a chaplain on a cruise ship.”
His love of the stage:
“I always admired entertainers… They can get before an audience and touch the hearts and minds of people of all faiths and all races.”
Where he learned to dance the cha cha
and the mambo:
“Misspent youth—spent with a lot of misses.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“That a priest is above the rest of the people or better than the rest of humanity.”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“Here at the family of St. Henry. I’m hoping it will never end.”
Greatest disappointment:
“Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn to play the piano.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“As a young priest, having to count the collection.
As an old priest, receiving negative rather than constructive criticism.”
Msgr. James Reynolds performs 28 Saturdays a year at Henry’s Hideaway, his parish’s private club and “pastoral experiment.” His view of life matches that of Mame on Broadway: “Life is a banquet and most darned fools are starving themselves to death… St. Peter might say to us, ‘Did you enjoy the party?’ There’s no dress rehearsal. This is it. You only go around once.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“I could sum it up in one word: kindness.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“Having a cocktail lounge.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“Creating Henry’s Hideaway, which has become so popular for people of all faiths.”
Henry’s Hideaway:
Founded with Archbishop Emeritus Edward A. McCarthy’s blessing in 1984, the club, located in
St. Henry’s parish hall, has a liquor license and books 28 Big Band, Las Vegas and Broadway-style acts each year. He has never had any problems: “People seem to be aware that this is a very wholesome, high class, elegant establishment.”
Hobbies:
Travelling: He leads two parish trips a year, one to Las Vegas and the other to Hawaii or Europe. He also serves as a chaplain on two cruises a year and takes his parishioners to local theatres to see Broadway shows.
Person he most admires:
“My good friend, Father ‘Happy’ Hoyer because of his cheerful service to his parish…”
Thing he most fears:
“Growing old and being on the shelf.”
His legacy:
He jokes that when he was pastor of St. James in North Miami in the 1970s he increased the number of women religious in the parish school by building a swimming pool. “I worry what St. Peter will say to me: All you did in south Florida was build swimming pools and cocktail lounges.”
Born April 1, 1959, in Kerala, the most Catholic state of India, he is the fifth of seven children. Ordained Dec. 23, 1979, he came to the United States in 1990 and worked at St. Agnes Parish in downtown Brooklyn, N.Y. The cold winter did not suit him, however, so a priest friend invited him to come to South Florida. Since 1991, he has served at St. Coleman Parish in Pompano, St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines, St. John Neumann in Kendall and St. Catherine of Siena in Miami. On July 1, 2002, he was named pastor of the newly-created Blessed John XXIII Parish in Miramar.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"In the third grade or fourth grade, when I was an altar boy in church." His uncle is a priest. "I think that kind of inspired me." At the time, however, he wanted to join the Salesians. "They had these youth centers and kids playing soccer all the time. That's what I thought. At that age, I was more interested in sports." His uncle vetoed the idea and told him to become a diocesan priest. "God has a way of making things work out. I ended up being a missionary here, which is nice."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I think I would be a teacher. I like being with children, probably middle school."
Favorite TV series:
"I like comedies. I still watch Seinfeld whenever I get a chance. It's about nothing, they say, but it's interesting."
Last book read:
"The DaVinci Code," a thriller in a church setting. "Fiction, of course. There is no fact to it."
Hobbies:
"I like to travel. I like to see places. I like to enjoy God's creation."
Favorite part of being a priest:
"Going into the CCD classes and meeting children in the classrooms and talking to them."
"There are many times in life, when you feel concerned and worried and a little bit weak in your faith, the faith of your people inspires you."
Has it been difficult to start a parish?
"No. Not really. Because I met so many nice people here. They're the ones who build the parish. They make the parish here every Sunday."
On last year's sex abuse scandal:
"As priests, all of us were not having good days (back then). But I started meeting people and they picked up my faith. That's the most amazing part of being a priest - faith supplies. There are many times in life, when you feel concerned and worried and a little weak in your faith, the faith of your people inspires you. That, I experienced last year in the parish."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"You feel like you are so limited. Many things you find are beyond your control. You feel powerless."
His description of the ideal priest:
"Very compassionate, understanding, listening to the people's problems, praying with them and for them. And I'm not there yet. I'm still working on it."
Sign on his desk:
"Be patient. God isn't finished with me yet."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"We need to bring the human side of priests out to the people more. I wouldn't want to stand on a pedestal."
Father Joseph Kottayil, left, and Father James McCreanor, of Sacred Heart Church in Homestead, with two that did not get away. "I kept the picture to prove that I really caught one," Father Kottayil said.
His harshest critic:
"Me. I think I'm hard on myself sometimes."
When he feels he has failed:
"When I do not connect with others, my fellow human beings."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"The administration part of being a pastor is kind of left out. Being a pastor is sometimes being a CEO. But I guess your kindness and compassion take care of it."
His greatest accomplishment:
"I haven't gotten there yet. I'm still working on it, I think."
Person he most admires:
Gandhi: "My parents had seen him. But he inspired me because he was a non-violent person. He was influenced a lot by Jesus Christ (and his Sermon on the Mount). His doctrine was an all-inclusive doctrine, the poor as well as the rich."
Thing he most fears:
"The day I won't be able to be a part of the community, part of a family of God. I fear that because I like being in the community now."
Born Oct. 18, 1950, in West Palm Beach, Archbishop Wenski is the son of first- and second-generation Polish immigrants. He attended Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth and in ninth grade entered what was then the high school seminary of St. John Vianney. He continued his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 15, 1976. He was named auxiliary bishop of Miami in 1997; coadjutor Bishop of Orlando in 2003; and will assume his duties as Archbishop of Miami and Metropolitan of the Province of Florida on June 1, 2010.
Born in a storm:
“His birth took place “during the middle of Hurricane King. When I was growing up in Lake Worth my mother would talk about how difficult it was to get to St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm because of the rain, wind and downed power lines.””
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
Sometime during the third grade “I began telling people that I wanted to be a priest.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“I am not sure, but one memory I have is when I was in the second grade my parents took me to the wake of our pastor, the priest who baptized me, Msgr. James Cann. (His nephew is Father Carl Morrison, a Miami priest). ... I still remember vividly seeing him laid out in the casket in church and what impressed me was the fact that he was dressed in his vestments as if he were about to celebrate Mass. ‘A priest forever…’”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“It’s hard to say – since I’ve always had a hard time imagining me doing anything else. Nothing else ever held the allure or the excitement that priesthood offered me.”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“Perhaps the one I did the longest. I spent 18 years as a parish priest among the Haitian communities of south Florida. ‘Favorite’ doesn’t mean it was necessarily the easiest but it afforded me the opportunity to work among the poor and disenfranchised and to be in a sense ‘a missionary priest’ in my own backyard.”
‘Nothing else ever held the allure or the excitement that priesthood offered me.’
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“When John the Baptist introduced his disciples to Jesus he said, ‘He must increase and I must decrease.’ I think that’s always been for us the challenge - to get out of the Lord’s way so that our failings, our idiosyncrasies, our own ego does not distract our people from encountering Jesus in and through our ministry.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“The ideal Christian, priest and bishop I have encountered has been John Paul II. He was a man happy in his own skin, proud of his ethnic and cultural identity as a son of the Polish nation, and totally given over to Christ.”
What he does on his day off:
“A lot of times, since I am so busy on my days ‘on,’ I just like to chill and do nothing; but, if I have the time and the weather is good, a motorcycle ride helps clear the ‘cobwebs’ from the mind. It’s exhilarating and, believe it or not, relaxing.”
Bishop Wenski, shown here leading the "Bike with the Bishop" fundraising run in Orlando in 2009, says “a motorcycle ride helps clear the ‘cobwebs’ from the mind.”
Favorite TV series:
“When I get the time to watch TV, I like ‘House."
Last book read:
"What Your Money Means - And How to Use It Well” by Frank J. Hanna. “Not that I have any money to speak of, but Hanna writes from the conviction of his Catholic faith about how he and other persons of influence and affluence can avoid the dangers of wealth and in fact use it as a school of virtue."
Favorite type of music:
“On the CD player in my car, I have a disk of Polish folk songs, one of Haitian ‘Kompa,’ one of Cuban salsa and one of Gregorian chant.”
His greatest disappointment:
“That I haven’t learned to speak Polish well; I’ve tried but it’s a very hard language to master.”
His greatest joy:
“To pass on the priesthood of Jesus Christ through the laying on of my hands when I ordain someone a priest.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“That despite my shortcomings and human weakness I was ordained a priest 34 years ago.”
His harshest critic:
“Probably that person who wrote the last angry letter to me - today, many people are angry and frustrated and it’s amazing how vehemently and often uncharitably people will disagree with something I say in my capacity as a bishop and teacher of the faith.”
Born Nov. 19, 1961, in Chicago, Father Vega moved with his family to Manatí, Puerto Rico, at the age of 11. He entered St. John Vianney College Seminary after graduating from high school, and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 27, 1989, in Manatí. Archbishop Edward McCarthy granted him special permission to be ordained there, and Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman flew in to ordain him surrounded by family, friends and nearly the entire town. Among his assignments, he served as pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Leisure City from July 2001 to October 2010, when he was appointed pastor of St. Bernard.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I have a vivid memory of being in second grade and telling my mother that I wanted to be a priest. It was a feeling that never left me. When I was 16 years old I went on my first youth retreat/ encounter. That did it for me; it propelled me to follow my vocation."
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"My mom. … She was a servant to others; she was always charitable and kind. She was a great example to me and my five siblings. She always took us to church, fed the hungry, donated her time and money to those in need and never said no. She was always willing to help."
Person most surprised by his vocation:
"My friends. In high school I was a very good student (4.0 GPA) and they thought I was going to be an architect or an engineer. When I told them I wanted to become a priest and I was going to enter the seminary, they didn't understand why I would leave everything to become a priest."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"I think I was in the seminary during a great time. We had wonderful world-renowned theologians come and speak to us. I learned so much. If I have to say something I would say the administration — how to run a parish. I have had to learn that on my own through time and by experience."
'I like to be around people, to talk and to share with others.'
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I would have been a math teacher. I enjoyed and was very good at calculus and algebra."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Having had to live by myself. When I was a parochial vicar at a parish, I lived with other priests and it was nice to have someone to speak with, eat dinner with or just watch TV with. As a pastor I have had to live twice by myself."
His description of the ideal priest:
"He would be humble, compassionate and would show people how Christ lived through his actions."
What he does on his day off:
"Sleep in! I like to visit other priests, friends. Go out to eat, watch a movie or go for a walk in the mall."
Father Carlos Vega is shown here visiting Madrid during a trip to Spain in July 2010. While he was there, the Spanish national soccer team won the World Cup.
Favorite movie:
"Any of the Harry Potter movies (and) I like sci-fi!"
Favorite TV series:
"Stargate"
Favorite type of music:
Latin and pop
What he collects?
"I don't collect anything really, but I do have lots of books, DVDs and CDs."
Person he most admires:
"My high school math teacher, Mr. Cruz. He gave me the confidence to come out of my shell. He encouraged me and taught me to speak in public. He used to let me get in front of the class and teach a lesson. It really helped me grow up and be responsible."
His greatest disappointment:
"Living far away from my family (they are all in Puerto Rico) and not being able to see them often or be there for them when they need me."
His greatest joy:
"To share Christ with others."
His greatest accomplishment:
"To teach the people of God. I like to use my homilies as teaching moments and have the people feel and understand the liturgy."
His harshest critic:
"People who don't know you and then turn around and judge or criticize you. I tend to come off as very quiet at first. I'm shy and it takes time for me to open up to people but once I do, I give of myself completely."
Thing he most fears:
"To be alone. I like to be around people, to talk and to share with others."
Born in Havana, Cuba, July 14, 1953, Father Jiménez entered the Seminary San Carlos and San Ambrosio in Havana in September 1974.
He was ordained for the Salesian congregation Jan. 24, 1982, in the parish of San Juan Bosco, Havana, and named director of the marriage ministry for the Diocese of Cienfuegos-Santa Clara. He obtained a licentiate in theology from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome in December 1987. From 1987 to 1990, he completed a master's degree in catechetical theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain. He returned to Cuba and was assigned to San Juan Bosco Parish in Santiago, where he was in charge of youth ministry and religious education. He also served as prison chaplain in Boniato, Cuba.
He arrived in Miami July 5, 1992, “almost at the same time as the destruction of Hurricane Andrew” and began the process of incardination as a diocesan priest. He obtained incardination in 1999 and became an American citizen the same year. In 2000, he graduated from St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. He has served as director of the Family Enrichment Center since 2004.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He studied at a business school in Cuba and worked as a bookkeeper.
Current responsibilities:
He celebrates weekend Masses at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Leisure City and is spiritual director of the Christian Family Movement. As director of the Family Enrichment Center, he oversees English-language marriage preparation programs, works with the ministry to divorced and separated, Pre-Cana II (for couples entering second marriages), ministry to widows and widowers and parents who have lost children, natural family planning classes and other services to families. The Family Enrichment Center also coordinates talks in the parishes regarding the annulment process and marriage convalidations, and hosts an annual Mass for couples marking wedding anniversaries.
"I feel very happy, at peace and with a great sense of gratitude."
Vocation moment:
After completing the required military service in 1969 or 1970, he attended a Mass marking the end of a vocations awareness day at a church in Santa Clara. “The priest who was leading the day told us that Cuba's young people needed to step up and say 'yes' to God to be priests. He told us that without priests there is no Eucharist, and without Eucharist there is no church because there is no community. Right then and there I went to the sacristy and offered to be a priest.” He was 17 at the time. The priest suggested that he wait until finishing high school. “I started receiving spiritual direction and served as a catechist while going to school. During my second year in high school, I felt the call to be a priest more profoundly. I accompanied a priest to the escuelas de campo (where teenagers are sent for mandatory service in Cuba's farmlands) and I decided to enter the seminary when I was 21.”
What he does on his days off:
“I have Prince, my Sheltie dog. I live with my uncle, my sister, my brother-in-law and my nephew, and I enjoy time with my family. I shop for groceries, take clothes to the dry cleaners and do other chores around the house.”
Greatest disappointment:
“I came to this ministry full of dreams and I would like to be able to do more things, such as domestic violence prevention, classes for effective parenting, etc. But so far they're not getting done.”
Greatest joy:
“Being able to mark 25 years in the priesthood. I feel very happy, at peace and with a great sense of gratitude toward God, my parents and my spiritual advisors.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“To have learned English and be able to communicate and celebrate the sacraments in English.”
What he collects:
“I like boats. For me, the ocean evokes freedom, movement, departures. Boats remind me that life is a continual journey.”
A recently ordained Father Eduardo Jiménez teaches catechism to children at Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish in Santa Clara, Cuba. In 2006, he presided at the wedding of one of the girls in the photo.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That of a moralist, intransigent, dominating, imposing priest who reflects a pyramidal church rather than a communitarian one.”
Born April 11, 1963, in Lima, Peru, Father Rodriguez De La Viuda was the second of four children. He attended the Universidad de San Martin de Porres in Lima, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He worked for a hotel in that city, then moved to Florida 25 years ago. In 1994, he finally acted on longtime spiritual leanings and entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.He then earned a master's degree in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 12, 2001. Before coming to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in June 2011, he served at St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores and Good Shepherd in Kendall Lakes. He is also archdiocesan chaplain to the Hermandad del Señor de los Milagros, a Peruvian-based devotional group that has branches in South Florida.
You were in hotel management before becoming a priest. Why did you switch?
"I didn't consider it a switch. I'm still in hospitality. The essence of hospitality is service. As an ordained priest, I continue practicing hospitality by bringing Christ to others. Hospitality is no longer a business to me but a mission."
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"One event that opened my eyes was when I was still in Peru. I decided to join a young adult group that helped Vincentian priests who were evangelizing rural areas in the mountains. I thought you needed to be an accountant or lawyer or businessman to be important in the life of people. That experience opened my eyes to see that the ministry of a priest is basic to the life of communities."
Did it feel strange to enter seminary when you were almost 30?
"Not when I entered. A lot of guys were in my situation, entering the priesthood as a second career. There was a flight attendant, an accountant and a teacher. They'd worked in the secular world and decided later in life to follow the steps of the priesthood."
'I'm still in hospitality. The essence of hospitality is service.'
Did your business training help you as a priest?
"It gave me a lot of tools to be a good administrator. I learned to deal with people one to one."
Was it a shock to come to America and see the difference in the society?
"My first impression was that people who were Catholic were more involved than people in my home country, maybe because we're not the majority here. I especially saw lay people proudly participate in the life of a parish. I never saw that in Peru. There, it's more cultural than actual personal devotion. Now, throughout the years, that continues, but I've also been exposed to the secularism that prevails all over the world. People are very critical of many things, including the Church. "
Hardest part of being a priest:
"What really breaks my heart is when I see people in parishes criticizing the Church. Of course we are allowed to critique constructively. But many people criticize for the sake of criticism."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"Most of what you see in movies and soap operas, especially for Latinos. In most telenovelas, the priest is always a dummy, self-centered. And in American movies, he's usually celebrating a wedding or funeral and he's clueless."
Father Jorge Rodriguez De La Viuda poses at one of the faceted glass windows at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Fort Lauderdale.
Favorite movie:
'The Mission,' the movie and the soundtrack. When it came out, I was going on mission work. It made me appreciate the work the Church has done throughout the years. And the music was awesome."
Something most people don't know about him:
"A lot of people don't realize it because my name is very Spanish, but I am also Chinese, on my mother's side. I was raised in a mostly Chinese environment. In Peru, they called me 'El Chino.' But here, people perceive me mostly as Latino."
Favorite type of music:
"I'm very eclectic. When I'm in the office, I listen to classical. I'm also into Celtic and Peruvian music. But I'm not musically inclined. My brothers play every instrument. I only play guitar."
A treasured possession:
"I have a pyx (a small container to bring Communion to the homebound) that was given to me by Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. I was visiting Rome, and he learned that I was from Peru. He used to travel a lot to Ecuador and Peru, so we conversed about the Church and Latin America."
Most memorable spiritual experience:
"I was working in a mission in Peru and went to a very poor village. I saw the people as suffering people. But they gave us so much love and joy by allowing us to be with them. They became the missionaries to us. We were overwhelmed. It made us better Christians."
His greatest accomplishment:
"When I finally opted to enter the seminary. I was discerning for many, many years. When I finally said 'This is enough,' and took the plunge, I was very happy that I did it. If I hadn't, I would be still doing fine, but always wondering what if."
His greatest joy:
"As a priest, it is when I see people either coming back to God, or when I see children who have been formed by their parents in the faith and have an awareness of God."
Born Oct. 2, 1967, in Tulia, Texas, Father Garza is the oldest of four children. His great-greatgrandparents were cattle ranchers from southern Spain who settled in that area of the U.S. when it was part of Mexico. His parents moved to Clewiston when he was young and he graduated from Clewiston High School before entering St. John Vianney Seminary. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 11, 1996, and served at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West before being sent to Rome to obtain a licentiate in missiology from the Gregorian University. He worked with Catholic Charities and as pastor of San Isidro Parish in Pompano Beach before being named archdiocesan vocations director in January 2009.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked as a bank teller while pursuing a degree in architecture. He ultimately received a two-year degree in drafting.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
Even though his family was religious and attended Mass faithfully, the thought never entered his mind. "I wanted to be married, have a lot of kids and be an architect." Then a friend from the youth group at San Isidro Parish insisted he attend a vocations retreat in Conyers, Ga. "I didn't know what a vocation was. … I went to the retreat just to get him off my back." By the last day, "I decided, I've heard so much, I like this. So why not try it out?" He began the discernment process and entered the seminary at age 20. "They told me, at any point, you can leave. You don't commit until you reach ordination. That was a sense of relief for me. I had nothing to lose. I said to myself, 'I'll give it a chance.'"
"They told me, at any point, you can leave. … That was a sense of relief for me. I had nothing to lose."
Person most surprised by his vocation:
"My father was adamantly against me being a priest" and did not speak to him for a year after he announced his decision. In part, his father feared the priesthood would take him too far from his family; in part, his objections were rooted in the anti-clericalism that exists in the Mexican culture. "We don't like priests but we go to Mass." Father Garza's vocation "healed a lot of my family's misconceptions about the priests and the nuns" and his father "eventually became my greatest support and my best friend." Ironically, Father Garza has remained geographically closer to his dad, who died in 2000, than any of the other children, who moved to other states. His dad is buried at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami. When he visits there, Father Garza likes to remind him, "Here I am again; your only son who's here."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
Parish administration: "A parish is almost like a business. You have to run it. You have to make decisions and if you're not prepared, you're going to make bad decisions."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I probably would have pursued architecture. I still read and I have my drafting table. I still draw."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Dealing with the fact that you can't please everybody."
His description of the ideal priest:
"A priest who loves and forgives as Christ does; who does not judge."
Whenever he travels to the mission in Colombia, Father Garza takes a day to go paragliding off a 9,000-foot mountain. He took up the sport three years ago. "I feel freedom." Here he poses with his paragliding instructor/partner, a young man known by his nickname, "La Garza" (the heron). A video of Father Garza paragliding can be seen at old.miamiarch.org.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That they're perfectly holy."
What he does on his days off:
"Drive to Key West, have lunch and come back." He also spends much of his vacation time helping out at a mission in the suburbs of Medellin, Colombia. "Most of what I do is the financial part of it," raising funds in the U.S. to build a church there.
Favorite movie:
"The Mission."
Last book read:
"Road to Cana" by Anne Rice.
Favorite type of music:
"I love to dance so I like the cumbia."
What he collects:
Nativity scenes. Right now he has about 30, including one from Africa. "I never buy any. They've all been given to me and that's how I started collecting them."
Hobby:
"Trying to do anything I can for the mission in Colombia."
Person he most admires:
"My mom and dad."
His greatest joy:
Baptizing and celebrating the sacraments for his nephews and nieces.
Thing he most fears:
"Judging others."
Regrets:
None, not even on not marrying or having children. Among his parishioners and friends, "I have tons of children and brothers and sisters. … It's a mystery that you can't understand unless you're a priest and you allow yourself to live that mystery."
Born June 24, 1945, in Cork, Ireland, Father Murphy is one of seven children.
He entered St. John’s Seminary in Waterford, Ireland, right after high school as a “freelance seminarian,” unattached to a diocese. He chose Miami because“ it was a new diocese.
I wanted a diocese where I had the opportunity to exercise leadership at a young age.” He was ordained in Waterford on June 7, 1970 and arrived in Miami in September. Before becoming pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes in 1996, he served as pastor of St. Patrick in Miami Beach and before that as director of youth ministry for the archdiocese.
What he did before becoming a priest:
At age 6: “My uncle was ordained then. He was a Columban missionary” who, along with two dozen others, was being sent to the Philippines and Korea. Young James and his family were at the docks seeing them off. “I can remember them sailing away. We were waving my sister’s diaper, which was nice and big. I heard 25 people say ‘Goodbye, James’ from that ship. It was literally impossible for the voices to travel that far. But that’s what I heard. I made up my mind at that time that I was going to follow them.”
His arrival in Miami:
“I had never set foot in the United States before.” He remembers being surprised because “it rains warm water here. I found that quite extraordinary.”
‘ I love to do funerals more than anything else. ’
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I’d probably be in business.” His dad was a businessman as well as both of his grandfathers. “It’s kind of in my blood. I wouldn’t have a problem being the CEO of Publix.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“Dealing with the pain in people’s lives.”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“I love to do funerals more than anything else. I think at funerals there’s a reality that’s not present at other times. Mourners are going to listen to the Scriptures with a lot more intensity than people do on a Sunday. There’s a hunger for God’s word present at a funeral that you don’t see anywhere else.”
On funerals:
“I immerse myself in the pain. I grow from that. I’d like to think I’ve been preparing for my mother’s death for a long time. … I treat that casket and that family as if it were my mother.”
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Unrealistic expectations on the part of just about everybody, from the bishop down to the people.”
His description of the ideal priest:
"A priest that can overcome that human element (such as crying babies and ringing cell phones) and still celebrate each sacrament with joy.”
Father James Murphy, seen here among his pots and pans, loves to cook. He hosts a Thanksgiving meal every year for people from his parish who would otherwise have to celebrate the holiday alone.
Favorite TV series:
“I just watch sports and news so I couldn’t tell you what else is on."
Favorite type of music:
“When it comes to music, I’m all over the world” from classical to new age to opera to folk. “I like the folk music of just about all the world.”
What he collects:
Music CDs; he has about 1,000.
Person he most admires:
“Single mothers who struggle to raise children on their own.”
His greatest disappointment:
“I don’t know if anything qualifies. … The reform of Vatican II that threatens to be overturned, that kind of bothers me. I saw the Church going in a good direction, a positive direction, and I worry whether it will stay in that direction.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“Being able to speak in public. Shy is not even the word.”
Thing he most fears:“
“I don’t have any fears. What I have difficulty in dealing with is when people question my motivation.”
Regrets:
“If I had the wisdom 20 years ago that I have now.”
Born Aug. 9, 1941 in Jamaica Plain, N.Y., he moved to Miami in 1949 and grew up in Holy Family Parish, North Miami. He attended Archbishop Curley High School and entered the seminary during his senior year. Ordained in 1968, he served as the founding director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship from 1978 to 1984. He has spent 24 of his 35 years as a priest at St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest, including the last 21 years as pastor. "I think I'm this close to marrying one of the kids I baptized here." He also serves as dean of the South Dade Deanery.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
Probably around the fifth grade: "You'd be serving at Mass and there was just something very special about all that." He would also lock up the church and set out the vestments for the next morning. "The priests that
I knew trusted me. ...I learned how to drive in the church truck when I was 12 years old because
Msgr. (Rowan) Rastatter let me drive the truck around the parking lot. ...He was my hero."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I haven't the vaguest idea. There isn't anything else that I ever think about being. ... I could just as easily be bagging groceries at Publix."
Why he never wanted to be a missionary:
"I wanted to be a priest and Holy Family would do just fine. To this day I get nervous going to Broward County."
What he does on his days off:
"Take a deep breath. I'll go and spend the day with a friend. Go to a movie. Get off by myself and read.
Hobbies:
"I've played at tennis. To say that I was a tennis player would dishonour the sport."
"I learned long ago that I'm not the Messiah. We only had one of those."
Best memory:
"The morning we went up to celebrate Mass with the Holy Father." He was one of the 38 priests studying at the North American College in Rome who gathered in the pope's private chapel on Nov. 30, 1989, at 6:30a.m. When it came time for the homily, the pope simply said, "'Today we let Jesus speak.' And he sat down. We all reflected on the Gospel for seven minutes."
Greatest frustration:
"Not being able to do all the things people would like me to do."
Greatest joy:
"The people who are here with me at St. Louis. I pray to God I never abuse that trust."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"When things happen that you can't have any control over and you don't have all the glib answers. Or you can't wave the wand and make it all better. I learned long ago that I'm not the Messiah. We only had one of those."
Father Fetscher kayaking on the Great Lakes during a recent vacation.
His description of the ideal priest:
"To be all things to all people. ... Jesus certainly poured himself out for people. That's the standard by which we measure ourselves."
Favourite type of music:
Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Leonard Bernstein
What he collects:
"Everything" but especially books: "I had this idea that if I owned the book and it sat in the shelf, somehow, by sheer osmosis, whatever was in it would stay in my head."
On his personality:
"You're looking at a guy who voted for Barry Goldwater and George McGovern. Think about that."
Favourite priestly assignment:
"The one I'm in."
Person he most admires:
Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Román: "I'm continually amazed at his capacity for charity, gentleness and kindness. If I could have a tenth of it, I would be a happy man."
Born Dec. 5, 1960, in Sliema, Malta, Bishop Baldacchino is the second oldest of four children three boys and a girl born to Leonilda (known as Hilda) and Rinaldo (known as Rene) Baldacchino. When he was 13, his family joined the Neocatechumenal Way. He studied at St. Francis School in Msida and Mount Carmel College in Santa Venera, Malta, then studied science and chemistry at the University of Malta.
He entered the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary in Newark, N.J., in 1990, obtaining a bachelor's in theology, and a master's in divinity from Seton Hall University. On May 25, 1996, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark and assigned as parochial vicar to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, N.J. In 1999, he was named chancellor of Our Lady of Divine Providence Mission in Turks and Caicos Islands, a missio sui iuris (independent mission) for which the Archbishop of Newark is responsible. He became pastor of Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in Providenciales in 2002, and in 2009 was named a Chaplain to His Holiness, with the honorary title of monsignor. Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of Miami Feb. 20, 2014.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked for nine years as a technical manager for Canada Dry in Malta. "I was a workaholic 36 hours straight work without going home."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
After attending World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in 1989.
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"The World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela in 1989. The words of John Paul II in his homily, 'Do not be afraid to be holy,' opened a new perspective to life for me."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
Press conferences.
His hobbies:
"I always enjoy a good fishing trip."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Comforting someone who has lost a loved one; when no words can fill that void and we can only offer to be present and share their suffering."
'The words of John Paul II in his homily, "Do not be afraid to be holy," opened a new perspective to life for me.'
His description of the ideal priest:
"Does not exist."
Favorite movie:
"Preferisco Il Paradiso" based on the life of St. Philip Neri.
Favorite sport:
Soccer.
Last book read:
"Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives" by Pope Benedict XVI.
What he does on his day off:
"Day off is only a term."
Person he most admires:
"Blessed Pope John Paul II, because he changed my life and was instrumental in my calling to the priesthood."
Peter Baldacchino, front, gets ready to kick a soccer ball while playing with his siblings, from left, John, Paula and Robert, in their native Malta.
Newly ordained Father Peter Baldacchino is seen here with his parents Leonilda (known as Hilda) and Rinaldo (known as Rene).
His greatest accomplishment:
"To be an instrument in God's hand in establishing a Catholic presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands."
His greatest joy:
"The day of my ordination to the priesthood."
His greatest disappointment:
"That my father's health prohibits him from attending my consecration (as bishop)."
Father Oswaldo Agudelo, 54, comes to the priesthood after a jet-setting life as a public relations executive for Lufthansa, and later an Emmy-winning executive producer for Telemundo Internacional.
A native of El Carmen de Atrato in Colombia and the second of three siblings — his older brother will be ordained next year for the Diocese of Brooklyn — Father Agudelo studied art in Barcelona, Spain, and mass communications in his native Colombia. He is a certified expert on Old Masters paintings and even owned an art gallery in Coral Gables. He also is an expert on the conflict in the Middle East, a region he has visited countless times. He settled in Miami 21 years ago and began attending Little Flower Church in Coral Gables.
“I was a Catholic ‘light’,” he said. “I went to Mass because of the obligation.” In the meantime, he lived a “very agitated social life,” indulging a taste for nightlife, travel and luxury cars.
That changed in 2005, when Telemundo shut down its Miami-based, 24-hour news operation. He took a job with Univision in Sacramento, California, but the city bored him.
One morning, on his day off, he took a walk around the neighborhood and wound up in a Catholic cemetery. Sitting in one of the mausoleums, he told himself, “I’m going to pray an Our Father for each of these souls.”
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the groundskeeper. The cemetery was closing. He had sat down to pray at 10 a.m. and it was 7 p.m. “But I liked it,” he recalled, so he kept coming back and spending hours in prayer.
Within months he had quit his job, returned to Miami, and practically “ locked myself up,” praying for as many as 12 or 13 hours a day. He took the 2 to 3 a.m. adoration slot at St. Raymond Church in Miami, where his companion was often the pastor at the time, Father Jordi Rivero.
One night he got up the courage to ask: “Father, is it very hard to be a priest?” To which Father Rivero replied: “You’re ready. Go to the vocations office.”
“I’ve never in my whole life been happier than I am now,” Father Agudelo said.
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Oswaldo Agudelo, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
And neither are his parents back in Colombia. When he told them he was entering the seminary, they confessed they had been praying two to three hours a day for him to leave his jet-set life behind.
“What everyone in the world considers success, they saw as taking me away from God,” Father Agudelo said. “People say, ‘What a life!’ But it really was, ‘What a fall!’ I would not change any of it for what I’m doing now.”
Father Luis Pavon, who turns 36 May 20, is that rarest of breeds: a Miami native, born at Mercy Hospital, a graduate of St. Michael the Archangel School and Christopher Columbus High School. The second of four siblings, he recalls growing up in a “faith environment,” even though that did not include regular attendance at Sunday Mass.
After earning a degree in English from FIU, he worked at a marketing firm and other “odd, English-related jobs.” He also “abandoned” himself to the world. He didn’t question his faith. He didn’t search for truth. He just became convinced that “it was impossible to live like Christ has called us.”
But “the world is an unfaithful lover,” he said. “It doesn’t treat the ones who give into her very well.”
At 25, prompted by the death of Pope John Paul II, he made a radical return to the Church. He decided to become a monk and spent three months at a Trappist monastery in Conyers, Georgia. “I thought I was going to shut myself away from the world to do penance for my sins.”
When that didn’t work out, he began attending Mass at St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center in Coral Gables. Soon, he was leading the young adult group and serving as sacristan. He continued to discern the call to priesthood, and sensed the Lord assuaging his fears, letting him know that “this time it will be different.”
His story, he said, is biblical. “The prodigal son returns and knows who he really is.” He hopes that experience will make him a better priest, one more open to people’s need for God’s mercy.
“I have an intimate knowledge of sin and an intimate knowledge of the hunger for God,” he said. “I think I understand why that hunger (exists) in others. And the banquet that’s been offered to me, I would invite them to share it.”
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Luis Pavon, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
Father Luis Flores, Jr., 41, admits his was a late vocation. A native of Lima, Peru, and the eldest of three brothers, his family moved to the U.S. in 1983. After a one-year stint in Miami, they moved to Washington, D.C., where his father found work in government radio. Upon returning to Miami in 1996, Luis began working as a project manager for a security systems company. His mother kept after him to stay close to the church, and he joined Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kendall, “but I wasn’t getting anything out of it.”
Then he went on an Emmaus retreat. “That’s when this life of service kind of began to attract me,” he recalled. “I asked God for signs.”
The biggest came through his parents. He remembers his mother’s reaction when he told her, “I think the Lord is calling me.” She lowered her head, said “thanks be to God” and whispered, “Now I understand.”
When he asked her what that meant, she replied: “Something in my heart told me about a month ago to pray that one of my three sons be consecrated to the Lord.”
“That’s when I looked up and said, ‘God, that was a good one,’” Father Flores said.
The same thing happened when he told his dad. “I had a dream” that you were already a priest, his dad told him. “That was like a two-by-four in the back of my head, from God,” Father Flores says now.
He also understands that he had to walk away from his own plans and desires to answer the call to priesthood.
“My understanding of marriage was different than the understanding of marriage that God had for me. God wanted me to have an even greater wife — the Church. He wanted me not to have two children, but many children of all types, of all races,” Father Flores said.
His first assignment was to Little Flower in Coral Gables.
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Luis Flores, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
Father Edgar “Gary” De Los Santos, 54, was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines, the youngest of six children. He has a degree in business administration and came to the U.S. in 1991 to work as an investment banker. Settling in Miami Shores, he joined St. Rose of Lima Parish, where he first assumed the duties of sacristan and eventually worked as parish manager.
An adventurous and competitive soul, he took evening culinary classes at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami and opened his own catering company. He’s run the Tough Mudder and 17 half marathons, ranked as a “power seller” on eBay, won a key lime pie-eating contest in Key West and a Honda Element from a local radio station, and even applied to compete on the Food Network’s “Chopped.”
“You won’t catch me watching TV,” he said. “Twenty years from now I can say my life is colorful. I have a lot of stories to tell.”
He began discerning a vocation to priesthood in 2009. The trigger came one night as he was closing the church after a wedding. Alone in the dark, he was walking back to the sacristy when he looked at the crucifix on the altar. “It was the only thing lit. And then suddenly I said, what if you become a priest?”
He had completely forgotten that, as a child, he used to play at being a priest, using the white cardboard under the lid of a Nescafe jar as the host.
“I want challenges,” Father De Los Santos said, and fate has obliged. He left everything behind to enter the seminary, where he was always the oldest of the men. His mother and one sister died during his first three years of study.
“Challenges are still coming, and God is helping me a lot,” he said. “God was with me all those years and will always be with me.”
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Edgardo "Gary" De Los Santos, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
His first assignment was to St. Gregory in Plantation.
Father Alex Rivera, 29, was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but grew up in Miami. The oldest of four siblings, he graduated from Our Lady of the Lakes School in Miami Lakes and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. His family —Peruvian mom, Puerto Rican dad — have always been involved in the Church, and the thought of priesthood occurred to him at first in middle school.
But he also felt called to medicine, and got a full academic scholarship to Duke University in North Carolina. His first year there, “I really started feeling very strongly that desire to priesthood.” His thought: “There are plenty of people who want to be doctors but I haven’t met any who want to be priests.”
He spoke with his pastor about it, the late Father James Murphy of Our Lady of the Lakes. Father Murphy suggested he finish his bachelor’s degree and then consider the seminary. So he returned to Miami and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from FIU while getting more involved in his parish. He finds it ironic that his stint at Duke convinced him of his vocation.
“I had to go back to where I was born, to North Carolina, to realize what the Lord wanted,” he said. “There was a lot of worry before. Am I doing the right thing? But when I said yes, there was such peace.”
He noted that Father Murphy offered “very good advice” in suggesting he continue his studies in biology. Along with everything French, it remains a passion in his life. He sees no dichotomy between science and faith.
“Contemplating nature and creation is like watching the mind of God at work. That can be prayer,” Father Rivera said.
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Alexander Rivera, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
Father Mathew Thomas, who turned 49 May 9, is a native of Kerala, India, who studied economics at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. One of six children whose oldest brother is deceased, he has many priest friends and comes from a family with “a lot of nuns.” One cousin works with the Missionaries of Charity in Libya, another is stationed in Austria, and two more serve in India.
He taught statistics and world economics before discerning a vocation to the priesthood. After thinking about it for three or four years, he entered the seminary in Bangalore, India, in 2002. A motorbike accident made him miss four years of study and left him with a slight limp. It also modified his vocation, to one focused on service to the disabled.
That’s what brought him to the U.S. three years ago, after finishing his master of divinity degree at Christ University in Bangalore. He joined a fledgling religious community, the Dominican Missionaries for the Deaf and Disabled, and has spent the last three years learning American Sign Language and perfecting his English, in Texas, New York and Missouri. He also served at Schott Communities in Cooper City.
“It is really hard for me to come to America,” Father Thomas said. None of his family could come from India for his ordination. But he looks forward to hearing confessions and celebrating Mass in sign language.
Many deaf people are joining Protestant congregations in Palm Beach County, he said, “because we don’t have any Catholic priests here” to serve them. His ordination should change that.
Father James Arriola, 28, was born in a U.S. military base in Japan, the third of seven children who range in age from 33 to 10. His family is from Guam, and they moved back there when his father retired from the U.S. Navy. James was 4. He admits he felt a little lost after graduating from high school.
“I had ideas to get married, ideas to get a career. But nothing concrete.” Although he had joined a Neocatechumenal Way community at 13, “there wasn’t an inclination to the priesthood.”
Then he attended a retreat, and at the closing Mass, the priest preached: “If you feel a call, don’t be afraid. And what do you have to lose? I was thinking about my life and I thought, I have nothing to lose. Why don’t I try it?” Father Arriola recalled.
Neither the eldest nor the baby in his family, he said he often felt like “the forgotten one.” But now he realizes God “brought me to that point to show me that he loves me.” And once he experienced that love, “he showed me that this vocation is for me.”
He entered Blessed San Diego Luis de San Vitores Catholic Theological Institute for Oceania, which is affiliated with the Lateran University in Rome. When the Neocatechumenal Way’s Redemptoris Mater Seminary opened in Miami in 2011, he was chosen as one of its first 12 seminarians.
“I always felt called to go out to the missions and experience other places,” Father Arriola said. About his vocation, he added: “It’s God showing his love for me so hopefully I can show his love to the world.”
At 59, Father Joseph Maalouf is the oldest of this year’s ordination class. He brings a lot of experience to the ministry. Ordained a permanent deacon for the archdiocese, the Lebanon-born, former body shop owner and manager speaks Arabic, French, English and Spanish, which he learned in Miami after arriving here in 1983. He also was married for 21 years and has two adult daughters.
“I was 11 years old when I first felt the calling,” he said. “I decided to do other things.” But the calling never left. “God’s been calling for a long time. In my human weakness, I didn’t want to give him more.”
After obtaining an annulment in 1999, he became very involved in his parish, St. John Neumann in Miami. His pastor, Msgr. Pablo Navarro, kept asking him, “What are you waiting for?”
“I was afraid,” Father Maalouf said. “Am I running away from the world? Am I going to hide in the Church? If that’s the case, I didn’t want to do it.” After “a long prayer,” he realized, “I was not doing things to run away from the world. Actually, I was running to God.”
He entered the diaconate program in 2005. But within six months of his deaconate ordination in December 2010, the call to priesthood manifested itself. He remembers the exact moment. He was assisting as a deacon at a funeral Mass when “I felt my heart exploding with joy… I realized it was a calling to the priesthood. I was called to be there consecrating.”
Instead of studying in South Florida, he was sent to what is known as a “second vocation” seminary, the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. The past five years, away from family, friends and his parish community have not been easy, but “all of my fears, all of my doubts, God took care of them.”
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Joseph Maalouf, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
He hopes to use his experience to help couples and teenagers especially. “Because I know what they’re going through. Been there, done that. Not only with myself but with my children.”
Father Maalouf has been assigned to All Saints in Sunrise.
Father Juan Carlos Salazar, 41, came to the U.S. at age 25 from his native Antioquia, Colombia. The second oldest and only boy among four siblings, he had a degree in business administration and worked for his family's business in Colombia, which caused him to travel frequently to New York and Los Angeles.
“That’s how I was attracted to try new horizons, new life, the American dream,” he said.
But his degree was worthless once he settled here, so he began working at a warehouse for $5.15 an hour — at first cleaning up, then keeping track of inventory, and eventually combining duties as a courier with bookkeeping tasks. He had a girlfriend, and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kendall. That’s when “God’s dream” began substituting for his own.
“I thought it was crazy that the Lord would be calling me,” he recalled. But one day, while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, he said “yes. If that’s what you want for me, open the doors. And (God) began to open the doors.”
Too quickly, it seemed. He met with the archdiocesan vocations director at the time, Father Manny Alvarez, now pastor at Immaculate Conception in Hialeah, and was informed that he would have to study for nine years, primarily philosophy and English. “I ran out,” he said, thinking, “This isn’t for me.”
By that time, he had changed jobs. Now he worked for his family’s bakery, making “pandebono” — a Colombian cheese bread whose name literally translates as “good bread.” A thought occurred to him: “I’m making this bread, and the Lord is calling me to priesthood. It’s another bread I’m going to be kneading.”
He met again with the archdiocesan vocations director, this time Msgr. Roberto Garza, now rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. “You’re ready,” Msgr. Garza told him. Still, at every step in the process — filling out the application, undergoing the psychological evaluation — he kept thinking, “I’m going to prove that this isn’t for me.”
Photographer: TOM TRACY | FC Archbishop Thomas Wenski lays hands on Juan Carlos Salazar, ordaining him to the archdiocesan priesthood.
But God kept opening doors. “You discern a vocation little by little. It’s a process also of falling in love, of getting to know yourself,” Father Salazar said.
Born Aug. 11, 1920, in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, Father Stack was a Presentation Brother for 35 years, beginning in 1939. He taught in, established and administered Catholic high schools in Ireland, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia. Later in life, he discerned "a second vocation" and entered the seminary in 1970. He was ordained a priest June 24, 1973, for the Diocese of St. Lucia, West Indies.
He came to the Archdiocese of Miami in 1978 and has served at Sacred Heart and St. Luke in Lake Worth, Holy Family in North Miami, St. John Neumann in Miami, Nativity in Hollywood, St. Ambrose in Deerfield Beach, Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes, and St. David in Davie. Since December 1997, he has served at St. Mark in Southwest Ranches from where he will retire at the end of August, after turning 90. Father Stack died Dec. 15, 2010, in his native Ireland.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"All my life I was around the brothers (Congregation of Presentation Brothers). All through school they influenced me so I eventually decided to join them.
I was blessed with a second vocation. I guess you can say I went to the other side of the street. It really was Vatican Council II that influenced me to become a priest because of its effects on religious communities."
Person most surprised by his vocation:
"My family was most surprised when I became a brother first and not a priest. They always knew
I would become a priest."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"Being a good preacher. I've always been told my Irish accent is too strong and I speak very fast."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I always liked engineering. I liked to design. Not that I could draw very well, but I liked it."
Favorite priestly assignment:
"I've been equally happy at every assignment but I really enjoyed teaching CCD, hearing reconciliation and being available to the people. I was at the airport in London once and a woman asked me to hear her confession after another woman asked me to bless her baby."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
The challenge to holiness.
'A priest isn't a superman; he's fully human with ups and downs.'
His description of the ideal priest:
"Simplicity and availability. I chose as my motto, 'He must increase, I must decrease.' I honestly believe that and have tried to live it."
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
"A priest isn't a superman; he's fully human with ups and downs."
What he does on his day off:
"Up until a few years ago (before Hurricane Katrina) I used to play tennis and golf, but now I enjoy listening to music and reading."
Favorite movie:
"Life of Don Bosco" (1936).
Favorite TV series:
"I'm not into TV; I listen to music over the TV now and really only watch sports."
Last book read:
"I prefer religious newspapers and magazines. I read Our Sunday Visitor."
Father Mannix Stack had the privilege of a one-on-one meeting with Pope John Paul II in May 2000, during the celebration of the Jubilee for Priests and the pope's 80th birthday. Father Stack was one of 12 priests turning 80 that year who were selected to have lunch with the pope.
Favorite type of music:
Classical, but really anything other than jazz.
What he collects:
"At St. Mark I began a coin collection as a way to raise funds for the parish. I now have coins from all over the world and they are valued at quite a bit."
Person he most admires:
"I have met so many saintly brothers and priests over the years. (Miami Auxiliary Bishop) John Noonan stands out as a great person."
His greatest disappointment:
"I never got the chance to learn how to play a musical instrument."
His greatest joy:
"My family. I'm the third of 12 children. We were poor but religious and very blessed. I didn't realize it at the time, but my parents had a great love
between them."
His greatest accomplishment:
"I have managed to keep breathing!"
His harshest critic:
"Myself. I always wanted to be better."
Thing he most fears:
"I don't fear dying. I fear becoming a burden on other people."
Born Oct. 2, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, he came to the United States in 1960 and attended Corpus Christi and St. John Bosco parishes in Miami. Ordained May 14, 1977, he served at St. Mary Cathedral, worked with farmworkers in Immokalee, and served as campus minister at the University of Miami and Florida International University before pursuing art degrees at FIU and the University of Florida. He died in a fire in his home on Sept. 14, 2004.
The priest as an artist:
"I was always the kid who was doing the posters for everybody. But I didn't take (art) seriously until I was a priest. ... It came out of a need to pray and to mature in my spirituality. Art has been an integral part of my maturing."
What he did before becoming a priest:
He entered the seminary in ninth grade: "It was a different time. I would not recommend that for anybody right now."
Who was surprised by his vocation:
Everybody: "People are surprised now."
Doubts about choosing the priesthood:
"All along. Doubts never cease. Doubts are part of life.
I don't consider doubts to be the opposite of faith. Doubts are part of faith. The opposite of faith is fear."
Priests who inspire him:
The late Father Daniel Sanchez of Corpus Christi, the first Cuban exile to be ordained a priest in the archdiocese; and Msgr. William Dever, pastor of
St. Helen in Fort Lauderdale, where Father Sardiñas served before going to the University of Florida.
What he does on his days off:
"I hang out at my art studio, or take my dog to the dog park, or I go to the beach and have dinner with friends."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
An architect or a veterinarian: "I love animals."
Greatest disappointment:
"My disappointments have been mostly with myself, by not appreciating at times how blessed I've been."
"Doubts are part of faith. The opposite of faith is fear."
Greatest joy:
"The two places where I'm most at home, where I'm lost in time, are when I celebrate the Eucharist and when I'm in my art studio."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"The public side of it. Being constantly under scrutiny. I'm a very private person. People look at what color shirt you're wearing, what kind of car you're driving, what haircut you have. ... And today, with the shortage of priests, simply overwork."
Father Sardiñas and his "Michelangelo moment" - the chapel at St. Thomas University. He designed the stained glass windows, the statues, the altar, the pulpit and the baptismal font.
Most satisfying aspect of the priesthood:
"The unique, irreplaceable relationship with people in your parish. When people call you 'father' that, to me, is not a title. That's a relationship."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That (priests) have to be superhuman. ... I'm flawed just like everybody else."
Favourite musical artists:
Mozart, U2, Sting and Celia Cruz: "I'm a hybrid."
Person, other than Christ, that he most admires:
St. Francis of Assisi: "He was God's unique work of art. There was no one like him before him and no one like him after him."
Favourite visual artists:
Michelangelo, Raphael, El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Matisse, Rothko, Wilfredo Lam
Thing he most fears:
"Not pleasing God by fully utilizing my God-given talents. Selling God short."
His greatest accomplishment:
Designing all the liturgical appointments for
St. Thomas University's new chapel - stained glass windows, statues, Stations of the Cross, altar, pulpit and baptismal font. "My Michelangelo moment...
This is the accomplishment where both the priest and the artist have come together."
Deacon Gomez, 27, was born Sept. 4, 1990 in Hialeah
to Luis Fernando and Laura Gomez. He is the first of three brothers. He
graduated from Immaculate Conception School in Hialeah in 2005 and Msgr. Edward
Pace High School in Miami Gardens in 2009. He was the coordinator of Encuentros
Juveniles, the youth movement of the Archdiocese of Miami. After attending St.
Thomas University for a year right after high school, he entered the seminary,
earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. John Vianney Seminary in 2013.
He is completing a master’s in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Regional
Seminary
He will celebrate his first Masses Sunday, May 13,
at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception and at 7 p.m. at San Lazaro; Sunday, May 20,
at 9:30 a.m. at Nativity; and Sunday, May 27, at 12:30, 5:30 and 7:15 p.m. at
St. Louis.
Deacon Ayubi, 55, was born April 13, 1963, in
Medellin, Colombia to Antonio Ayubi (deceased), and Judith Giraldo. He is the
first of four siblings: one sister and two brothers. He graduated from St.
Joseph High School in Colombia and obtained a degree in computer science from
Universidad del Norte, Colombia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, cum
laude, from St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and is completing his master’s
in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
He will celebrate his first Masses Sunday, May 13,
at 12:30 p.m. at Mother of Our Redeemer (in Spanish); Sunday, May 20, at 10
a.m. at St. David (in English); and Sunday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark in
Southwest Ranches (in English).
Deacon
Barros, 45, was born Sept. 7, 1972, in Santa Marta, Colombia to Gustavo Barros
and Gloria Goenaga de Barros. He is the oldest of three siblings: one
sister and one brother. He studied social communications at Universidad Autónoma
del Caribe in Barranquilla, Colombia, and graduated from the University of
Miami in 2008 with a master’s in journalism. He worked as a journalist in his
native Colombia, Seattle and Miami before entering the seminary. He earned a Bachelor
of Arts in philosophy from St. John Vianney Seminary in 2013 and is completing
his master’s in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary.
His home parish is Mother of Our Redeemer, Miami. His
pastoral assignments include service at Mother of Our Redeemer and Corpus
Christi, Miami, as well as clinical pastoral education at New York
Presbyterian, New York City. He has served his diaconate year at Assumption
Parish in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
He will celebrate his first Masses Sunday, May 13,
at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi; and Sunday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. at Assumption
and at 7 p.m. at Mother of Our Redeemer.
Deacon Gómez, 37, was born Oct. 30, 1980, in
Acayucan, Veracruz, Mexico to Juan Gomez and Catalina Roman (deceased). He is
the fifth of seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from high school in the
Bachillerato in Acayucan, Veracruz, Mexico and earned a bachelor of arts from
the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He also earned a
doctorate in sacred theology at Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, Catholic
Theological Institute for Oceania, affiliated to the Pontifical Lateran
University. He is completing a master’s in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary.
His home parish is St. Cecilia in Hialeah. His pastoral
assignments have included service at Immaculate Conception parish in
Marlborough, Diocese of Boston, Massachusetts; St. Patrick in Holyoke, Diocese
of Denver, Colorado; and St. Anne, Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado. He has served
his diaconate year at St. Joachim Parish in Miami.
He will celebrate his first Masses Sunday, May 13,
at 9 a.m. and noon, at St. Joachim.
Deacon Brevil, 38, was
born Jan. 6, 1981 in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Joseph Brevil (deceased),
and Louisina Jeantilus. He is the youngest of 10 children, and
has six sisters and three brothers. He grew up with his oldest
sister in Haiti and joined the Redemptorist Order after graduating
from high school, eventually making temporary vows (2006-2012). In
2010, after the earthquake in Haiti, the community sent him to the Dominican Republic and Colombia,
where he learned Spanish. He also participated in
a three week-session on religious formation in Canada.
He returned to Haiti in 2012 and graduated
with a degree in theology from
CIFOR (Centre Institute De Formation Religieuse).
He was never ordained, however, and eventually left the Redemptorists. When he came to Florida for a
family member’s funeral, he felt
a renewed spirit to follow Jesus through the
ministry of priesthood.In 2013, he
applied to the Archdiocese of Miami and after
a year of discernment was accepted as a seminarian. He studied at St. John Vianney College
Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
He served at St.
Helen in Fort Lauderdale and most recently as a deacon at St. John the
Apostle in Hialeah. He will
celebrate his first Masses
May 12, at 11 a.m. at St. John and at 5 p.m. at St. Helen.
Deacon
Sierra, 54, was born Aug. 2, 1964, in Miami, to Jose (deceased) and Stella
Sierra. He is the oldest of three, with one brother and a sister. He graduated
from Miami Southwest Senior High School in 1982 and earned an Associate Degree
in Science in Emergency Medical Services in 1994 from Miami Dade College. After
21 years working as a firefighter/paramedic for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, he retired
four years early to pursue God’s call to the priesthood. He then earned a Bachelor
of Arts in philosophy from St. John Vianney in 2015 and is currently completing
his formation at St. Vincent de Paul.
He has
served at Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami; St. Timothy, Miami; St. Louis, Pinecrest; Blessed Trinity, Miami Springs; and most recently as deacon at St. David,
Davie. He also took part in the Rome Experience, a summer program for diocesan
seminarians.
Deacon
Sierra’s home parish is Our Lady of Lourdes, where he will celebrate his first
Mass May 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Deacon Londoño, 32, was
born in Medellin, Colombia, March 31,1987.
He is the only child of Bernardo Arturo Londoño and Carmen Amanda
Acosta. He went to high school in Medellin. He came to the United States
in July 2009 and entered St. John Vianney Seminary that August.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy
in 2014 and is currently completing
his studies at St.Vincent
de Paul.
Deacon Londoño spent a summer
doing migrant ministry in the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia, and got his
Clinical Pastoral Experience at the Veterans Administration in New York. He has served at St. Michael the Archangel, Miami; St.
Maximillian Kolbe, Pembroke Pines; St.
Andrew, Coral Springs; and as a deacon at Our
Lady of Guadalupe, Doral.
His home parish is St. Michael. He will celebrate his first
Masses May 11 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, and May 12 at 11:45 a.m. at
St. Michael.
Deacon
Lopez, 28, was born Aug. 1, 1990 in Havana, Cuba, the only child of José López
Fernandez and Lissette Alvarez McCullock. He went to high school in Cuba then
came to Miami. Shortly thereafter he entered St. John Vianney Seminary and earned
a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. He is currently completing his studies toward
a Master of Divinity degree at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary.
His home
parish is St. Joseph, Miami Beach. He will celebrate his first Masses May 12 at
9:30 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales, and at 12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph.
Father Muñoz, 35, was born Dec. 7, 1983 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to Martin Muñoz and Patricia Escamilla. He is the second of four, with three sisters. He entered the seminary in 2010 and studied philosophy and pre-theology at Blessed Diego Luis De San Vitores Institute in Guam, U.S. In the summer of 2017, he came to South Florida and entered St. Vincent De Paul Seminary.
He is served as a father at St. Katharine Drexel, Weston, and celebrated his first Mass there May 12, 2019 at noon.
He is currently serving as a Parochial Vicar at Nativity Church, Hollywood.
Father Saunders remembers the question the late Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman would ask him whenever he visited St. Mary Cathedral: "When, Ryan, when?"
At the time, Saunders was working fulltime as master of ceremonies at the cathedral and associate director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship. Msgr. Terence Hogan, then rector of the cathedral, had hired him for the job in 2005, while he was completing his studies in political science at Barry University in Miami Shores.
The combination of studies and work harmonized with Saunders' lifelong passion for both politics and the priesthood. He remembers as a child telling his family he would either become "president or pope."
He also remembers dragging his grandfather to the front pews of the church whenever they went to Mass. "There was always something about the liturgy that drew me in," said the Fort Lauderdale native, born at Holy Cross Hospital. "There was always something about the elevation that I loved, and I wanted to be close to that."
He also was close to Father Timothy Hannon, his pastor at St. Anthony, where he attended elementary school, taught religious education and served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He also gained experience there coordinating liturgical ceremonies for the parish.
Near the end of his years at Cardinal Gibbons High School, young Ryan spoke to Father Hannon about entering the seminary. The priest, who died in 2005, advised him to get some life experience and finish college first.
"If God is calling you, you will know when he's calling you," Father Hannon advised.
So Ryan graduated from Barry and worked at the cathedral until 2010, when a friend, Chip LaMarca, asked him to run his campaign for Broward County commissioner. LaMarca, now a member of Florida's House of Representatives, won that seat and Saunders became his chief of staff.
"It was a fantastic opportunity," Father Saunders recalled. "I loved what I did," managing the office, meeting with constituents. "But there was always something missing, always something I would experience at Mass, receiving the Eucharist, a voice in the back of my head saying, 'This is what you should be doing.'"
The voice turned into a psalm one day while he took part in daily Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale: "You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek."
"It was like a lightbulb went off," Father Saunders recalled. He left church knowing he had to enter the seminary. As he was searching for his car keys, he inadvertently pulled from his pocket the holy card from Bishop Roman's funeral.
"When, Ryan, when?"
"Ok, I get it," Father Saunders recalled thinking. "To this day, I keep that holy card on my desk."
"It's in his blood," Elsa Tomonto said of her eldest son's vocation to the priesthood.
Andrew's grandfather, the late Bob Tomonto, was a permanent deacon at the family's home parish of St. Louis in Pinecrest. He and his wife, Irene Tomonto, joined the Christian Family Movement in the 1960s. At St. Louis, they created the Covenant Experience, a parish-based enrichment program for married couples.
"I've always had very, very good priests in my life," said Father Tomonto, who was born in Mercy Hospital.
But Elsa Tomonto didn't necessarily want her son to become a priest. "She's a Colombian mom who wants to be a Colombian grandmother," he explained. His becoming a priest would cut her chance at that by one-third, as Andrew is the eldest of three sons.
"He remembers when he was 12, he told me he wanted to be a priest and I started crying," Tomonto said moments before her son's ordination. "Now we're thrilled."
Father Tomonto said he first vocalized the thought of becoming a priest in seventh grade, as a student at St. Louis Covenant School. He then moved to Marist-run Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where a couple of archdiocesan priests — both retired now — proved deeply influential: Father Liam Quinn, who taught him theology in ninth grade, and Father Arthur Dennison, who taught him in 11th grade.
But Father Tomonto didn't realize it at the time. At 14, he thought "you couldn't be happy without a family." Looking back later, he realized how Father Quinn changed that perspective.
"This guy is happy. There's a joy in him, and it's infectious," Father Tomonto recalled. "It helped bring down a wall in my mind, a barrier to discerning."
But he moved on, to major in business at the University of Miami.
"This is where the vocation really showed itself," he said. "College was where I had that adult moment when you take ownership of your own faith."
He began "praying more profoundly." During his sophomore year, he attended a vocation awareness weekend at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. He got involved in UM's Catholic campus ministry.
Still, he put off entering the seminary. "I had a good scholarship and I loved college," he said.
He entered the seminary immediately after graduating. "It was just like a puzzle piece fitting," he said. "I went into the seminary and I loved it. I knew that's where I was supposed to be."
As for not having a family: "I haven't found any life that's really that easy," he said. "Each (vocation) has its own challenges and its own joy."
His mother thinks he'll make a good priest. "He's a very comforting person. He's very calm," she said. "I think he's going to be a wonderful person to minister to the people of God."
Deacon Muñoz, 35, was born Dec. 7, 1983 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to Martin Muñoz and Patricia Escamilla. He is the second of four, with three sisters. He entered the seminary in 2010 and studied philosophy and pre-theology at Blessed Diego Luis De San Vitores Institute in Guam, U.S. In the summer of 2017, he came to South Florida and entered St. Vincent De Paul Seminary.
He is
currently serving as a deacon at St. Katharine Drexel, Weston, and will
celebrate his first Mass there May 12 at noon.
Born Dec. 5, 1960, in Sliema, Malta, Bishop Baldacchino is the second oldest of four
children three boys and a girl born to
Leonilda (known as Hilda) and Rinaldo (known as Rene) Baldacchino. When he was 13, his family joined the Neocatechumenal Way. He studied at St. Francis School in Msida and Mount Carmel College in Santa Venera, Malta, then studied science and chemistry at the University of Malta.
He entered the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan
Missionary Seminary in Newark, N.J., in 1990, obtaining a bachelor’s in theology,
and a master’s in divinity from Seton Hall
University. On May 25, 1996, he was
ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of
Newark and assigned as parochial vicar to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, N.J. In 1999, he was named chancellor of Our
Lady of Divine Providence Mission in Turks
and Caicos Islands, a missio sui iuris
(independent mission) for which the
Archbishop of Newark is responsible.
He became pastor of Our Lady of Divine
Providence Church in Providenciales in
2002, and in 2009 was named a Chaplain
to His Holiness, with the honorary title of monsignor. Pope Francis appointed him
auxiliary bishop of Miami Feb. 20, 2014.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked for nine years as a technical manager for Canada Dry in Malta. “I was a workaholic
36 hours straight work without going home.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
After attending World Youth Day in Santiago
de Compostela, Spain, in 1989.
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“The World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela in 1989. The words of John Paul II in his homily, ‘Do not be afraid to be holy,’ opened a new
perspective to life for me.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
Press conferences.
His hobbies:
“I always enjoy a good fishing trip.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Comforting someone who has lost a loved one; when no words can fill that void and we can only offer to be present and share their suffering.”
‘The words of John Paul II in his homily, “Do not be afraid to be holy,” opened a new perspective to life for me.’
His description of the ideal priest:
“Does not exist.”
Favorite movie:
“Preferisco Il Paradiso” based on the life of
St. Philip Neri.
Favorite sport:
Soccer.
Last book read:
“Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives”
by Pope Benedict XVI.
What he does on his day off:
“Day off is only a term.”
Person he most admires:
“Blessed Pope John Paul II, because he changed
my life and was instrumental in my calling to the priesthood.”
Peter Baldacchino, front, gets ready to kick a soccer ball while playing with his siblings, from left, John, Paula and Robert, in their native Malta.
Newly ordained Father Peter Baldacchino is seen here
with his parents Leonilda (known as Hilda) and
Rinaldo (known as Rene).
His greatest accomplishment:
“To be an instrument in God’s hand in
establishing a Catholic presence in the Turks
and Caicos Islands.”
His greatest joy:
“The day of my ordination to the priesthood.”
His greatest disappointment:
“That my father’s health prohibits him from
attending my consecration (as bishop).”
His greatest fear:
“Myself.”
Born Dec. 22, 1966, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Father Hernandez considers himself a "Cuban-Rican" because he grew up on the island but his parents and grandparents are from Cuba. The middle of five children - two older brothers, two younger sisters - he studied in Passionist schools before entering the seminary in Miami in 1987. Ordained in 1994, he served at Epiphany Parish in South Miami and Sts. Peter and Paul, Miami before becoming the first Hispanic pastor of the historic St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in 2002. It is the third oldest parish in Florida.
On studying for the priesthood:
"When I was a kid I was not much attracted to studies.
I said to the Lord when I graduated from high school, the shorter the career, the better. Like always, the Lord has a good sense of humor. So he said, 'Oh, yeah, you're going to study eight years for the priesthood.'"
Why the priesthood:
"I wanted to serve people. Really, the life of the priest did not interest me. What attracted me was the service that the priest does for the community."
Seminary life:
"It was my first time away from home and I was learning English. God wanted me to stay, because it was a terrible year, difficult to adjust."
Good advice from a fellow priest:
"You cannot live better than your parishioners." - Father Juan Lopez, pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Miami.
Good advice from a fellow priest:
"You cannot live better than your parishioners." - Father Juan Lopez, pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Miami.
What he does on his days off:
"I go to Miami and eat with friends.
Favorite TV series:
"Friends" (he has a collection of episodes) and "The Golden Girls": "I learned English watching 'Golden Girls.'"
How he makes decisions:
"I always go to the tabernacle and pray to the Lord."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I probably would have finished accounting and be in business - maybe selling, like my father."
Greatest frustration:
"Some of our regulations are a little strict for our people. But it's part of our faith. It's part of our tradition. And you have to follow them."
"I don't want someone to leave the church because of me."
Difficult moment:
During the height of the priestly sexual abuse crisis in 2002: "Do I need to be in this? I can be an active parishioner like my father is. I don't need to be labeled as one of them."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"To always make sure that what you do, you do it right ... I don't want someone to leave the church because of me."
Favorite type of music:
For listening: Soft Spainsh melodies by artists such as José Luis Perales; for dancing: "If there's salsa or merengue I will dance, because the music gets into me."
Collections:
He owns 60 Nativity sets. "I love Christmas time and I love nativities. I'm the one who sets up the nativity at my church."
Father Hernandez, who describes himself as "a social person," celebrates his birthday with former parishioners from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Miami, Luis Acosta and his wife, Kirsy. He celebrated their wedding and baptized their children.
Hobbies:
"Eating - you can see that. For three years I used to cook on Sundays in the major seminary. I don't have time now." He also likes antique shops. "I just look. I don't have the money to buy."
Persons he most admires:
"My parents and grandparents - they were people who were not rich but they were so centered in what they had to do in life that they gave me a model to follow."
Biggest fear:
"Not death, but suffering a long illness, a heart problem, or cancer. As a priest, you don't have anyone.If that happens to me, who's going to take care of me?"
Upcoming challenge:
"My heart is calling me to do it - start a mission church in Stock Island. There are a lot of Hispanic and Haitian people over there. Even though they come to the big church, they don't feel part of the big church. I feel the responsibility and the need - if they can't come to me,
I have to go to them."
Born June 22, 1969, in León, Nicaragua, Father Paguaga is the oldest of four children. He arrived in the United States Dec. 1, 1989, after a one-month, $2,000 journey from Guatemala. He worked in the construction industry, at fast-food restaurants and washing dishes before entering the seminary in 1991. He was ordained a priest for the Miami Archdiocese in May 2000, and served at Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes before being assigned to Little Flower last summer.
Why he came to the United States:
“To come, work, save, help my family and go back after six or seven years." His father had died in 1984, and the family had moved to Guatemala, partly due to the political troubles in Nicaragua. The family's pharmacy had been looted; their grandfather had been kidnapped.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
“He was one of the first cooks at the McDonald's on S.W. 87th Avenue and 24th Street in Miami. He also worked at Burger King and as a busboy at the Radisson Hotel. At one point, he held three jobs simultaneously. "I'm very proud of it. If you want to work, you will find work. If you want to get ahead, you can get ahead."”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“He first asked his mother for permission to enter the seminary at 6. At 14, he attended a charismatic retreat for young people. "I remember saying, 'This is what I really want to be.'" His father's response: "Over my dead body." He tried to enter the seminary in Guatemala but his mother asked him to wait. After coming to Miami, "I knew I didn't want to stay (in the United States) to make money but to serve the people. I saw the need here. An immigrant can best understand an immigrant."
‘It's almost like God brought me here...’
What he does on his days off:
"I like to go to the beach. I like to go to the gym. I spend a lot of time working in the garden. It puts my mind at ease."
Favorite movie:
"The Lion King."
Favorite TV series:
"The Golden Girls", "Touched by an Angel" and the Discovery Channel.
God's plan:
"It's almost like God brought me here and opened the doors because in less than two years I was in the seminary. It couldn't have been more clear that God wanted me to be here."
Gardening enthusiast Father Paguaga with some student helpers from St. Teresa School in Coral Gables.
Favorite type of music:
Country music, 99.9 KISS FM
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
He was studying civil engineering at the University of Guatemala. "The thing is, I don't see myself doing something else other than being a priest. This is what I love. Sometimes I feel guilty that I get paid for what I do."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"Sometimes people don't see us as human beings with the same needs and feelings as others. We come from a family. We sat for many years in the pews where people sit and listened to the liturgy. We're real. We weren't born wearing vestments."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
Transfers: "You get to love your people, you devote yourself to them, and then you have to move."
Greatest disappointment:
"That my father didn't see me ordained because, actually, he would have been extremely happy with me. My father was never able to see his son fully realized as the man he wanted to be."
Person he most admires:
"My mother - her faith and trust in God, her simplicity, her sense of humor. She has never complained to God or anybody else for all the things that she has been through in her life."
Born in El Salvador on Sept. 5, 1974, Father Alfaro was educated by the Marist Brothers there until 11th grade, when he moved to South Florida. He graduated from Miami Beach Senior High in 1992, got a bachelor’s degree in psychology from FIU in 1997 and entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami that same year. He went on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where he obtained a Master in Divinity, and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2003. He served at St. John Neumann Parish in Miami until he was sent for higher studies in Rome. He obtained a licentiate in Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2009 and taught at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary until June 2013, when he was appointed administrator of Blessed Trinity.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“During my college years I had a part-time job as a bank teller at then-NationsBank. I was also very involved in the youth group and the youth choir in my home parish (St. Joseph, Miami Beach).”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I started considering the possibility of becoming a priest when I was around 20 years old.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“I did a retreat that changed my life when I was 16, but I did not consider the priesthood at that time. Then when I was in college, a new priest came to my home parish. He inspired my vocation. Although he never spoke to me about the vocation to the priesthood, he showed me with his example how fulfilling the life of a priest could be. I then began to ask God if he could be calling me to this lifestyle.”
Person/persons most surprised by his vocation:
“Because I was so involved in Church at the time, I think the decision to enter seminary surprised very few people.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“It’s impossible to learn everything in the seminary. It certainly did not prepare me to be a seminary formator something I did for four years.”
‘I greatly admire the example that Pope Francis is giving the whole Church.’
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Perhaps I’d be a psychologist or a teacher.”
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Having to deal with administration, handbooks, financial concerns, managing staff, paperwork, etc.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“The ideal priest is someone who is a man of deep communion with the Lord. His prayer leads him to action in ministry and vice versa. Someone who makes himself available to the people of God and tries to respond to their needs as he walks the journey of faith together with them.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“That a priest is above the rest of the people or better than the rest of humanity.”
What he does on his day off:
“Rest, watch a good movie, read and/or visit my family and friends.”
Favorite movie:
Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Favorite TV series:
“24.”
Father Jose Alfaro, far right, is seen here during a visit to Disney World with his family.
Last book read:
“The Infancy Narratives” by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Favorite type of music:
Country, classical and Christian pop.
Person he most admires:
“I greatly admire the example that Pope Francis is giving the whole Church. He is preaching and teaching not only through words, but especially through his own actions. It’s been thrilling to see him and to listen carefully to all the speeches he gave in Rio de Janeiro during World Youth Day. His simplicity, humility, sincerity and zeal (are) inspiring a lot of people to come back to the faith.”
His greatest disappointment:
“My own flaws and sinfulness.”
His greatest joy:
“Celebrating the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation.”
Thing he most fears:
“To give scandal.”
Regrets:
“None. I could not see my life being any happier or more fulfilled than doing what I’m doing.”
Born Nov. 11, 1960, in Havana, Cuba, Father Alvarez came to Miami with his parents and older sister in 1967. He grew up in St. John Bosco Parish, Little Havana, and entered the seminary at age 36. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2003. Before joining the seminary staff in September, 2004, he served as associate pastor of St. Brendan Parish in Westchester. He also hosts the Spanish and English language television programs produced by the archdiocese which air on Cable-TAP in Miami-Dade County.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre and spent a decade as an actor and director,doing theater, television commercials and films: “Blink-and-you’ll-miss-me kind of things.” He then spent 15 years as a teacher and coach at his alma maters, Sts. Peter and Paul School and La Salle High School in Miami.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“When I had matured enough … I dated enough that I could have married. I thought about it a couple of times. But I thought the lifestyle was too restricted. … I always felt that I needed to be freer to engage in ministry. I would have driven my wife nuts.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“The same thing I was doing before, teaching and coaching. I loved it. It wasn’t like I became a priest because I was miserable doing what I was doing before. I just felt called to do this.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Myself. It’s funny, not too many people were surprised. … At one time I had a girlfriend who would say to me, ‘Stop talking to me with that priest’s voice of yours.’”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“I haven’t been too surprised by anything I’ve seen in ministry. I spent 10 years in the entertainment industry and worked with coaches. I was ready for anything.”
‘I admire Jesus, the way he lived, the fact that he was a regular guy, a people’s man. He found joy and life in the little things and helped people discover that. ’
Favorite priestly assignment:
“They’re all good. As long as you give me people, I’m happy.”
Greatest joy:
“Hanging out with Jesus; hanging out with people; enjoying the little things of life. That’s what it’s about.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“You need to be a regular guy. … What gives credibility to the faith is not what you do but how you relate to people. Jesus changed history not so much because of what he did but because of the way he related to the people who came to him. He showed them that within every ordinary event, the extraordinary was hidden there. That’s my whole spirituality, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Father Alvarez, a “sports junkie,” takes in Marlins games whenever he can.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That a priest is a certain way. The best thing we bring to the priesthood is who we are, and we’re all so different.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Shattering some of these very limited notions of what a priest is.”
On the “Drama and Ministry” course he devised and teaches to seminarians:
“Drama and ministry are both centered on conflict. By studying drama, we become more attuned to the conflicts that we address in ministry.”
What he does on his days off:
“I’m a huge sports fan, so on my days off, if the Marlins are playing, I’m at the stadium.”
Favorite TV series:
“I watch ESPN. … I’m a sports junkie.”
Favorite type of music:
“I’m probably the only Cuban who listens to American folk and blue grass.”
Person he most admires:
“Jesus. I admire Jesus, the way he lived, the fact that he was a regular guy, a people’s man. He found joy and life in the little things and helped people discover that.”
Thing he most fears:
“At the end of my life, not being as giving as I perhaps could have been. But Jesus is very merciful and he can be at peace with that, so I don’t lose too much sleep over it. I’ll bank on his mercy.”
Hobbies:
“Watching sports, music, movies. I love to travel. I love to eat.”
Regrets:
None. “All the ladies come hug me, kiss me, and I send them home with somebody else. How could I have any regrets? I have the best of all worlds.”
Born in Cuba in 1957, Father Corces grew up in Miami and was ordained for the archdiocese in 1988. As vocations director, he is responsible for recruiting and screening candidates to the priesthood. He also helps out at Prince of Peace Church in Miami, teaches lay ministry courses and has been involved with the HIV/AIDS ministry.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I tried going into the seminary right after high school and it didn't work.
I was too young, too immature." Years later, he began questioning his choice again: "During a New Year's Eve party in which I was having the best time,
I stopped and looked around and said, is this what
I want? And the answer was very clear. No. That is not for me."
Later still, during a visit to the missions in Honduras, he realized his call was to the priesthood:
"Coming in contact with the dirt poor people made me want to make a difference. The priesthood came up as the way to make a difference. Of course, there are other ways. But that was my way, the gift being offered to me."
His description of the ideal priest:
"First of all, a human being filled with love for life and God and deep faith that, in and though that broken humanity, God blesses the world. You have to be filled with life, definitely.":
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
"A teacher or a pilot. I love to tach and I love planes."
"I am successful when I know that the person
has been touched by the spirit of Christ -
when I have facilitated that encounter.
You see the fruits. You see the change.
Those are moments of sucess."
Greatest disappointment:
"9/11. Disappointment at our own humanity, that we are capable of doing something like that."
Greatest joy:
"9/11. I was so angry in the morning, and by the afternoon, I saw how human beings are capable of the highest, heroic choices."
Person he most admires:
Gandhi. "I think he was an incredible man who was able to free a country without shooting a gun."
Thing he most fears:
"I fear being old, sick and helpless, because I see it
every day."
What he did before becoming a priest:
Worked in a bank's accounting department for 7 years: "I hated it."
Father Pedro Corces indulges in his favorite pastime: browsing in bookstores & reading.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Finding myself without answers and therefore dealing with the frustration of being powerless before cerain situations. Having to accept that I do not have all the answers."
What he does on his days off:
Loves going to the movies and spending time in bookstores: "I'm a bookworm. And when the weather is nice I go to the beach. I love the ocean."
His harshest critic:
"Myself and the Gospel."
His greatest accomplishment:
"I am successful when I know that the person has been touched by the spirit of Christ - when I have facilitated that encounter. You see the fruits. You see the change. Those are moments of success."
Born May 6, 1964, in Levittown, New York, his family moved to Jensen Beach when he was 8. He attended public schools and St. Martin de Porres Parish, and was studying at Indian River Community College when he decided to enter the seminary.
Since his ordination, May 11, 1991, he has served as priest-secretary to both Archbishop Emeritus Edward McCarthy and Archbishop John C. Favalora, and as associate pastor at Epiphany Parish in South Miami and Immaculate Conception in Hialeah.
He is currently studying fulltime at Florida International University, working toward a degree in exceptional student education with a specialization in autism.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I started thinking about it when I was in eighth grade. Throughout high school it was an idea that kept coming back to me. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but it definitely kept coming back. While there were many things that I could do and do well, this was the one thing where I felt I could give the best I had to give and be the most fulfilled."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
His intended major in college was education. "It's very interesting that, these many years later, the church has come to me and asked me to fulfill a need by studying special education. So it's come full circle. In a sense, I gave that up to enter the seminary and now it has been given back to me."
Greatest disappointment:
"If you turn disappointments over to God, they don't become great. So I don't worry about those."
Greatest joy:
"Sharing with people in the important moments of their lives, the joyful ones as well as the sorrowful ones."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Being unable to meet the overwhelming needs that are being presented to you. Being unable to be in three places at once and wanting to meet those needs."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That priests are supposed to be angels in human form rather than human beings who walk with the community."
"In a sense, I gave that up (a career in education) to enter the seminary and now it has been given back to me."
How others describe him:
"I've been told I have a raucous laugh." When he was at Epiphany, "it was a vocabulary word and the kids were not getting it. So the teacher said, 'Father Michael has a raucous laugh.' And the kids got it."
Life as a university student:
"It's neat not to have any sort of favoritism toward me. Because sometimes priests are treated with favoritism. It's nice to know that the grade I'm getting is because I'm working as hard as everybody else Being at the university has helped me to see the importance of being a person, not just a persona. It's important for priests to be persons with their people. Jesus said, 'I know my sheep and mine know me.' Underline the 'mine know me' part because sometimes we forget that. The sheep also need to know their shepherd."
On dancing:
"When I first got to Immaculate, I had never seen a community that so loved to dance. I never danced.
I was terrified of dancing my whole life. But in order to be part of this community, I took salsa lessons. It was exercise. It was fun. And now I can dance with my community. They were all happily shocked. I'm still no good, but at least I'm not afraid anymore."
On the priestly commitment:
"To be a good husband and wife, you have to be desperately in love with your spouse. The priest also must be desperately in love, passionately in love, with God and the priesthood. It is the same commitment. We're called to a spousal relationship with God. It needs to be that deep and that real and that passionate. If it's only about what you do, then it's work. It's just a job, it's not a life. Being a husband or a wife is not only about what you do, but who you are because of your relationship to this other person. For a priest, it has to be the same."
Thing he most fears:
"Losing loving relationships. Becoming so busy that
I loose touch with those loving relationships, with families and friends that keep me human, that keep me real."
Person he most admires:
"My father because he was a decent man who worked very hard to provide for his family, to create a loving environment in his home, who was always willing to do things for other people without wanting recognition or thanks."
Born Aug. 9, 1941 in Jamaica Plain, N.Y., he moved to Miami in 1949 and grew up in Holy Family Parish, North Miami. He attended Archbishop Curley High School and entered the seminary during his senior year. Ordained in 1968, he served as the founding director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship from 1978 to 1984. He has spent 24 of his 35 years as a priest at St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest, including the last 21 years as pastor. "I think I'm this close to marrying one of the kids I baptized here." He also serves as dean of the South Dade Deanery.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
Probably around the fifth grade: "You'd be serving at Mass and there was just something very special about all that." He would also lock up the church and set out the vestments for the next morning. "The priests that
I knew trusted me. I learned how to drive in the church truck when I was 12 years old because
Msgr. (Rowan) Rastatter let me drive the truck around the parking lot. He was my hero."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I haven't the vaguest idea. There isn't anything else that I ever think about being. I could just as easily be bagging groceries at Publix."
Why he never wanted to be a missionary:
"I wanted to be a priest and Holy Family would do just fine. To this day I get nervous going to Broward County."
What he does on his days off:
"Take a deep breath. I'll go and spend the day with a friend. Go to a movie. Get off by myself and read.
Hobbies:
"I've played at tennis. To say that I was a tennis player would dishonour the sport."
"I learned long ago that I'm not the Messiah. We only had one of those."
Best memory:
"The morning we went up to celebrate Mass with the Holy Father." He was one of the 38 priests studying at the North American College in Rome who gathered in the pope's private chapel on Nov. 30, 1989, at 6:30a.m. When it came time for the homily, the pope simply said, "'Today we let Jesus speak.' And he sat down. We all reflected on the Gospel for seven minutes."
Greatest frustration:
"Not being able to do all the things people would like me to do."
Greatest joy:
"The people who are here with me at St. Louis. I pray to God I never abuse that trust."
Father Fetscher kayaking on the Great Lakes during a recent vacation.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"When things happen that you can't have any control over and you don't have all the glib answers. Or you can't wave the wand and make it all better. I learned long ago that I'm not the Messiah. We only had one of those."
His description of the ideal priest:
"To be all things to all people. Jesus certainly poured himself out for people. That's the standard by which
we measure ourselves."
Favourite type of music:
Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Leonard Bernstein
What he collects:
"Everything" but especially books: "I had this idea that if I owned the book and it sat in the shelf, somehow, by sheer osmosis, whatever was in it would stay in my head."
On his personality:
"You're looking at a guy who voted for Barry Goldwater and George McGovern. Think about that."
Favourite priestly assignment:
"The one I'm in."
Person he most admires:
Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Román: "I'm continually amazed at his capacity for charity, gentleness and kindness. If I could have a tenth of it, I would be a happy man."
Born Oct. 31, 1956, in Santa Clara, Cuba, Msgr. Marin came to the United States with his family - parents and younger sister - at age 4. They settled in Chicago.
He went to medical school in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency at the University of Miami, specializing in investigational cardiology. He was ordained for the Miami Archdiocese in 1989 and later obtained a canon law degree from The Catholic University of America.
He served as chancellor from 1993 - 2003 and, in addition to his work as promoter of justice and judge on the metropolitan tribunal, as well as chaplain of the Catholic Physicians & Dentists Guild.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
He felt the call in fifth grade at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Chicago, where he was an altar server. He would have entered the high school seminary had it not been for the advice of the school's new principal who suggested he attend a "prestigious" public high school instead that focused on math and science. "The whole background of my family being in medicine came back again and I went back to medicine. Priesthood was out of the picture for those years."
Vocation moment:
In 1976, his first year of medical school, there was a huge explosion at a sugar mill in the Dominican Republic. "The 400 men who were burned kept asking for a priest. The only priest was away at a mission.
It was very clear to me, seeing all of the doctors and the nurses and 123 men dying, that there was more need for priests than there was for doctors." He decided to quit medicine, but again was advised not to by the seminary rector, who told him "the best thing to do was to finish medical school because that would always be in the back of my mind. God would call me later."
God did - in 1983 in New Orleans. "I was giving a keynote speech at a cardiologists' convention. These two gentlemen walked up to me and said, 'Are you a priest?' They were Jesuit physicians." They told him: "Your whole empathy for the patient almost speaks of you being a priest already."
On making the final decision:
"I needed to prove to myself that I could be a good physician - New Orleans was that proof. It was the pinnacle of medicine. So next, I needed to prove that
I could be a good priest."
"It was very clear to me, seeing all of the doctors and the nurses and 123 men dying,
that there was more need for priests than
there was for doctors."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"Some of my medical colleagues. They didn't understand it. But in the long run they have come asking for help at times and are glad that I'm there for them. The friendships have remained."
Favourite priestly assignment:
Our Lady of Guadalupe: "There's such a great community that is constantly challenging me. I can place many of my gifts there at the service of this community."
Greatest disappointment:
None. He sees them as "challenges, as moments of growth, time to learn. The alternative would be to sit down and cry and I don't do that."
Greatest joy:
"Just being with people at the most important times of their life - the birth of a child, the death of a relative, their wedding day. Their whole life, you're involved with them."
Greatest challenge:
"To realize that you're not going to please everybody. I'm a pleaser. I like to keep people happy. You realize that not everybody is going to be happy."
His harshest critic:
"My mother. She's very truthful."
Hobbies:
He collects coins and stamps and is an avid reader, at least one book a month. "I've had three at a time going." He especially loves reading history books.
Favourite type of music:
He likes all types, from Annie Lenox to Bach. He also has season tickets to the opera.
People he most admires:
His parents, who sacrificed their own futures to give their children a future in a free land. His mother worked nights in order to be with her children during the day. "She would put us to bed and be there when we woke up. We didn't realize she was working all night. It was a great sacrifice that they made. They are always my heroes."
Current difficulties in the church:
"This isn't the worst of times. It isn't the best of times. But we'll get through it and go into another wonderful adventure with God."
Born in El Salvador on Sept. 5, 1974, Father Alfaro was educated by the Marist Brothers there until 11th grade, when he moved to South Florida. He graduated from Miami Beach Senior High in 1992, got a bachelor’s degree in psychology from FIU in 1997 and entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami that same year. He went on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where he obtained a Master in Divinity, and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2003. He served at St. John Neumann Parish in Miami until he was sent for higher studies in Rome. He obtained a licentiate in Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2009 and taught at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary until June 2013, when he was appointed administrator of Blessed Trinity.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“During my college years I had a part-time job as a bank teller at then-NationsBank. I was also very involved in the youth group and the youth choir in my home parish (St. Joseph, Miami Beach).”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I started considering the possibility of becoming a priest when I was around 20 years old.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“I did a retreat that changed my life when I was 16, but I did not consider the priesthood at that time. Then when I was in college, a new priest came to my home parish. He inspired my vocation. Although he never spoke to me about the vocation to the priesthood, he showed me with his example how fulfilling the life of a priest could be. I then began to ask God if he could be calling me to this lifestyle.”
Person/persons most surprised by his vocation:
“Because I was so involved in Church at the time, I think the decision to enter seminary surprised very few people.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“It’s impossible to learn everything in the seminary. It certainly did not prepare me to be a seminary formator something I did for four years.”
‘I greatly admire the example that Pope Francis is giving the whole Church.’
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Perhaps I’d be a psychologist or a teacher.”
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Having to deal with administration, handbooks, financial concerns, managing staff, paperwork, etc.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“The ideal priest is someone who is a man of deep communion with the Lord. His prayer leads him to action in ministry and vice versa. Someone who makes himself available to the people of God and tries to respond to their needs as he walks the journey of faith together with them.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“That a priest is above the rest of the people or better than the rest of humanity.”
What he does on his day off:
“Rest, watch a good movie, read and/or visit my family and friends.”
Favorite movie:
Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Favorite TV series:
“24.”
Father Jose Alfaro, far right, is seen here during a visit to Disney World with his family.
Last book read:
“The Infancy Narratives” by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Favorite type of music:
Country, classical and Christian pop.
Person he most admires:
“I greatly admire the example that Pope Francis is giving the whole Church. He is preaching and teaching not only through words, but especially through his own actions. It’s been thrilling to see him and to listen carefully to all the speeches he gave in Rio de Janeiro during World Youth Day. His simplicity, humility, sincerity and zeal (are) inspiring a lot of people to come back to the faith.”
His greatest disappointment:
“My own flaws and sinfulness.”
His greatest joy:
“Celebrating the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation.”
Thing he most fears:
“To give scandal.”
Regrets:
“None. I could not see my life being any happier or more fulfilled than doing what I’m doing.”
Born Nov. 11, 1960, in Havana, Cuba, Father Alvarez came to Miami with his parents and older sister in 1967. He grew up in St. John Bosco Parish, Little Havana, and entered the seminary at age 36. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2003. Before joining the seminary staff in September, 2004, he served as associate pastor of St. Brendan Parish in Westchester. He also hosts the Spanish and English language television programs produced by the archdiocese which air on Cable-TAP in Miami-Dade County.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre and spent a decade as an actor and director,doing theater, television commercials and films: “Blink-and-you’ll-miss-me kind of things.” He then spent 15 years as a teacher and coach at his alma maters, Sts. Peter and Paul School and La Salle High School in Miami.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“When I had matured enough … I dated enough that I could have married. I thought about it a couple of times. But I thought the lifestyle was too restricted. … I always felt that I needed to be freer to engage in ministry. I would have driven my wife nuts.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“The same thing I was doing before, teaching and coaching. I loved it. It wasn’t like I became a priest because I was miserable doing what I was doing before. I just felt called to do this.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Myself. It’s funny, not too many people were surprised. … At one time I had a girlfriend who would say to me, ‘Stop talking to me with that priest’s voice of yours.’”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“I haven’t been too surprised by anything I’ve seen in ministry. I spent 10 years in the entertainment industry and worked with coaches. I was ready for anything.”
‘I admire Jesus, the way he lived, the fact that he was a regular guy, a people’s man. He found joy and life in the little things and helped people discover that. ’
Favorite priestly assignment:
“They’re all good. As long as you give me people, I’m happy.”
Greatest joy:
“Hanging out with Jesus; hanging out with people; enjoying the little things of life. That’s what it’s about.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“You need to be a regular guy. … What gives credibility to the faith is not what you do but how you relate to people. Jesus changed history not so much because of what he did but because of the way he related to the people who came to him. He showed them that within every ordinary event, the extraordinary was hidden there. That’s my whole spirituality, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Father Alvarez, a “sports junkie,” takes in Marlins games whenever he can.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That a priest is a certain way. The best thing we bring to the priesthood is who we are, and we’re all so different.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Shattering some of these very limited notions of what a priest is.”
On the “Drama and Ministry” course he devised and teaches to seminarians:
“Drama and ministry are both centered on conflict. By studying drama, we become more attuned to the conflicts that we address in ministry.”
What he does on his days off:
“I’m a huge sports fan, so on my days off, if the Marlins are playing, I’m at the stadium.”
Favorite TV series:
“I watch ESPN. … I’m a sports junkie.”
Favorite type of music:
“I’m probably the only Cuban who listens to American folk and blue grass.”
Person he most admires:
“Jesus. I admire Jesus, the way he lived, the fact that he was a regular guy, a people’s man. He found joy and life in the little things and helped people discover that.”
Thing he most fears:
“At the end of my life, not being as giving as I perhaps could have been. But Jesus is very merciful and he can be at peace with that, so I don’t lose too much sleep over it. I’ll bank on his mercy.”
Hobbies:
“Watching sports, music, movies. I love to travel. I love to eat.”
Regrets:
None. “All the ladies come hug me, kiss me, and I send them home with somebody else. How could I have any regrets? I have the best of all worlds.”
Born Jan. 20, 1954, in Burundi, Africa, Father Biriruka entered the seminary of Bujumbura in 1974 and was ordained July 11, 1981, for the Diocese of Ngozi, Burundi. He obtained a degree in theology from the Urbaniana Pontifical University in Rome in 1985 and a licentiate in moral theology from St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland, in 1991. He speaks Kirundi, his native tongue, French (one of Burundi’s official languages), English, Spanish, a little Swahili, and is learning Italian. He found refuge in the United States in 1995 after being blacklisted in his homeland for trying to stop the genocide between Tutsi and Hutu. He has served at Our Lady Queen of Heaven in North Lauderdale, Immaculate Conception in Hialeah, St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines, St. Kevin in Miami, and Epiphany in South Miami before being named pastor of Blessed John XXIII in June 2008.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I must have been either 11 or 12 years old.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“My aunt was instrumental. She spoke to me about it quite a bit. She must have seen something in me. There was also a missionary who after hearing my confession asked me if I would ever consider the priesthood.”
Persons most surprised by his vocation:
“No one. … My mother may have tried to tell me to consider a career in business to help support the family. My father died in 1973, only a year before I entered the seminary. My mother was left caring for my four older sisters and two younger brothers.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“They could have done more to teach us how to run a parish, deal with the finances. I had to learn a lot on my own. Also, they did not prepare us enough on how to deal with social situations. In my case, in Burundi we never discussed in the seminary the problems of the country and how to deal with them as a priest.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Either a businessman or a teacher. I felt a strong calling to teach during my high school years until my call to the priesthood became too strong to ignore.”
"Celibacy is difficult but beautiful."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Celibacy is difficult but beautiful. Obedience is also a challenge. As priests we pledge our obedience to our bishop. In Africa it was challenging to be obedient because situations change so often.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“He would love God very deeply, love his people. … In loving your people you must live their joys and sufferings. You must be part of it. A good priest must also be well educated and know and teach the faith.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“Priests should avoid being put on pedestals. We should be brothers among brothers and sisters. If people saw us that way then maybe they would have a better understanding of the priesthood and be willing to pray more for vocations and their priests.”
Dressed in traditional African garb, Father Biriruka poses with former parishioners during an event at St. Kevin Parish a few years ago.
Favorite movie:
“I don’t really watch movies, but I would like anything that has to do with Padre Pio or Blessed John XXIII. Occasionally I enjoy a good martial arts movie … as long as it isn’t too violent.”
Favorite TV series:
“I like the news. I watch CNN or BBC. I enjoy hearing about politics and then looking at it from the point of view of theology.”
Favorite type of music:
Gregorian chant.
Person he most admires:
“John Paul II because of how he loved the people, how he taught us, how he dealt with problems and how he opened the doors of Jesus to the world.”
His greatest disappointment:
“In my country, there have been horrible massacres and genocides as in neighboring Rwanda. My greatest disappointment has been not being able to stop them. I have tried. I have written letters, made phone calls to so many people both in the United States government and abroad and yet nothing has happened to stop these senseless killings.”
His greatest joy:
“Serving the people of God in both good and bad times.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“I was able to successfully build this church (Blessed John XXIII in Miramar) and I think I have also earned partial credit, at least, for stopping the persecution of the Church in Burundi. I did that by speaking the truth, being vocal and writing letters.”
Born April 12, 1951 in Miranda, a city in Burgos, Spain, he came to Miami in 1978 on a business venture: representing 40 Spanish publishers seeking to sell bilingual textbooks in the U.S. market.
While living in St. Francis de Sales Parish on Miami Beach, he rekindled his vocation and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 14, 1983.Since then, in addition to parish assignments, he has served in the vocations office, as archdiocesan director of youth ministry and as founding director of Radio Paz/Peace/Ke Poze.
His journey to the priesthood:
He entered the seminary in Madrid, Spain, at 17, and left at 21. "It was the early 1970s. We were revolutionaries. We went to live in the poor neighbourhoods of Madrid, in groups of five.
(We) decided that we had to study theology among the people." Eventually, he left theological studies altogether. "I had a crisis of faith. I wanted to discover what it was to live life. I wanted to prove that I could be successful in business and be a normal person."
What he did before becoming a priest:
He started his own business, transporting and delivering newspapers. Before that, in order to support himself as an "in-the-world" seminarian, he worked summers as a bellboy and waiter in Geneva, Switzerland. He also briefly drove a cab. "The tourists would get mad at me because I didn't know the streets of Madrid, and they thought I was cheating them."
A knock on the door:
By age 27, he had built a successful business, owned a large house in Madrid and "lived really well."
One night, while he was getting ready to throw a party, an elderly couple knocked on his door, suitcases in hand. They needed a place to stay. He tried to shut the door on them "but it wouldn't close. It was like something was stuck. I remembered the Gospel passage, 'Whatever you do to the least of my brothers' I thought of my parents in the same situation." He relented, but warned the couple that it was only for one night.
They stayed with him for two years. "I wanted to know nothing about God. When they came to my house and knocked on my door, they gave me back my vocation."
"I had a crisis of faith.I wanted to prove
that I could be successful in business
and be a normal person."
Why he ultimately became a priest:
"I found out that money didn't bring me happiness.
I was looking for something that would give meaning to my life. When I entered the seminary the first time, I thought I was missing something, and I didn't want to be a frustrated priest."
Being one with the people:
At his first assignment, the predominantly Cuban Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Miami, he strived to fit in.
"I would invite myself to eat in (parishioners') homes," telling them that he loved "peccadillo" and black beans. After the first two weeks of eating that every night,
he got up on the pulpit again and said, "I would like to change the menu."
As a young seminarian, Federico Capdepon helped Cuban refugees in Madrid. He also played guitar in a musical group he dubbed, "Los Brothers." The six seminarians would go around the countryside performing at dances for youth groups. "We only knew four songs."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"My father wasn't too thrilled. He wanted me to be
an architect. Every time my mother thought about it,
she would start to cry because she thought they were going to send me to Africa." Even after he came to Miami, "my mother thought I was converting Indians here in Florida."
Greatest joy:
Serving as a link between the earth-bound, materialistic world and the transcendent, spiritual world. "The people see in (priests) a font of joy, of hope, of spirituality, of the possibility of a different world than the one in which we live."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Not being able to resolve all the problems. We are asked to do a lot and we are not prepared for it. We are asked to be social workers, counsellors, administrators, great preachers, liturgists. Sometimes you just have to say, 'I don't know' and 'I can't do it.'"
His description of the ideal priest:
"A priest has to be a spiritual man, but not pie in the sky. He has to be happy, and able to convey that joy to people. He has to be capable of laughing with people when they need to laugh and crying with people when they need to cry. Basically, he has to like people."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"The stuck-up, formal priests who have to be treated differently, who are not part of the people, who are unapproachable."
Favourite type of music:
American country music. He also collects folkloric music from different countries.
Person he most admires:
"Anyone who leaves behind their way of life to do something extraordinary for others."
Born May 6, 1964, in Levittown, New York, his family moved to Jensen Beach when he was 8. He attended public schools and St. Martin de Porres Parish, and was studying at Indian River Community College when he decided to enter the seminary. Since his ordination, May 11, 1991, he has served as priest-secretary to both Archbishop Emeritus Edward McCarthy and Archbishop John C. Favalora, and as associate pastor at Epiphany Parish in South Miami and Immaculate Conception in Hialeah. He is currently studying fulltime at Florida International University, working toward a degree in exceptional student education with a specialization in autism.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I started thinking about it when I was in eighth grade. Throughout high school it was an idea that kept coming back to me. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but it definitely kept coming back. ... While there were many things that I could do and do well, this was the one thing where I felt I could give the best I had to give and be the most fulfilled."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
His intended major in college was education. "It's very interesting that, these many years later, the church has come to me and asked me to fulfill a need by studying special education. So it's come full circle. In a sense, I gave that up to enter the seminary and now it has been given back to me."
Greatest disappointment:
"If you turn disappointments over to God, they don't become great. So I don't worry about those."
Greatest joy:
"Sharing with people in the important moments of their lives, the joyful ones as well as the sorrowful ones."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Being unable to meet the overwhelming needs that are being presented to you. Being unable to be in three places at once and wanting to meet those needs."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That priests are supposed to be angels in human form rather than human beings who walk with the community."
"In a sense, I gave that up (a career in education) to enter the seminary and now it has been given back to me."
How others describe him:
"I've been told I have a raucous laugh." When he was at Epiphany, "it was a vocabulary word and the kids were not getting it. So the teacher said, 'Father Michael has a raucous laugh.' And the kids got it."
Life as a university student:
"It's neat not to have any sort of favoritism toward me. Because sometimes priests are treated with favoritism. It's nice to know that the grade I'm getting is because I'm working as hard as everybody else. ... Being at the university has helped me to see the importance of being a person, not just a persona. It's important for priests to be persons with their people. Jesus said, 'I know my sheep and mine know me.' Underline the 'mine know me' part because sometimes we forget that. The sheep also need to know their shepherd."
On dancing:
"When I first got to Immaculate, I had never seen a community that so loved to dance. I never danced.
I was terrified of dancing my whole life. But in order to be part of this community, I took salsa lessons. It was exercise. It was fun. And now I can dance with my community. They were all happily shocked. I'm still no good, but at least I'm not afraid anymore."
On the priestly commitment:
"To be a good husband and wife, you have to be desperately in love with your spouse. The priest also must be desperately in love, passionately in love, with God and the priesthood. It is the same commitment. We're called to a spousal relationship with God. It needs to be that deep and that real and that passionate. If it's only about what you do, then it's work. It's just a job, it's not a life. Being a husband or a wife is not only about what you do, but who you are because of your relationship to this other person. For a priest, it has to be the same."
Thing he most fears:
"Losing loving relationships. Becoming so busy that
I loose touch with those loving relationships, with families and friends that keep me human, that keep me real."
Person he most admires:
"My father because he was a decent man who worked very hard to provide for his family, to create a loving environment in his home, who was always willing to do things for other people without wanting recognition or thanks."
Born Jan. 21, 1954, in Moron, Cuba, Msgr. Castañeda came to South Florida with his family and graduated from Miami Springs Senior High. He attended Miami Dade College and Florida International University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a minor in special education. In 1982, he entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and continued his studies for the priesthood at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained May 16, 1987, for the Archdiocese of Miami. Among his assignments since then, he has served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Carol City and rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami. He became pastor of St. John the Apostle in 2010 and also serves as director of Opus Caritatis, a ministry to the homeless, the elderly and people with substance abuse problems.
What he did before becoming a priest:
"I began working when I was 15, went to college and became an elementary school teacher for the public school system in Miami-Dade County."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"At age 19 I thought of becoming a Franciscan brother. The call to become a priest was not in the beginning, it developed slowly under spiritual guidance. I didn't begin the seminary until I was 28 years old."
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"After I read the life of St. Thomas de Celano (one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi) and reading about the radical decision to leave everything behind and follow the Lord. Being involved in parish ministry fueled my desire to serve the Church."
Person most surprised by his vocation:
"My family at first because they didn't understand; also the principal at the school where I taught. I remember she said, 'I have goose bumps,' when I told her I was going into religious life."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"I would have benefited from learning more about the fundamentals of the biblical languages and Latin since we are committed to read, study, preach and teach the sacred Scripture as part of our way of life."
'I do thank God for calling me and using me as his instrument in spite of my unworthiness.'
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"Teaching elementary school and special education. I was very happy doing that!"
Favorite priestly assignment:
"Serving the poor in the inner city and serving the Virgin Mary."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"This question reminds me of John 15:20: 'No slave is greater than his master, if they persecute me they will also persecute you.' The hatred and persecution that Jesus suffered is also our own suffering as priests."
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
"People think that in order for a priest to be truly happy he needs to be married, and that simply isn't true."
A 3-year-old Msgr. Oscar Castañeda is pictured here dressed as a cowboy in his native Moron, Cuba.
Favorite movie:
"The Mission."
Favorite TV series:
"When I have a little bit of time I like to watch the show on A&E 'Intervention.' It is about a method or strategy used to help drug addicts recognize their problem and begin the process of recovery."
Last book read:
"Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" by Brant Pitre.
Favorite type of music:
"I like music in general but my favorite is classical guitar and Bach's organ concertos."
What he collects?
"Nothing in particular, but throughout the years I have kept various editions and translations of the Bible as my own way of interest in sacred Scripture."
Person he most admires:
Blessed Teresa of Kolkata. "I admire her convictions, her courage and her poverty."
His greatest disappointment:
"When I see people abandon the practice of the sacraments or when marriages break and families are broken apart."
His greatest joy:
"To celebrate the Eucharist with my parents on their 60th wedding anniversary (which took place Sept. 10 of this year.) It is a joy and a special grace for my family."
His greatest accomplishment:
"I normally don't look at my life from that perspective, but I do thank God for calling me and using me as his instrument in spite of my unworthiness."
Thing he most fears:
"I try to live without fear because it tends to paralyze some aspects of my life. My apprehension is to not want to contradict myself and the ministry/ mission that I am called to."
Born Aug. 1, 1953, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Father Chan-A-Sue’s name is actually an anagram. His great-grandfather was named Asue Chen, but when he immigrated to Guyana, he rendered it Chan-A-Sue. Father Chan-A-Sue first went into an accounting career. He earned a diploma from Liverpool Polytechnic in Liverpool, England, then joined the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He worked for auditing companies in London, Georgetown and Miami before answering the call to the priesthood. He earned a degree in philosophy at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and a master’s degree in divinity at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 13, 2000. Before coming to St. Bartholomew in October 2010, Father Chan-A-Sue served at St. Maurice in Dania Beach, Holy Family in North Miami, Blessed Trinity in Miami Springs and St. Andrew in Coral Springs.
Why did you leave a secular career to become a priest?
“When I went to college, I volunteered to lead rosary at lunch. A priest told my mother I should be a priest. I thought that was strange. In Miami, I got involved at St. Agatha and became friends with Father (now Bishop Felipe) Estevez. People kept saying I should become a priest. I decided I’d go to seminary; if I didn’t like it, I’d leave. But when I got there, it just felt right.”
Person/persons most surprised by your vocation:
“My family. My mother asked if I had to do it. I partied a lot. I wasn’t wild and crazy, but I danced a lot. I had a fun-loving life.”
Did the priesthood make you give up fun?
“I have fun in different ways. I like lively Masses. I’m always bobbing with the music.”
‘ I like lively Masses.
I’m always bobbing with the music.’
Favorite priestly assignment:
“Everywhere. The culture is so egoistic that if we’re unhappy, (we think) it’s because of the people around us. Happiness comes from making the best of the surroundings.”
How do you like to spend time off ?
“Sometimes I go with friends to movies or dinner. For restaurants, I always like to try something new. And I like gardening.”
“‘Lincoln.’” He said, ‘Your compass may be true north, but you may have to go there by an indirect way.’ The lesson was that to get to a goal, you have to compromise.”
Last book read:
“‘The Infancy Narratives of Jesus of Nazareth,’ by Pope Benedict XVI. He comes with insight, speculating into the minds of the Gospel characters.”
Other interests:
Football. The Hurricanes and the Dolphins. “I like to go to the games at Sun Life Stadium just down the road.”
Person you most admire:
Person you most admire: “One is Nelson Mandela, for how he brought South Africa from the brink of civil war.”
Your most memorable spiritual experience:
“My ordination. I was tired because I’d been doing a lot of work. When they put me on the floor, I was afraid I’d fall asleep. But just after Archbishop (Emeritus John C.) Favalora anointed my hands, I felt a peace come over me.”
Father Chan-A-Sue is pictured here in Kew Gardens, London, in wintertime, around 1980.
Something most people don’t know about you:
“I always look at the theological aspects of movies. ‘Snow White’ is about power and innocence. The mirror sees the soul. The reflection is not the physical but the inner (self). And a kiss brings Snow White back to life. Love conquers death.”
Your harshest critic:
“In every parish, 10 percent are going to love you because you’re the priest; 10 percent won’t like you because you remind them of someone they don’t like; 40 percent will warm up to you; and the other 40 percent are just fulfilling their Sunday obligation. That’s the group you need to educate to become more active.”
Motto, or favorite Scripture verse:
St. Augustine: “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands on earth but your hands, yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world, yours are the feet with which he chooses to go about doing good, for as he is the head, so you are the members, and we are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Born Feb. 14, 1961, in Limbé, Haiti, Father Charles studied to become an electrician and interior designer after graduating from high school in his homeland. But he always felt called to the priesthood. After studying almost three years at Iteso, the Jesuit university in Guadalajara, Mexico where he became fluent in Spanish), he entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in 1992, and was ordained for the archdiocese on May 8, 1999.
He served at St. Mary Cathedral and Sacred Heart Parish in Homestead before being appointed administrator of Divine Mercy Mission in Fort Lauderdale in December 2004.
The community has about 1,600 families, all of them of Haitian origin.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
When he was between 4 and 6 years old, he was impressed by the “extreme kindness” of Father Joseph Lepevedic, a priest who was very close to his family. “He gave the last rites to my grandmother and when he gave her the last rites he said, ‘Bye, and I will see you in heaven.’ A couple of days after my grandmother died, he died. … That is when I said I want to be somebody like that when I grow up.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
“I made more money at interior design so that is what
I did after high school.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Nobody really. I ran into a friend that I have not seen in about five years, and she told me, ‘Everybody always knew that you wanted to be a priest.”
Current responsibilities:
“Because this is a community that needs to be built up (physically and spiritually), I am involved with everything. I scrape, I mop, I do educational things.”
What he does on his days off:
“I don’t have any. If I have spare time, I do garden work around the church.”
Favorite movie:
“Quo Vadis” (1951)
Vocation moment:
“My whole life I have been very close to the church. Because of my situation with my family (I had) to postpone going to the seminary to become a priest.
But (the idea) was always there.”
"Somebody who has his feet on the ground;
being yourself and knowing yourself."
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
“A design consultant, a large-scale operation that would deal with all phases (of design).”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“It is difficult to choose just one” but first on the list is the migrant ministry in Virginia, where he worked when he was a seminarian. “You had to be there to defend the people when they were being mistreated.”
Greatest disappointment:
“The outlook you get in the seminary is completely different from what comes outside. Life outside is a big adjustment.”
Because gardening is one of his hobbies, Father Robés Charles personally tends the garden at his parish, Divine Mercy Mission in Fort Lauderdale.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“Thinking that a priest is a perfect man of the world; that they have to be serious men, always wearing black and white. They should be thought of as simple people.”
Favorite type of music:
“Wow! It is so large. I love music, I love singing.
The only music I really don’t like is blues.”
What he collects:
Manger scenes, different types of currency and stamps.
Person he most admires:
“My dad, Jolius Charles. He taught me that nothing is impossible.”
Thing he most fears:
People who put others down for no reason: “I don’t really fear them. I just don’t like to be around them.”
The son of a Cuban mother and Italian father, Father Alfred Cioffi was born in Havana, Cuba, Nov. 5, 1952, the older of two brothers. The family left Cuba in 1960 and lived in New Orleans and New York before moving to various countries in Central America. (His father worked for the airline Alitalia.) After high school, the young man came to Miami to study marine biology. In 1973, he received his undergraduate degree in biology from Florida International University but was not accepted for postgraduate work at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
After working at a fish farm, taking time off to care for his ailing mother and teaching at Miami's St. Brendan High School, he entered the seminary in 1980 and was ordained for the archdiocese on May 11, 1985. Father Cioffi served at Epiphany Parish in South Miami before being sent to Rome to obtain a doctorate in moral theology.
Upon his return, he taught at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach and served five years as pastor of St. Kevin Parish in Miami before being sent to Purdue University in Indiana to obtain a doctorate in genetics. Because of Father Cioffi's expertise in this controversial field, the Archdiocese of Miami has "lent" him to the church at large.
Titles of his doctoral dissertations:
Moral theology: "The Fetus as Medical Patient: Moral Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis From the Catholic Perspective." Genetics: "The Relationship Between the Structure and the Function of Chromosomes."
What he did before becoming a priest:
After graduating from FIU, he got a job taking care of tropical aquarium fish at a fish farm on Sunset Drive in Miami. "It was a lot of fun. I would take care of the fish all day. The weekends I would be sailing and diving and dating and dancing – and I was getting paid for it."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
Marine biologist.
"My best recommendation for TV is to shoot it before you throw it out the window."
Vocation moment:
"I love nature. Through nature, I had a deeper relationship with God." As a teacher, he also "wanted to reach the teenagers at a deeper level, a more spiritual level; especially to try to help them not commit some of the mistakes that I had made when I was a teenager." Finally, taking care of his bedridden mother for more than a year "brought forth a generosity in my life." Until then, "I would have said 'I'll be a nun before I become a priest.' Those were the chances."
Celibacy:
"That was a big sacrifice, and it is daily," although it has a practical advantage: "just being available for the people."
Favorite sacrament:
Confession, "because I've had to use it a lot. But seriously, to think that people, total strangers, come to us with their conscience in their hands. They tell us things they don't tell their spouse. It's a very privileged moment that we have."
What he does for fun:
Scuba diving and sailing.
Favorite movies:
"It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Passion of the Christ."
Greatest disappointment:
"The church abuse scandal."
Favorite TV series:
"My best recommendation for TV is to shoot it before you throw it out the window. The happiest moment of my life was when I gave up TV. I'm addicted to TV, you see, so when I turn it on I can't turn it off."
Regrets:
"All the sins of my life: being too wild, too young."
At home on the water: Would-be marine biologist Father Alfred Cioffi, center, during a diving trip with cousin-inlaw, Richard Jung, and his son, Ricky.
Wild days:
"I started smoking at 11." As a teenager in Central America, he and his friends would compete to see who could find a good wedding to crash and then be the first to get drunk. "It's by sheer miracle that I'm alive. … I have been the cause of my parents' sanctification."
Thing he most fears:
"That the scandal is not over."
Greatest joy:
Teaching.
Greatest accomplishment:
"Convincing a mother not to have an abortion."
What he collects:
Not much anymore, but "I used to collect coins, stamps, plants, animals, women, fossils. You name it."
Born in Cuba in 1957, Father Corces grew up in Miami and was ordained for the archdiocese in 1988. As vocations director, he is responsible for recruiting and screening candidates to the priesthood. He also helps out at Prince of Peace Church in Miami, teaches lay ministry courses and has been involved with the HIV/AIDS ministry.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I tried going into the seminary right after high school and it didn't work.
I was too young, too immature." Years later, he began questioning his choice again: "During a New Year's Eve party in which I was having the best time,
I stopped and looked around and said, is this what
I want? And the answer was very clear. No. That is not for me."
Later still, during a visit to the missions in Honduras, he realized his call was to the priesthood:
"Coming in contact with the dirt poor people made me want to make a difference. The priesthood came up as the way to make a difference. Of course, there are other ways. But that was my way, the gift being offered to me."
His description of the ideal priest:
"First of all, a human being filled with love for life and God and deep faith that, in and though that broken humanity, God blesses the world. You have to be filled with life, definitely."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"A teacher or a pilot. I love to tach and I love planes."
"I am successful when I know that the person
has been touched by the spirit of Christ -
when I have facilitated that encounter.
You see the fruits. You see the change.
Those are moments of sucess."
Greatest disappointment:
"9/11. Disappointment at our own humanity, that we are capable of doing something like that."
Greatest joy:
"9/11. I was so angry in the morning, and by the afternoon, I saw how human beings are capable of the highest, heroic choices."
Person he most admires:
Gandhi. "I think he was an incredible man who was able to free a country without shooting a gun."
Thing he most fears:
"I fear being old, sick and helpless, because I see it every day."
What he did before becoming a priest:
Worked in a bank's accounting department for 7 years: "I hated it."
Father Pedro Corces indulges in his favorite pastime: browsing in bookstores & reading.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Finding myself without answers and therefore dealing with the frustration of being powerless before cerain situations. Having to accept that I do not have all the answers."
What he does on his days off:
Loves going to the movies and spending time in bookstores: "I'm a bookworm. And when the weather is nice I go to the beach. I love the ocean."
His harshest critic:
"Myself and the Gospel."
His greatest accomplishment:
"I am successful when I know that the person has been touched by the spirit of Christ - when I have facilitated that encounter. You see the fruits. You see the change. Those are moments of success."
The oldest of three children, Father Davis was born in Hamilton, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1963. He entered the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, in 1981, studying for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. A summer doing evangelization work in Mexico proved “dramatically impactful” and he decided to move to a “multilingual, multicultural part of the church in America” in order to do “cross-cultural ministry.”
The fact that his grandparents lived in Dania Beach and his parents had a connection with Archbishop Edward McCarthy - his brother was their pastor - made Miami a logical choice. He moved here in 1985, spent a year studying theology at the North American College in Rome, then returned to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the archdiocese in May 1990 and has been assigned to Archbishop Carroll High School since 2000. He also has helped out on weekends at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Miami since 1992.
Vocation moment:
An altar server since fourth grade, he attended a high school with a “very vibrant Catholic atmosphere.”
One day, the librarian, a nun, asked him what he wanted to do with his life. His reply, “I'll probably be a teacher.” Her reply, “You're going to be a priest. I am going to pray for you every day so that you'll be a priest.” Another time, he was playing golf with the priest who was principal of the high school who told him, “You just might have what it takes to be a priest.” He gave up a full scholarship to the University of Dayton to enter the seminary at 17. “I went in willing to give it a try, one year at a time.” By senior year,
“It was obvious this is what I wanted to do.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“My father: He was a nonpracticing Catholic during all my growing up years.” After Father Davis was ordained, “he started going to church and is now a daily communicant.”
"Sometimes I feel like Obi Wan or
Luke Skywalker with the light saber,
battling the forces of evil."
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
“I wanted to be a dentist, an astronaut for NASA, a pilot for Delta Airlines.” He also could have followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps - both of them were local golf professionals - and joined the PGA.
Greatest disappointment:
“I have not been able to be directly responsible for someone going into the seminary” even though he has worked hard at Archbishop Carroll High School to create “an environment where vocations are possible.”
Hobbies:
“I do love to travel. I've been to all 50 states and like to go to other countries. I find that a spiritual experience, to discover God in new places.”
Favorite movie:
“I'm not a movie buff. I love “Star Wars” though.
I have all the DVDs.”
His biggest challenge:
“To maintain the spiritual disposition of the priesthood in an otherwise secular job description. Most of what I do (as president and principal of a high school)
does not require me to be a priest.”
Father Davis poses with Palestinian boys in Jericho during a trip to the Holy Land in June 2006. “What did Jesus look like when he was a little boy? I wanted to have a sense of this.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“The Good Friday dimension of priesthood is heavy. Being on the front line and fighting the good fight on behalf of the church and furthering its mission.
This is not Father Davis' personal agenda. This is the agenda of Christ and the church.We're constantly battling a lot of dark forces of evil and brokenness. Sometimes I feel like Obi Wan or Luke Skywalker with the light saber, battling the forces of evil.”
On celibacy:
“Good things are worth sacrificing for. There are causes that lead ordinary people to do extraordinary things. If heaven is the goal, then celibacy for the kingdom makes sense.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“There is none. There were many different talents, temperaments and spiritual gifts among the apostles and they were all close to the Lord. I see ideal priests on every different front.”
His harshest critic:
“Myself. I demand hard work, integrity, professionalism and excellence of myself.”
Thing he most fears:
“Being separated from the Lord. Not being with Christ. That would be a frightful and hellacious destiny.”
Born in Illinois in 1954, he grew up in Hialeah, entered the seminary at 15 and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1983. He is founding pastor of two-year-old St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Weston, a growing community of more than 600 families, about 60 percent Hispanics from various countries in South America. Father Edwards learned to speak Spanish by "hanging out with the Cubans in Hialeah." He also taught himself Slavic during summer visits to his mother's family in Slovakia. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005, Father Edwards died April 22, 2006.
His description of the ideal priest:
"Someone who prays and knows how to teach others to do that. Also, someone who is able to help people make the connection between God's word and their life."
Greatest joy:
"It's a repeat experience. When somebody comes and is
able to express to me that my ministry has made a difference and enabled them to connect with God."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That the priest has a better or more direct connection with God than lay people do."
Times he has failed as a priest:
"When I spoke too quickly, too harshly. Mostly cases of putting my foot in my mouth. Depending on the circumstances, you don't always get a second chance."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"The seminary gives you a foundation of theological knowledge. But the priesthood is mostly on-the-job training."
" It's a repeat experience. When somebody comes and is able to express to me that my ministry has made a difference and enabled them to connect with God."
Person, other than Christ, that he most admires:
"The late Msgr. Dominic Barry, my pastor as a kid at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hialeah. He was the epitome of a good pastor, an excellent image of what a good shepherd should be."
Thing he most fears:
"Nothing. We're in God's hands. God holds us and sustains us. There's no place we can go outside of God's providence. So I don't know that there's anything
I fear."
What he does on his days off:
"I sleep late. I either go to the movies or watch videos. I catch my breath."
Hobbies:
Wrestling and rugby. He used to coach wrestling at Columbus High School and play rugby on the weekends but he cannot do that anymore. "It works on a teacher's schedule. It doesn't work on a parish priest's."
Most watched movie:
"A Few Good Men" - he used it in his religion classes at Columbus.
Father Paul Edwards puts his feelings on his bumpersticker.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"I've never consistently wanted to be anything else. Ever since kindergarten, that's all I ever wanted to do and all I ever wanted to be."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"Nobody."
Favorite priestly assignment:
Teaching at Columbus High School in Miami, which he did for five years in the mid-1980s.
Greatest disappointment:
"When people get divorced. It's such an awful thing.
It's so hurtful to them and to their families. It breaks the community of the church. It's almost never in their best interests. It's the single most painful thing that happens on a day to day basis."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
Finding time for a social life with lay people: "The time that most people are available is when I'm not.
Even family celebrations such as Christmas or my mom's birthday inevitably have to be tailored around my schedule."
Born April 6, 1956 in Guantánamo, Cuba, Father Espino is the third of six brothers and sisters. He came to Miami in 1961 with a sister and older brother (now deceased) as part of the Pedro Pan program, which ultimately spirited more than 14,000 children out of Cuba. Father Espino lived with relatives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Pennsylvania before being reunited with his parents on Valentine’s Day, 1966. That’s when I met my littlest sister, who was born two years after I left Cuba. The family moved near St. Benedict Parish in Hialeah, where he attended public schools. He entered the seminary in 1976 and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1983.
He has served at Corpus Christi in Miami, Sacred Heart in Homestead, St. Ann in Naranja, St. Martin de Porres in Leisure City, Holy Family in North Miami and as archdiocesan director of Encuentros Juveniles and Youth Ministry. From 1999 to 2004, he returned to Guantánamo, Cuba, to work as a missionary. In addition to his duties at Holy Rosary, he currently serves as archdiocesan liaison to Caritas Cuba.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked part-time and during the summer delivering newspapers, cleaning up in a pizza parlor, pumping gas, bagging groceries and making deliveries.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
About a year-and-a-half after graduating from high school, while studying pre-med at Miami Dade College. "I had a conversion experience.I saw the need for priests."
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
"I always wanted to be a doctor or in medicine." He still keeps up with topics in bioethics.
His Greatest joy:
"Being able to be present to people in moments of need.You can make a difference in people’s lives."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Being open to the person that you have before you, being non-judgmental. We have a tendency to judge and to solve and give the correct answer right away. We just have to listen and walk with people."
His description of the ideal priest:
"There’s no such thing as an ideal priest, in a sense. The ideal priest is the man who is able to be comfortable with himself, transparent before God and others, and be there for others."
"I turn out much better than I should have."
A priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That priests are know-it-alls and solve-it-alls. Unfortunately, sometimes priests believe that."
His harshest critic:
"Myself."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"My brothers and sisters - they know me. You’re never a prophet in your own home." One girlfriend told him his decision was "a waste of brains."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"The burden of the bills and the building fund and this whole reality that takes energy away from pastoral work."
Father José Espino spent five years as a missionary in his native Guantánamo, working mostly with people who were uncharted. Here, he baptizes a young child.
What he collects:
Postcards from Guantánamo: "I discovered eBay."
Person he most admires:
For his example of perseverance: Charles de Foucauld, "a strange priest who founded a community that nobody joined." Today, that would be the Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas.De Foucauld is also the inspiration behind a priestly fraternity, Jesus Caritas, to which Father Espino belongs.
Thing he most fears:
"Not responding to God’s will, and not con-fronting
my fears."
Thing he is grateful for:
"God’s grace working. I turned out much better than
I should have."
Hobbies:
Cooking: "In Cuba I cooked for myself for 5 years.
My grandfather used to cook and my dad cooked. It’s a way of relaxing."
On going to Cuba:
When he arrived, the newly-created Diocese of Guantánamo had five priests and two parishes. In five years, it grew to nine parishes and 12 priests and was on the verge of ordaining its first diocesan priest.
"The work of the priest is the work of the priest wherever you go. You build up community."
Bishop Estévez was born Feb. 5, 1946, in Havana. "The liturgical calendar used then had as the saint of the day Felipe de Jesus," so that is his given name. He is the second of three children (two boys and a girl) who grew up in the area of Pedro Betancourt, in the province of Matanzas. In July 1961, the future bishop arrived in Miami as one of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children smuggled out of Cuba through the Pedro Pan program. A month later, he was relocated to St. Vincent Villa Orphanage in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he lived while attending Central Catholic High School. His brother joined him six months later, and they were reunited with his parents and sister a year after that. The future bishop attended seminaries in Montreal and was ordained May 30, 1970, in Fort Wayne for his home Diocese of Matanzas.
Having been refused permission to return, he went to Honduras, where he served as a parish priest and member of the faculty in two seminaries. In 1975, he joined the faculty at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. After obtaining a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1980, he was named president/rector of St. Vincent de Paul, where he remained until 1986. In 1987, he was appointed pastor of St. Agatha Parish in Miami and director of campus ministry at nearby Florida International University. In 2001, he returned to St. Vincent de Paul as dean of spiritual formation, and in November 2003 was appointed auxiliary bishop of Miami. He was appointed bishop of St. Augustine on April 27, 2011, and installed June 1.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"From early on in high school I kept the idea only to myself as an amazing dream."
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"I was very blessed as an adolescent to know 'Padre Aleido,' a very zealous and holy priest. One day he took my hands and said, 'These hands could consecrate the body of Christ.' I remained in shock and bewildered, not really understanding his words — it was a very sacred moment. Undoubtedly the seeds were then sown."
That priest was Miami's retired Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román, who has remained his friend and mentor for more than 40 years.
Persons most surprised by his vocation:
"My father. When I broke the news he felt let down, as
I would feel if a son of mine would join the Hare Krishna. Within a year I could feel he was happy over the idea of becoming the father of a priest, an idea he had never considered."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"I was trained immediately after the Council of Vatican II. It certainly did not prepare me to deal with the very subtle crisis that came simultaneously with the great work of renewal of the Holy Spirit. I have a great gratitude for the great pontificate of John Paul II. His courageous leadership brought clarity and a vision which the whole Church needed at the end of the '70s."
' A pastor of a parish (is) the best job in the Catholic Church.'
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"Signs point to being an educator, a university professor perhaps; also I would have chosen to contribute in the field of international development and world peace."
Favorite priestly assignment:
"A pastor of a parish, the best job in the Catholic Church."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"To live immersed in a living paradox or in an immense gap: on one side being a channel of God's mystery, on the other side at the same time being a very limited fragile individual who is also a sinner. … St. Paul expressed it perfectly: 'We carry the treasure in earthen vessels that the all-surpassing power may be of God and not from us' (2 Cor 4:7)."
The future Bishop Estévez is shown here as a 4-year-old, playing with a goat in his native Matanzas, Cuba.
Most rewarding aspect of being a priest:
"The celebration of the Eucharist."
His description of the ideal priest:
"The ideal priest is really the holy, totally self-giving priest. The example is John Paul II — hard to match."
Hobbies:
He loves music, long walks during which he prays the rosary, tennis and baseball. His favorite team is the Florida Marlins.
What he does on his day off:
"I usually do personal reading and correspondence; usually see a movie; have a beer with a friend, a couple of friends or family. It's a day in which I take care more of my personal items."
Last movie watched:
"Poetry" (a South Korean film).
His favorite book:
"I love to read theology."
His greatest joy:
"Seeing with my own eyes the growth that Christ makes possible in people."
His greatest fear:
"I fear attacks, to be attacked, misunderstood; when your integrity is challenged or when your intentions are not well understood."
His greatest disappointment:
"My lack of holiness."
Person he most admires:
"St. John the Evangelist — the breadth of his writing, the breadth of his understanding of the event Jesus is truly overwhelming."
Priestly stereotype that he thinks should be discarded:
"That we are unhappy. Recent statistics point out that more than 94 percent, 95 percent of priests are happy and satisfied in what they do."
Born Dec. 30, 1928, in Galway, Ireland, Msgr. Fogarty is the second youngest of seven children. He attended seminaries in Ireland, was ordained June 2, 1957, and was recruited for the Diocese of St. Augustine, which then covered all of Florida, by the late Archbishop Joseph Hurley. In addition to his duties as pastor and dean, Msgr. Fogarty is chairman of the board of trustees of the archdiocesan Pension Plan and a member of the board of trustees of the archdiocesan Health Plan. Among his assignments during the past 46 years in south Florida: founding pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish, Miramar; archdiocesan chancellor (1972-78) and vicar general; pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Miami Shores (1971-91).
What he does on his days off:
He plays golf year-round with three pastor friends: "The Tuesday game is almost sacrosanct."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"In my fourth year of high school." His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and be a teacher.
"I squandered the money he sent me to apply for admission to teachers' training college."
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
An attorney or an engineer - his debate club experience would have been useful in a career in law and his love of math would have served him well as an engineer.
Favourite movie:
"The Paper Chase"
Favourite TV program:
"The O'Reilly Factor"
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"The challenges regarding finances in parish administration, such as budgeting, fundraising and stewardship. You have to find your own way through that."
Favourite priestly assignment:
Recruiting seminarians from Ireland for the Diocese of Miami during the 1960s: "Every September it was a battle. About 20 to 30 diocese were vying to recruit seminarians." Among those he recruited: Father Peter Lambert (pastor, St. Clement, Pompano);, Father Gabriel O'Reilly (Pastor, St. David, Davie); Father Edmond Prendergast (Pastor, St. Bonaventure, Davie); Father Michael Quilligan (Pastor, Annunciation, Hollywood); the Dalton brothers, Father Brendan (Pastor, St. Bernadette, Hollywood) and Father Bryan (Pastor, St. Ambrose, Deerfield Beach); Father James Murphy (Pastor, Our Lady of the Lakes, Miami Lakes); Father Timothy Hannon, (Pastor, St. Anthony,
Fort Lauderdale).
"I fear retirement. I don't know what I'd do."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Being chained to a desk & enmeshed in administration."
His description of the ideal priest:
"One who is engrossed in apostolic work founded on a prayer life to which one devotes sufficient time.
One's energy flows from an adequate prayer life."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"The expectation or concept that priests deserve special treatment or privileges in the ordinary affairs of life."
Before becoming a priest, Msgr. Fogarty (above) was a nationally-recognized hurling goalkeeper. Hurling is an ancient Irish sport, a cross between lacrosse and field hockey played with sticks called hurleys and balls known as sliotars.
This photo was taken at the all-Ireland colleges semi-final in 1946. Although Msgr. Fogarty's side lost, the national newspaper praised his stellar goalkeeping.
His harshest critic:
"I am my harshest critic when I allow myself to become enmeshed in the trivia of pastoral life at the expense of the more essential dimensions of parish ministry."
His greatest accomplishment:
Helping to steer the Pension Plan for archdiocesan employees to its present stable position as one of the better diocesan retirement plans in the nation; recruiting a large number of priests in Ireland for the Diocese of Miami.
Last book read:
"A People Adrift" by Peter Steinfels. "It's about the crisis of the Roman Catholic Church in America. It's well-written and stimulates thought, even though one does not necessarily agree with many of the author's conclusions."
Favourite type of music:
Classical music - 1360 AM.
Person he most admires:
Pope Paul VI for trying to keep the church together after Vatican II; and William Bennett, secretary of education during the Reagan administration and author of 14 books. Despite admitting to a gambling problem last year, Bennett is "perhaps the greatest secretary of education we've ever had."
Thing he most fears:
"I fear retirement. I don't know what I'd do on a Monday morning if I had to face a week with nothing specific to do."
Born Dec. 7, 1956, in Sacramento, Calif., Father Grady is the third of five brothers (the youngest is deceased). His father served in the Air Force and the family moved often. Father Grady entered the seminary for his then home Diocese of Providence, R.I., right after high school. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Providence College, studied a year at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, and nearly two years at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., before leaving the seminary. In order to support himself, he got a job as a desk clerk at a hotel in the nation’s capital and “kept getting promoted” until becoming regional director of marketing for a national chain, a position which ultimately brought him to South Florida. In 1991, he returned to the seminary, entering St. Vincent de Paul in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 14, 1994, and has served as associate pastor at St. Gregory in Plantation and Nativity in Hollywood, as well as teacher and assistant principal at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. He was named administrator of St. Jerome in June 2011.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
At age 18, and then again at 34: “Every couple of years I would have the urge to go back but I would say, no, I’m enjoying my life.” Finally, while working at a hotel in Florida, a Jewish lady who knew nothing of his background said to him, “Have you ever thought of becoming a priest?” A year later, “I made a deal with God. I’ll call (the seminary). They’ll tell me I’m too old. And then you’ve got to leave me alone.” It didn’t work out that way: “If God wants you, God gets you.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I would be doing hotel management, which I loved.”
What he does on his days off:
“I like to be able to sleep late in the morning and go out to dinner or lunch with friends.”
Favorite TV series:
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”
‘If God wants you, God gets you.’
Favorite priestly assignment:
“I love the parish because it’s varied. I’ve had it where I’m burying somebody in the morning and marrying somebody in the afternoon … In parishes, people let you into their lives at the most difficult and joyous moments. And this is a great gift of being a priest.”
Greatest disappointment:
“That there is still war in the world. I’m a big advocate of peace. I just see absolutely no sense to the violence.”
Greatest joy:
“My family.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“It seems there are not enough hours in the day to do everything. And those are the days you’re going to get these sick calls and have to go to the hospital. That’s when I remember the saying, ‘If you want to make God laugh, make a plan.’”
His description of the ideal priest:
“A man of prayer, a man with a sense of humor, and a man who can recognize Christ in everyone.”
Father Michael Grady traveled to Hollywood, Calif., in March 2011 to preside at the wedding of a former student.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“Ascribing any super human attributes to a mortal man is not really a good strategy. Priests are human like everybody else.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“They can’t really prepare you for diocesan priesthood because their training is structured as if you were entering a religious community prayer together, etc. Your schedules are so busy (as a diocesan priest) that to try to plan morning and evening prayer together every day, that’s not reasonable.”
Favorite type of music:
Classic Motown: The Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops
Person he most admires:
“My grandmother … an incredible woman. She was a tiny little thing, lived to be 96 years old and she just had this wisdom.” Hers was the first family funeral he celebrated as a priest.
Born Oct. 13, 1950 in Cuba, he came to
the U.S. with his family at age 11, graduated
from Hialeah High School and served
in the U.S. Army. He entered the seminary
at age 40, after 13 years as a criminal
defense attorney, and was ordained for
the Archdiocese of Miami in 1996. In
addition to his duties as pastor, he also
serves as a judge in the Metropolitan
Tribunal and supervising principal of
St. Brendan High School.
On his delayed vocation:
“For the longest of time I resisted his calling.
One day I said, why am I fighting? I thought
money would make me happy. I thought fame
would make me happy. I thought power would
make me happy. When I chose not to be rich
to become a priest, I became the happiest…
Finally I was doing God’s will and not mine.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“The one person in my family who was not
surprised was my dad. He said, ‘I kind of expected
it 20 years ago. What took you so long?’”
On being an attorney:
“I love the law. Having been a lawyer has helped
me be a more effective priest, because I can get
my thoughts across to people.”
On choosing criminal law:
“I like jury trials. I have to be with people. I
just get energized by people.”
On becoming a canon lawyer:
“I thought that I was done with the law…
I’m convinced God has an enormous sense
of humor.”
On celibacy:
All the years he was a lawyer, he knew God was
calling him to the priesthood. So he attended
Mass daily and led a celibate life. “If you do not
have the grace to live (celibacy) beforehand,
then you should have the humility to decline.”
"When I chose not to be rich
to become a priest, I
became the happiest…
“
On temptation:
“Just because we’re priests doesn’t mean we’re
above it all.” He goes to confession at least twice
a month, preferably once a week: “It is not
because I’m in grave sin. It is because I wish to
avoid sin.”
On obedience:
“I knew obedience was going to give me a lot of
headaches, because I had been on my own so
many years.” So before entering the seminary, “I
sold my Mercedes. All of my properties I placed
in trust for the benefit of my parents. I would allow only $50 a month for my personal expenses.…
I had to physically tell myself, you have to
enter this discipline.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“We are not walking about in clouds or sitting
on high pedestals. My connection with God is
no different than the people I serve. In fact, I
know that their connection is a better connection.
Mine has static.”
Artist’s sketches hanging in the rectory of St. Brendan
show Father Heria as a criminal defense attorney during
a high-profile drug case in Chicago.
Most frustrating part of priestly ministry:
“The administrative part…. If we are not careful
we can lose our sense of spirituality.”
Local hero:
Father Pedro Luis Perez, pastor of San Lazaro
Parish in Hialeah, whom he has known since
age 12: “I pray that through my years of priesthood
I can always be as consistent and as transparent
as he has been.”
Hobbies:
“I’m a baseball fanatic. I’m a boxing fanatic. I
believe De La Hoya was robbed.”
Greatest fear:
Failure.
Regrets:
“In the beginning of my seminary life I thought
that I had waited too long. As I look back I realize
there’s no reason to regret. Because God has
used it all.”
On the role of a priest:
“Sometimes, when people come to see a priest,
they want our prayers. They also want to see the
human aspect of a priest. They don’t ask for
much: a kind word here and there, a supportive
hand, and lots of prayer.”
Born Dec. 22, 1966, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Father Hernandez considers himself a "Cuban-Rican" because he grew up on the island but his parents and grandparents are from Cuba. The middle of five children - two older brothers, two younger sisters - he studied in Passionist schools before entering the seminary in Miami in 1987. Ordained in 1994, he served at Epiphany Parish in South Miami and Sts. Peter and Paul, Miami before becoming the first Hispanic pastor of the historic St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in 2002. It is the third oldest parish in Florida.
On studying for the priesthood:
"When I was a kid I was not much attracted to studies.
I said to the Lord when I graduated from high school, the shorter the career, the better. Like always, the Lord has a good sense of humor. So he said, 'Oh, yeah, you're going to study eight years for the priesthood.'"
Why the priesthood:
"I wanted to serve people. Really, the life of the priest did not interest me. What attracted me was the service that the priest does for the community."
Seminary life:
"It was my first time away from home and I was learning English. God wanted me to stay, because it was a terrible year, difficult to adjust."
Good advice from a fellow priest:
"You cannot live better than your parishioners." - Father Juan Lopez, pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Miami.
What he does on his days off:
"I go to Miami and eat with friends.
Favorite TV series:
"Friends" (he has a collection of episodes) and "The Golden Girls": "I learned English watching 'Golden Girls.'"
How he makes decisions:
"I always go to the tabernacle and pray to the Lord."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I probably would have finished accounting and be in business - maybe selling, like my father."
Greatest frustration:
"Some of our regulations are a little strict for our people. But it's part of our faith. It's part of our tradition. And you have to follow them."
"I don't want someone to leave the Church because of me."
Difficult moment:
During the height of the priestly sexual abuse crisis in 2002: "Do I need to be in this? I can be an active parishioner like my father is. I don't need to be labeled as one of them."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"To always make sure that what you do, you do it right ... I don't want someone to leave the church because of me."
Favorite type of music:
For listening: Soft Spanish melodies by artists such as José Luis Perales; for dancing: "If there's salsa or merengue I will dance, because the music gets into me."
Collections:
He owns 60 Nativity sets. "I love Christmas time and I love nativities. I'm the one who sets up the nativity at my church."
Father Hernandez, who describes himself as "a social person," celebrates his birthday with former parishioners from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Miami, Luis Acosta and his wife, Kirsy. He celebrated their wedding and baptized their children.
Hobbies:
"Eating - you can see that. ... For three years I used to cook on Sundays in the major seminary. I don't have time now." He also likes antique shops. "I just look. I don't have the money to buy."
Persons he most admires:
"My parents and grandparents - they were people who were not rich but they were so centered in what they had to do in life that they gave me a model to follow."
Biggest fear:
"Not death, but suffering a long illness, a heart problem, or cancer. As a priest, you don't have anyone. ... If that happens to me, who's going to take care of me?"
Upcoming challenge:
"My heart is calling me to do it - start a mission church in Stock Island. There are a lot of Hispanic and Haitian people over there. Even though they come to the big church, they don't feel part of the big church. I feel the responsibility and the need - if they can't come to me,
I have to go to them."
Born Oct. 6, 1952, in Washington, D.C., Father Hogan is the second of three children. His family moved to Florida in 1965 and became active in Holy Rosary Parish in Perrine. He entered St. John Vianney Seminary as a ninth-grader in 1966 and was ordained a priest for the Miami Archdiocese in 1980.
After serving at St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens and teaching at the minor seminary, he was sent to Rome, where he obtained his doctorate in liturgy. In addition to his archdiocesan duties, Father Hogan serves as North American director of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums, a group dedicated to preserving the artistic and historical treasures of the Vatican.
His early entrance into the seminary:
"I’m one of the last lifers." His first day of school in 1966 there were 36 in the class. "I was the only one out of the class to be ordained."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"It first hit me when I was 10 or 11, when I started serving Mass." He played at Mass at home, wearing a Superman cape for robes and using nickel-size candy wafers as Communion. "It was a way of imitating what you saw at Mass. There was a majesty and a beauty (there)." Then he went to an ordination at St. Mary Cathedral and "I was just blown away by the dedication that I saw."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
An architect or someone involved in politics. "Both work on building the physical and also building a better life for people, a better community."
What he did before becoming a priest:
At age 12, he played the organ at weekend Masses at Christ the King and Holy Rosary in Perrine. He left the seminary for a while and worked as a salesman in the commissary of an Air Force base, but he was not really good at it. "I always would tell people, this is a good deal or a bad deal."
"Once the priest thinks he’s better than the people, that’s the beginning of the destruction of his vocation."
What he does on his days off:
"I love going out to dinner with priest friends. Anything where you can relax and enjoy being with people who understand what your daily life is about."
Favorite TV series:
"I’m a newsaholic. I watch a lot of (talk shows) until my blood pressure goes up. That’s the political side of me."
Greatest joy:
"Celebrating the Eucharist."
His description of the ideal priest:
"Christ is the ideal priest. All we can attempt to do is be the alter Christi, try to be like Christ."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"That priests really are not in touch with what happens in the everyday life of people in the parish. When you wake up at 6 o’clock to open the church doors and 20 people start coming to you to talk about what’s going on in their lives, you sort of know what’s going on."
Young Terence Hogan playing the piano at home. At age 12, he played the organ at weekend Masses at Christ the King and Holy Rosary in Perrine.
Words of wisdom:
"Once the priest thinks he’s better than the people, that’s the beginning of the destruction of his vocation."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"Oftentimes, I am."
Person he most admires:
Mother Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi: "The grace that she shared with others is just a constant opportunity for meditation on how we really are called to be." His story parallels Mother Teresa’s: "That constant love for those who have nothing, and yet done joyously."
Thing he most fears:
"I feel that we as a society are too rapidly losing respect for the individual as a human being and as a spiritual person. Once the ego becomes God in our life, then we are doomed to our orig-inal sin. How often do we as individuals think we know everything?"
His job with the Patrons of the Arts:
"One of the best parts of the Patrons job is that I often have the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel all to myself."
Born May 10, 1943 in Butte, Mont.,Father Holoubek moved to Clewiston, Fla.,with his parents and sister when he wasfour months old. He attended local publicschools, then studied one year at theUniversity of Florida before entering theseminary. He was a member of the secondclass to graduate from St. Vincent de PaulSeminary in Boynton Beach and wasordained to the priesthood May 24, 1969,for the Archdiocese of Miami. He hasserved at St. Juliana in West Palm Beach,as chaplain of the Civil Air Patrol in PalmBeach, as associate pastor at St. John theBaptist in Fort Lauderdale and St. Colemanin Pompano Beach, and as pastor at St.Lawrence in North Miami Beach. Hebecame pastor of St. Maurice in 2000 and also serves as chaplain of the Hollywood Fire Department.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked at an A&P grocery store as a bagger,stocker and checker, even mopping floors onoccasion. He also helped his dad mow lawns andwas a caddy at a golf course. One summer heworked as a security guard at United States SugarCorporation - seven days a week, from midnightto 7 a.m., swatting mosquitoes and punching aclock when he made rounds every half-hour.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“If anything I was sure I didn’t want to be a priestwhen I was in high school. I had a misconceptionthat it would be a very boring life, that the semi-nary would be the most boring place in the world.My vocation wasn’t a sudden revelation; it hap-pened sometime during my time in the seminary. I grew into (the idea of becoming a priest). Someof the most wonderful people I have met in mylife were at the seminary.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
Teaching.
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Myself. I really didn’t think I was going to lastmore than a couple of months in the seminary.”
"Life is difficult; it is the wiseperson who can embrace that truth."
Current responsibilities:
In addition to his duties as pastor, he is responsi-ble for St. Maurice’s religious education programand oversees 43 active ministries at the parish.Along with volunteers of the parish’s “WreckingCrew,” he helps mow lawns, pick up trash, trimweeds and clean bathrooms on Fridays andSaturdays. “There are so many different dimen-sions to (being a priest). You have to specializein so many different things.”
What he does on his days off:
“I visit friends and enjoy their company. I usedto play golf and tennis but had to give up thosesports because of weakness in my arms.”
Favorite movie:
“Midnight Cowboy.” “I like the story. It’s abouttwo very struggling people making their way inlife, how they help one another. They have thisdignity about them.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“Somebody who is very pastoral, very kind and agreat preacher, and someone who relates wellwith people.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“Some people believe that priests are more holythan lay people. I don’t think priests are moreholy than anybody else.
Father Holoubek serves as chaplain of the Hollywood FireDepartment.
Last book read:
“The Road Less Traveled” by Scott Peck. “Life isdifficult; it is the wise person who can embracethat truth.”
Favorite type of music:
“New Age” and rhythm and blues."
What he collects:
University of Florida Gator memorabilia, includ-ing, but not limited to, sandals; Emmett Kellyclowns and gargoyles; reproductions of VincentVan Gogh paintings.
Thing he most fears:
"I feel that we as a society are too rapidly losing respect for the individual as a human being and as a spiritual person. Once the ego becomes God in our life, then we are doomed to our orig-inal sin. How often do we as individuals think we know everything?"
Persons he most admires:
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and DaveRobinson, director of Pax Christi, USA. “I caredeeply about peace and justice. We have a great hunger program here. There are peoplewho do care.”
Thing he most fears:
Declining health, or a medical condition that would make him retire early.
Born May 27, 1942 in Suffern, N.Y., Father Hoyer has four brothers and two sisters. His father is 95 years old; his mother died three years ago at 88. His family operates an ice cream store in upstate New York that has remained in business at the same location for 53 years. He attended Catholic elementary school and public high school, and earned degrees from the Catholic University of America and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 24, 1980 and served at St. Helen, Fort Lauderdale and St. Rose of Lima, Miami Shores before becoming pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in 1989.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He was a disc jockey on a college radio station and during afternoon drive time on a “real” station,
WETZ-AM in upstate New York. “That’s where the name ‘Happy Hoyer’ comes from. Someone said I was the happiest person they had ever met and the name stuck.”
Vocation moment:
Father Hoyer was taught by the Marist brothers in elementary school. “We had lots of interaction with priests of the parish and school.The nuns, priests and brothers looked for and prayed for vocations. Vocations were positively presented, and they were looked upon favorably in the home. Being a priest is never dull, always challenging and never boring. Where else could I have more fun?”
What he does on his days off:
“I try to catch up with work.” He also enjoys traveling, and has visited Europe and Greece, as well as Fatima and Lourdes.
Favorite type of music:
Disco
Favorite TV show:
“The Amazing Race.” “It’s nice to see places you’ve been to and you want to go to.”
Favorite movie:
“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” starring Clint Eastwood. Although he enjoys movies, he reads the reviews before deciding which ones to see. “The bad language and the violence (of today’s movies) are real turn-offs.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
The financial rules, regulations and legal aspects of running a parish. He remembers taking a management course in the seminary and having a good comprehension of what was being taught because of his exposure to the “business world” - his family’s ice cream store, where he learned about payroll taxes, accounting and sales taxes. His father read The Wall Street Journal every day.
Favorite aspect of ministry:
Celebrating Mass with the children. “They are eager to listen and learn. The kids are good here.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
Trying to be all things to all people and trying to satisfy everyone. “It’s very hard, you just have to prioritize. Pray and hope you make the best decisions.”
Father Hoyer got his nickname “Happy” when he worked as a disc jockey at a radio station in New York. He still pulls DJ duty at his parish when the occasion requires it.
Harshest critic:
“Myself. I like things that are well-planned and executed perfectly.”
Greatest accomplishment:
Building up strong communities of faith: “That’s what I’m working towards.”
Last book read:
“Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” both by Mitch Albom; and “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“The priest is aloof and lives in an ivory tower, disconnected from people.”
Persons he most admires:
Nancy Grace of CNN and Court TV. “She was a prosecutor. She does her research and takes a stand. She’s a very good victim’s advocate.”
Thing he most fears:
Having enough money to keep Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School viable.
‘Happy Hoyer’ Street:
In November 1997, the city of Fort Lauderdale named S.W. 11 Court, in front of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, “Happy Hoyer Street.” Parishioners had lobbied officials for months to rename the street after their beloved pastor. He knew nothing of their efforts.
“They told me they usually named streets after dead people. I was very happy to have it named after me when I’m alive. Sometimes I fear what they (parishioners) do behind my back!”
Born Sept. 22, 1958, in Havana, Father Isern moved to Venezuela with his family at the age of 5. When he was 9, they moved to Miami where he attended public elementary school and a private high school, Champagnat. (He still celebrates the school's graduation Mass each year.)
He studied marketing and international business at Miami Dade College and Florida International University, and worked for a bank until “a gradual search for answers” led him to the priesthood. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on April 16, 1993, and has been at Our Lady of Lourdes since June 2002, taking over as pastor in March 2003.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked for First National Bank in the marketing department, promoting one of the first ATMs. “They were called Quick 'n' Easy back then.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I was looking for answers and I knew the Lord had them. I wasn't too happy where I was in my life and I definitely couldn't see myself promoting ATMs for the rest of my life.” Toward the end of his studies at FIU, “I would go to the Blessed Sacrament late at night. However, there really weren't any churches nearby that were open late, so I would stand outside the windows of the old church of St. Brendan, now the parish hall, and all I could see was the red glow from the sacramental candle. I would be there for a long while, looking for the answers I knew he had for me.”
After a while, he realized that St. John Vianney Seminary was right next door and did have late-night adoration. “So I drove up and walked in like I owned the place, and I wasn't leaving until I got some answers. I did that for a while before the rector was notified that I was doing this, and I wasn't even a seminarian.”
Over time, he discovered his call to be “with (Christ) and in him.”
" The reality is that you gain even more than you could ever sacrifice. The Lord gives so much. "
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Probably still marketing and promoting those ATMs.”
What he does on his days off:
“I own a little 25-foot sailboat, so I enjoy sailing. I get out there on the ocean. I really cherish it.”
Favorite TV series:
“I don't usually get to watch the programs when they're on, but I record them and watch them later. I enjoy political commentary shows.”
Greatest accomplishment:
“Realizing that it's not about my greatest accomplishment, but in helping others accomplish; accomplishing things together and growing in Christ.”
A five-year-old Father Fernando Isern is pictured here swimming in 1963. He still loves the water and enjoys sailing on his days off.
His ideal priest:
Pope John Paul II.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“The multiple demands of being a pastor can be trying.”
His harshest critic:
“My friends keep me honest. That is a blessing. They keep my feet on the ground whenever they come off.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That one gives up so much when you become a priest. The reality is that you gain even more than you could ever sacrifice. You don't have to stop doing what you love. And if you're away from your family, you gain an immense family in the Church. The Lord gives so much.”
Born Oct. 18, 1967, in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, Father Jean-Mary is the fifth of seven brothers and sisters. His father was a farmer who wanted him to study agronomy, but he was interested in law as a way of fighting the injustice he witnessed in Haiti. He finally settled on accounting “because it was something practical and less burdensome. But it was not my vocation.” He entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in 1992 and was ordained for the archdiocese in May 2001.
He now leads a mission church with more than 2,000 registered families, where more than 4,000 people come to Mass each Sunday.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
At age 7, he was inspired by the example of his parish priest, Father Jean-Marie Vincent, who was murdered in Haiti in 1994. “He was a very down-to-earth priest” who played soccer with the kids, brought bands to the town and helped the peasants. “To me that was the perfect image of a priest who established a balance between the spiritual and the temporal.” He did not think about the priesthood again until age 19. “I was in search of meaning in my life. That’s when I began to discern a vocation.” He spoke to a priest in his hometown who gave him two books to read on the lives of Blessed Charles De Foucauld and St. Louis de Montfort. “I think that was the wake-up call in my life. After reading those two books, I felt that God was calling me.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
“I worked one year as an accountant for a French organization.”
Coming to Florida:
He entered the Montfort Fathers in 1989 and was sent to their novitiate in France, but realized he did not want to become a religious priest. While visiting family in south Florida in 1991, he met people who told him, “We need priests here. Why should you go back to Haiti?” He met Father Thomas Wenski (now bishop of Orlando) and spent the summer at Notre Dame d’Haiti, working alongside another young Haitian (now Father Robés Charles of Divine Mercy Haitian Mission in Fort Lauderdale). That’s when he decided, “The Holy Spirit knows what he’s doing. I’m going to let myself be carried by the winds of the Holy Spirit.”
"I believe that God is on my side wherever I go."
On language:
He spoke neither English nor Spanish when he entered St. John Vianney Seminary. He now speaks English and Spanish in addition to French and Creole, and is trying to learn Ibo, a Nigerian language. “The role of the church is to preach integration, not isolation or assimilation. … The more languages you know, the more world is open to you.”
What he does on his days off:
Visits his sister in Fort Lauderdale, who is a single mother of three. “I play a father role in the lives of my nephews.”
Greatest joy:
“Being a priest and being a servant of God and of his people. I think that is the greatest blessing in my life.”
Soccer enthusiast Father Reginald
Jean-Mary cheers on Notre Dame d’Haiti’s team during the archdiocesan jubilee year soccer tournament held among Haitian parishes earlier this year.
Favorite movie:
“Contact” with Jodie Foster
Greatest disappointment:
“To see that we are still in that mess in Haiti.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“People have a lot of expectations of you. People see you in such a high standard. And you know your limitations as a human being.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“A servant; a man who is inside what he is on the outside; a man who is on the outside what he is on
the inside.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
A Haitian stereotype: “That priests have money” because Haiti is a missionary country and the church provides everything to the people.
Favorite type of music:
Compas, Haitian dance music. “I enjoy singing.”
Hobbies:
Playing soccer, watching movies and reading. “On my day off I will go to Barnes & Noble for at least two hours.”
Person he most admires:
The late Brazilian bishop, Dom Helder Camara, and Bishop Frantz Colimon of the Diocese of Port-de-Paix, Haiti.
Thing he most fears:
“Nothing. I have no fear. I believe that God is on my side wherever I go.”
Born Feb. 10, 1972, in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Father Jeanty came to the U.S. in April 1990 to join his parents, who were already living in Pompano Beach. He began studying accounting at Broward Community College while working full time, but entered the seminary in August 1996. He was ordained for the archdiocese on May 15, 2004, and served as associate pastor at St. Bartholomew Parish in Miramar until 2006, when he went to Rome to study canon law. He was named archdiocesan chancellor for canonical affairs in September 2010, and also serves as a judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal and pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish in Miami Gardens.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
"It was only after I came here. I was doing everything else — pursuing a career, I had a girlfriend, I was involved in youth ministry and church. … There was a void in my heart calling me, as if this wasn’t enough.” The climax of his discernment came, by “God-incidence,” on the same date he would later be ordained a priest, May 15: “Jesus appeared to me in a dream. He said, ‘Chanel, come to me.’ I woke up from the dream; never slept the rest of the night. I called up the vocations director that morning and said, ‘I’m entering the seminary"
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
"It’s all a mystery to me. The seed was planted in
my heart."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"Probably a college professor, teaching philosophy or something that has to do with humanity, with the arts. I love philosophy."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"There’s no way that I would imagine that I
would end up being the chancellor of the
archdiocese. The seminary doesn’t prepare
you for that."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"To stand in the threshold of being the very incarnation of God is so mind-boggling. Hopefully you know your limitation."
"To stand in the threshold of being the very incarnation of God is so mind-boggling."
His description of the ideal priest:
"To be able to satisfy the hunger that everyone has for the infinite, the divine, for God. That’s where I come in."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"I know people expect a priest to be a role model and a great human being. That’s as it should be. But we’re certainly not supermen. All of us have to struggle with our limitations."
What he does on his day off:
"He likes to go to the beach. “I simply enjoy the outdoors, read a good book."
What he does on his day off:
Favorite movie:
"Kingdom of Heaven,” “Gladiator,” “Avatar” and other epic-type movies whose message is, “What good would it be for a man to live in this world and not make it a better world?"
Father Jeanty, seen here during a Pastoral Center Christmas party, taught himself to play the guitar while in the seminary. Eventually, he bought an acoustic guitar for $1,200. “It’s still my companion. It was a great investment.
Favorite TV series:
"I don’t have time."
Favorite book:
"The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck
Favorite type of music:
"As long as it sounds good, that’s me. Give me a
good sound, a good lyric and I love it already"
Person he most admires:
"My mother. She wouldn’t expect from me anymore than what she knows I can do. But she accepts me even when I don’t do what she knows I’m capable of. If I could live up to her, I would wake up a better man every day."
His greatest disappointment:
"To not have made the best of the opportunities I have had as a person."
His greatest joy:
"Whenever I say ‘yes’ to a call to serve, it’s going to be the place of (my) greatest joy."
His harshest critic:
“"People who aren’t as easygoing as I am. I
drive them nuts. They say I’m too relaxed, too
peaceful. I’m always keeping my cool"
Regrets:
"None. The stupid things that I’ve done have
brought me to be the person that I am now and
helped me to see a different perspective, to be a
better human being for others"
Born Oct. 31, 1956, in Santa Clara, Cuba, Msgr. Marin came to the United States with his family - parents and younger sister - at age 4. They settled in Chicago.
He went to medical school in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency at the University of Miami, specializing in investigational cardiology. He was ordained for the Miami Archdiocese in 1989 and later obtained a canon law degree from The Catholic University of America. He served as chancellor from 1993 - 2003 and, in addition to his work as promoter of justice and judge on the metropolitan tribunal, as well as chaplain of the Catholic Physicians & Dentists Guild. Msgr. Marín died Dec. 28, 2018.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
He felt the call in fifth grade at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Chicago, where he was an altar server. He would have entered the high school seminary had it not been for the advice of the school's new principal who suggested he attend a "prestigious" public high school instead that focused on math and science. "The whole background of my family being in medicine came back again and I went back to medicine. Priesthood was out of the picture for those years."
Vocation moment:
In 1976, his first year of medical school, there was a huge explosion at a sugar mill in the Dominican Republic. "The 400 men who were burned kept asking for a priest. The only priest was away at a mission.
It was very clear to me, seeing all of the doctors and the nurses and 123 men dying, that there was more need for priests than there was for doctors." He decided to quit medicine, but again was advised not to by the seminary rector, who told him "the best thing to do was to finish medical school because that would always be in the back of my mind. God would call me later."
God did - in 1983 in New Orleans. "I was giving a keynote speech at a cardiologists' convention. These two gentlemen walked up to me and said, 'Are you a priest?' They were Jesuit physicians." They told him: "Your whole empathy for the patient almost speaks of you being a priest already."
On making the final decision:
"I needed to prove to myself that I could be a good physician - New Orleans was that proof. It was the pinnacle of medicine. So next, I needed to prove that
I could be a good priest."
"It was very clear to me, seeing all of the doctors and the nurses and 123 men dying,
that there was more need for priests than
there was for doctors."
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"Some of my medical colleagues. They didn't understand it. But in the long run they have come asking for help at times and are glad that I'm there for them. The friendships have remained."
Favorite priestly assignment:
Our Lady of Guadalupe: "There's such a great community that is constantly challenging me. I can place many of my gifts there at the service of this community."
Greatest disappointment:
None. He sees them as "challenges, as moments of growth, time to learn. The alternative would be to sit down and cry and I don't do that."
Greatest joy:
"Just being with people at the most important times of their life - the birth of a child, the death of a relative, their wedding day. Their whole life, you're involved with them."
Greatest challenge:
"To realize that you're not going to please everybody. I'm a pleaser. I like to keep people happy. You realize that not everybody is going to be happy."
His harshest critic:
"My mother. She's very truthful."
Hobbies:
He collects coins and stamps and is an avid reader, at least one book a month. "I've had three at a time going." He especially loves reading history books.
Favourite type of music:
He likes all types, from Annie Lenox to Bach. He also has season tickets to the opera.
People he most admires:
His parents, who sacrificed their own futures to give their children a future in a free land. His mother worked nights in order to be with her children during the day. "She would put us to bed and be there when we woke up. We didn't realize she was working all night... It was a great sacrifice that they made. They are always my heroes."
Current difficulties in the church:
"This isn't the worst of times. It isn't the best of times. But we'll get through it and go into another wonderful adventure with God."
Father Marino was born July 27, 1967, in Flushing, N.Y. His family later moved to South Florida, and in 1985 he graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory (now Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory) in Hollywood. After his freshman year at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., he was accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Miami. He studied at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, and was ordained April 16, 1993.
He has served as pastor of St. Michael since July 2008, and before that was pastor of Visitation Parish in North Miami. In addition, he serves as adjunct spiritual director at St. John Vianney; spiritual director of the Italian Apostolate; chaplain of the Knights of St. Gregory and St. Sylvester; and presbyteral council representative for the East Dade Deanery. He also is a member of the international movement Communion and Liberation, and serves as the priest responsible for member priests in the U.S.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“My parents owned a fish market in Pembroke Pines and both my brother Joseph and I worked there when we were younger.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I would say, the age of reason, 7.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“By the time I had my first Communion, I knew I wanted to do what the priest did. I wanted to stand at the altar and make Jesus present. My vocation stems from the liturgy of the Church.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Probably work in the food industry, in some aspect of the seafood business. “Before I became pastor of Visitation Parish I was the fine dining food critic for the Miami Herald Broward edition for three years, from 2000 to 2003, and that was a lot of fun.”
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Not living up to people's expectations, even though sometimes their expectations are unreasonable.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“A man who is faithful to Christ, the Church and the liturgy.”
‘My own human failure is my
disappointment …’
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“I don't believe there are any, especially in this archdiocese, because we are all so diverse with such a variety of style.”
What he does on his day off:
“I like to cook, I like to fish (shallow water reef fishing), but mainly I like to relax at the parish.”
Favorite movie:
“The “Godfather” trilogy: “Yes, even Godfather III!””
Favorite TV series:
“House” and “No Reservations” with Anthony Bourdain.”
Last book read:
“I just re-read, 'The Leopard' by Giuseppe di Lampedusa and the biography 'John Adams' written by David McCullough.”
Favorite type of music:
"I enjoy music; I like having either classical or opera playing in the background. I have an appreciation for the human voice.”
Father Marino is pictured here with his mother, Marie, and his brother Joseph, whom he calls “a great blessing in my life.”
What he collects?
Liturgical vestments and vessels (chalices)
Person he most admires:
"Many people (and) no one person in particular. I have spiritual fathers that I model my life as a priest after: Pope John Paul II; Msgr. Luigi Giussani, founder of Communion and Liberation; Archbishop Fulton Sheen; and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before and after becoming Pope Benedict XVI. As a high school student, I received the book 'Introduction to Christianity,' written by Cardinal Ratzinger, and although I didn't understand it I knew that it was important for my life. I have never put that book down since."
His greatest disappointment:
“I would say to not communicate God's love and truth as I should. My own human failure is my disappointment, my lack of charity and mercy.”
His greatest joy:
“I have lots. The fact that I wake up in the morning, that people feel welcomed at my parish, being the person that can see the good in others are all joys. My brother Joseph is a great blessing in my life.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“I am only doing what I am supposed to do. …
I may do it poorly, but I am still doing it.”
His harshest critic:
“Myself. However, my mom is my greatest champion.”
Thing he most fears:
“Allowing my human failures to overwhelm me, to disappoint people or let them down.”
Regrets:
“When I fail to show charity and mercy, sometimes on a daily basis.”
Born Dec. 5, 1962, in North Miami, Father McCormick is the fifth of eight children born to a Quaker mom and Presbyterian dad who converted to Catholicism in 1966. "They said they converted because they were tired of being called sex maniacs in the Protestant church." He grew up in St. Bartholomew Parish, Miramar, and graduated from Cooper City High School in 1981. His involvement in young adult groups led to his appointment as a "wisdom person" for the archdiocesan synod, 1985-1988. He was ordained in May 11, 1996, and served at St. Louis Parish, Pinecrest; and St. Andrew, Coral Springs; before being named pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe in March 2002.
What did you do before becoming a priest?
He worked at a Sony manufacturing plant. "We built mixing consoles for recording studios. … It was very tedious work. But I did it for eight years. It enabled me to get involved in a lot of ministries. I worked my eight hours and then went to churches."
When did you know you wanted to be a priest?
"Almost immediately after high school, because I just loved what I was doing for the church. … I just wanted to make a difference for God. To be honest, I didn't think that because of my disability, the seminary would give me one look."
Why didn't you continue being a lay person?
"As a lay person, I had been involved in as many things as I could probably be involved in. But it just seemed that God was calling me to something beyond that. I'm very glad I followed up on that because I've been very happy as a priest. I mean, you can only say you're a young adult for how long?"
What would you be doing if you had not become a priest?
"I really thought at different points that I was going to become a youth minister or a young adult minister. (The church) is such a part of my life, I can't imagine my life being not part of that."
What is your disability?
He has cerebral palsy. "It's probably because I was so premature. I was born in the sixth month, which, in 1962, it's quite amazing that I survived."
What is people's reaction to your disability?
"The first two weeks I'm in a parish, people are just so terrified I'm going to fall crashing to the ground.… It's how the Lord made me. I was born with this. I've always had to go through life knowing that there were certain limitations."
"I just wanted to make a difference for God."
What do you do on your days off?
"I read my comics. I do a lot of things that most people do on the weekend, such as go to the dentist, get my hair cut, go to the bank."
What is your favorite movie?
"Godspell" – "I memorized that entire album when I was 9 years old. I put it on and I still enjoy it."
What is the most difficult aspect of being a priest?
"Situations where you have to be in two places at once, and unfortunately, you can't do that … I've had the beeper go off when I'm doing weddings or at the cemetery. … People don't need a priest according to your schedule. They need one according to theirs.Unfortunately, you can't be two places at once."
What is your greatest disappointment?
"That probably falls under my greatest challenge – the times that I'm not able to be there for someone."
Father Jeff McCormick, a comic-book hobbyist, poses in the playground of St. Maximilian Kolbe's new education center.
What is your greatest joy?
"Preaching. That and hearing somebody's confession who's been away for a long time. To know you've made such a substantial difference in someone's life just by being there."
What is your description of the ideal priest?
"Somebody who prays. Somebody who's present.Somebody who proclaims."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded?
"I don't play golf."
Who was most surprised by your vocation?
Some of his friends, who told him: "'Priests aren't supposed to be funny. You can't be a priest. You laugh too much.' Of course, it's been my experience that priests have the best sense of humor."
What is your favorite type of music?
Contemporary Christian music, 88.1 WAY FM: "I turn it off when they start to preach because I can't deal with their theology."
What do you collect?
Comic books: "I've been reading comic books since I was 10." His favorites: Avengers, X-Men, Justice League.
Who do you most admire?
Miami Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román "because he breathes and lives his ordination."
What do you fear the most?
"That people will see our faith as irrelevant, because the Catholic faith has been under such heavy attack. It's hard to see our faith so heavily ridiculed."
Born Oct. 10, 1933, in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, Msgr. McDonnell is the eldest of five children. He was ordained June 16, 1957, for the then-Miami Diocese. Among his many assignments during the past 47 years, he has served as supervising principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami and Mary Immaculate High School in Key West. He also served as pastor of St. Jerome in Fort Lauderdale; St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West; and St. Clement in Fort Lauderdale. His last assignment was as pastor of St. Sebastian Church, Fort Lauderdale. He died Nov. 27, 2006.
What he does on his days off:
"I don't have many days off, but when I do I like to read and shop. I like to go to Disney and the Keys. I played golf for 37 years, but I haven't played since 1992. I had a 10 handicap 30 years ago. Although I never played at Pebble Beach, I had lunch there last summer."
Favourite movie:
"A Man For All Seasons" - "I admire St. Thomas More."
Favourite TV program:
Old movies on AMC (American Movie Classics)
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
"My father and my friends and the guys I hung out with ... I went to the seminary right out of the blue.
I didn't tell anyone. My father told me that if I ever wanted to come home, I'd be welcome with open arms."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I have no idea ... I probably would have gone on to the university. I would like to have been a doctor, but taking a look at what they had to go through, I don't think I would have made it."
Favourite priestly assignment:
Starting a new parish, St. Cecilia in Fort Myers: "Many priests don't get an opportunity to do that."
"The older I get the more I admire the old priests for their faithfulness, by the grace of God."
Greatest disappointment:
"Every time I was transferred."
Greatest joy:
Celebrating the Eucharist & administering the sacraments.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Making sure you have enough money to pay the bills. Administration, when you're in it, it's hard to let go of it."
"I don't want someone to leave the church because of me."
His description of the ideal priest:
"Many times we forget that priests are human beings.
I don't have an idea of what an ideal priest is. You have to face the aspect that not everyone will like you.
I suppose a man who serves the people and in the process keeps his sanity."
Msgr. Patrick McDonnell is no longer able to play golf but still managed to have lunch at Pebble Beach last summer.
His harshest critic:
"Me. I have difficulty managing my time. I went to a retreat where I heard that we minister to our interruptions. One of my problems is that I can't say, 'No.'"
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"Learning on the job, how to handle emergency calls in the night. In my first assignment I was blessed by a good pastor, (the late) Msgr. John O'Dowd in South Miami. I had a bunch of real great priests who taught me early on."
Greatest accomplishment:
"Surviving. The older I get the more I admire the old priests for the faithfulness, by the grace of God."
Last book read:
"Bleachers" by John Grisham. He is currently reading "Ashes to Ashes."
Favorite music:
Golden oldies, "Little Things Mean a Lot."
Person he most admires:
Pope John Paul II and Jimmy Carter. "Carter's attitude towards his presidency was great - his value system and what he's done since he left the job, traveling the world promoting peace, and his work with Habitat for Humanity. I would like to see his place in Atlanta
(The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum). I'd also like to read allof his books."
Thing he most fears:
"I don't have a fear of incapacitation. I'm working on being physically incapacitated. I understand what they mean when they say, 'physically challenged.'
I'm all the time figuring out how I'm going to do something."
Born June 22, 1969, in León, Nicaragua, Father Paguaga is the oldest of four children. He arrived in the United States Dec. 1, 1989, after a one-month, $2,000 journey from Guatemala. He worked in the construction industry, at fast-food restaurants and washing dishes before entering the seminary in 1991. He was ordained a priest for the Miami Archdiocese in May 2000, and served at Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes before being assigned to Little Flower last summer.
Why he came to the United States:
"To come, work, save, help my family and go back after six or seven years." His father had died in 1984, and the family had moved to Guatemala, partly due to the political troubles in Nicaragua. The family's pharmacy had been looted; their grandfather had been kidnapped.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He was one of the first cooks at the McDonald's on S.W. 87th Avenue and 24th Street in Miami. He also worked at Burger King and as a busboy at the Radisson Hotel. At one point, he held three jobs simultaneously. "I'm very proud of it. If you want to work, you will find work. If you want to get ahead, you can get ahead."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
He first asked his mother for permission to enter the seminary at 6. At 14, he attended a charismatic retreat for young people. "I remember saying, 'This is what I really want to be.'" His father's response: "Over my dead body." He tried to enter the seminary in Guatemala but his mother asked him to wait. After coming to Miami, "I knew I didn't want to stay (in the United States) to make money but to serve the people. I saw the need here. An immigrant can best understand an immigrant."
"It's almost like God brought me here..."
What he does on his days off:
"I like to go to the beach. I like to go to the gym. I spend a lot of time working in the garden. It puts my mind at ease."
Favorite movie:
"The Lion King."
Favorite TV series:
"The Golden Girls", "Touched by an Angel" and the Discovery Channel.
God's plan:
"It's almost like God brought me here and opened the doors because in less than two years I was in the seminary. It couldn't have been more clear that God wanted me to be here."
Gardening enthusiast Father Paguaga with some student helpers from St. Teresa School in Coral Gables.
Favorite type of music:
Country music, 99.9 KISS FM
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
He was studying civil engineering at the University of Guatemala. "The thing is, I don't see myself doing something else other than being a priest. This is what I love. Sometimes I feel guilty that I get paid for what I do."
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
"Sometimes people don't see us as human beings with the same needs and feelings as others. We come from a family. We sat for many years in the pews where people sit and listened to the liturgy. We're real. We weren't born wearing vestments."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
Transfers: "You get to love your people, you devote yourself to them, and then you have to move."
Greatest disappointment:
"That my father didn't see me ordained because, actually, he would have been extremely happy with me. My father was never able to see his son fully realized as the man he wanted to be.
Person he most admires:
"My mother - her faith and trust in God, her simplicity, her sense of humor. She has never complained to God or anybody else for all the things that she has been through in her life."
Born in Haiti in 1954, he speaks fluent English and Spanish. In May, 1988, he became the first Haitian priest to be ordained for the archdiocese. In addition to his duties as pastor, he directs the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for the archdiocese.
His description of the ideal priest:
“Being a priest is the ideal. It’s not so much what you are supposed to do. It’s what you are supposed to be.
You can bring this ideal about in your personal life and in the life of others.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That priests are unhappy and our life is a sacrifice and misery. That’s not true. I have so much fun being a priest it’s just incredible.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
While studying for his master’s degree, he used to support himself by playing the organ in churches in Toronto. “Italian churches – can you imagine?”
Favorite book:
“Don Quixote” by Cervantes: “His ability to see what a lot of people couldn’t see. To feel what a lot of people couldn’t feel. To be able to search and find goodness where a lot of people would not be able to find it. I think we need to do that also to believe in a human being so much that finally that person, seeing how much you believe in her, begins to believe in herself.”
Person he most admires, other than Christ:
“My 95-year-old father, a man of faith, of conviction, who cares deeply for the people and who would share the shirt off his back with anybody in need.”
" I discovered in the priesthood that you can do
a lot of good. You can be a sign. "
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
He thought about it after his first Communion. In high school, he considered becoming a musician or a doctor but the idea of the priesthood stayed with him. “My father and mother always prayed for vocations. They always ended their prayer with, ‘if it’s the will of God that a vocation should come out of the family, may the will of God be done.’ I don’t think they were thinking about me. When I began really to think about the priesthood, my father’s prayer became my prayer, basically: Lord, if it is your will that I become a priest, guide me, and may your will be done.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
His father, who jokes that he used to believe All Saints Day was the feast for deceased priests and religious until his son became a priest. “Now he knows better. But since I became a priest, I can never get him to call me by my name. He calls me ‘father.’”
Greatest joy:
“I have a lot of them. I discovered in the priesthood that you can do a lot of good. You can
be a sign.”
Greatest disappointment:
Haiti
At one point, Fr. Pierre thought he might pursue a career in music. Today, he plays the piano for relaxation.
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“It can be crazy sometimes,” such as a recent Saturday when he presided at the funeral of a 20-year-old and
a couple of hours later witnessed the marriage of two young people. “One minute I was terribly sad. The next hour I was smiling. Isn’t that crazy? You pass from one type of sad feeling to a joyful and happy moment
If you are not well balanced, that’s going to take a toll on you.”
His biggest challenge:
“Challenges are also opportunities.” When he was named pastor of St. James, the school was on the verge of closing and parish buildings were run-down.
He figured, “It cannot get any worse. Anything I do will be fine. I started working with my hands, cleaning. As the people saw me working, they
joined me.”
Thing he most fears:
“The degradation I have seen around the world. We are becoming more and more insensitive to the plight of the poor, like somebody watching TV with a remote control. If we get to something unpleasant we just turn it off and tune out. It is very sad to see.”
Born in 1955 in the state of Kerala, India, Father Puthusseril was ordained for the Diocese of Krishnagar, India, on Oct. 6, 1979. While studying for his canon law degree in Rome, he made friends with some priests from the northern United States, whom he visited a few summers.
That is how he found out about Florida, where there was “great weather, similar to what we have back in Kerala, India.” He came to Miami in 1990 and was incardinated (made a part of the archdiocese) in 1995. Along with parish work, he has served as archdiocesan coordinator for high-tech, and a judge and defender of the bond in the Metropolitan Tribunal. Since July 2002, he has been pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Coral Springs.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“I was studying. I am not a 'late vocation.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“From an early age, probably around 8 or 9. But that was not a definite. When I became a teenager, I was not 100 percent sure if that was the way I wanted to go. I had some questions and wavering moments, but then, finally, it worked out this way.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“No one, really, but there were people who wanted me to leave my vocation. … My father died when I was 21 and in our culture, the oldest son takes on the family responsibilities. So, when my father died, I was still in the seminary and some members of my family told me, 'It's time to leave the seminary, come home and take care of the family.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I would have taken electronic engineering. Electronics was my hobby. I loved building my own little gadgets.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
The business aspect of the Church, administration and finances. “And I don't blame them, because that is not a business school. … You learn things at the parish. That happens in any profession. I don't look at it as a negative.”
‘Electronics was my hobby. I loved building
my own little gadgets’
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Trying to please everybody. It's almost impossible.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“The ideal priest is, naturally, Jesus Christ. Can we imitate Jesus Christ 100 percent? We are human beings; we try the best we can.”
On compassion and the law:
“It is always a juggling act trying to be compassionate, understanding, loving, caring and yet to fulfill the requirements of the laws of the Church. Being a canonist, it makes it more difficult because
I know the law.”
A priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
That priests have no faults or failures. “Priests are human beings.…They make mistakes.…I don't mean that priests should not be holy; they should be. But we do not always reach the ideal.”
What he does on his day off:
“I wear a different set of clothes and I work in my office during the morning, trying to catch up on all the things that I need to do, and all the paperwork. But in the afternoon, I try to relax a bit and go out for dinner.”
Father Puthusseril is shown here tinkering with an amplifier in the auditorium of the papal seminary in Pune, India, in the late 1970s. He still loves tinkering with electronics and computers.
Favorite movie:
“Life is Beautiful"
Favorite TV series:
“What is TV? I have no time for TV!”
Last book read:
“The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel, an investigative journalist and agnostic who became
a believer.”
Favorite type of music:
“I mostly listen to spirituals in my mother tongue.”
Person he most admires:
“I do admire my mother greatly because of the struggles she had to go through: being a single mother raising seven children on her own; two or three of us were of age, but the others were still young.”
His greatest joy:
“I find great joy in celebrating the sacraments, in ministering to people.”
Thing he most fears:
“I really don't want to die without the sacraments.”
Regrets:
“I don't really have any. … If you ask me if I would be a priest all over again, I would say 'yes!' even with all the challenges that are out there today.”
Born June 1, 1951, in Havana, Father Rivero left there with his family at age 9, moving to his great-grandmother's house in Barcelona, Spain. Three years later, the family moved to his grandfather's cattle ranch in central Florida, where he learned to drive a tractor and prepare the land for pasture. A year later, the family settled in Miami's Coconut Grove section, where Father Rivero attended Mass and served as an altar boy at St. Hugh.
He was ordained May 15, 1982, for the Archdiocese of Miami and served at Immaculate Conception in Hialeah, Corpus Christi in Wynwood, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, and as pastor of Holy Family in North Miami from 1999 to 2004. From 1992 to 2006, he served as director of the respect life ministry. In 2004, he was named pastor of St. Raymond and still serves as spiritual director of respect life.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
When he left Cuba at the age of 9: “I wasn't sure, so I procrastinated.”
Vocation moment:
In his last year of college at Miami-Dade, he joined a charismatic prayer group: “I really experienced there a new awareness of the Lord and his love and his purposes for us. I had the peace in my heart to make the decision to go into the seminary.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Taking care of the environment.” Before becoming a priest, “I was concerned that we were wrecking our planet. I wanted to do something about it. But then through the prayer group I realized that the root of the problem is that we have drifted away from God. I became aware of Christ's lordship and his calling for us to be a new creation.”
His Navy experience:
After high school, “I was about to be drafted. I had a very low number,” so he simply signed up and put in his four years. “I was never on a ship. I was always in construction work.” After the Navy, he began studying chemical engineering at Miami-Dade College and was accepted to the University of Florida but did not attend. “That's when I decided to change and go into the seminary.”
" The measure of how well the parish is doing is how many people are confessing, because we are all sinners. "
Judging success:
“The measure of how well the parish is doing is how many people are confessing, because we are all sinners.”
What he does on his days off:
“I don't have a day off. I enjoy what I do so much that I don't see my time as being on the job or off the job. I'm just a priest every day.”
Web site:
A Web site he developed 13 years ago www.corazones.org - now has 1 million unique visitors each month, making it one of the top 12,000 of all the Web sites in the world. “I saw right away that this was the wave of the future.”
After high school, Father Jordi Rivero joined the U.S. Navy. His assignment with the Seabees took him to the South Pole.
“I was the first Cuban-born person in the South Pole.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“A saint.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That it is a profession or it's a job, or that the people are customers of a franchise or a social club, so then you can demand or expect services without understanding that we are called to be a body where we're all responsible for each other. The laypeople are as much the Church as the priests, and we all have to be a family.”
Travel:
“Once a year I try to go on a pilgrimage. That is my vacation.”
Person he most admires:
“John Paul II and Benedict XVI - I really love them as fathers. At the local level, I really admire tremendously Bishop (Agustín) Román. Having lived with him, (I know) the man is a saint.”
Hobbies:
“If you consider the Web site a hobby. I love to advance the kingdom of God and use whatever resources I have to do it.”
Regrets:
“I have never had any doubt whatsoever of this vocation. Never. This is who I am.”
Msgr. Schwanger was born April 25, 1960, in Harrisburg, Pa. He graduated from Middletown Area High School there, then followed his father to Florida, where he graduated from the University of Florida in 1982. He went to the University of Florida Law School, obtaining his law degree in 1984. That same year, he entered the seminary, completing his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 12, 1990. In addition to his duties at Our Lady of Lourdes, he serves as adjutant judicial vicar of the archdiocesan Tribunal, promoter of justice for the archdiocese, president of Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School in Miami, chairman of the permanent diaconate advisory board and judge for the Tribunal of Nassau, Bahamas.
What he did before becoming a priest:
"I went to school. I worked for the University of Florida as an attorney. I also worked for Reisman & Brynn, a law firm that is no longer in existence, and I handled immigration matters for the Archdiocese of Miami."
Person most surprised by his vocation:
"My friends because they thought I could do good things as a lawyer. They did not see a need for me to be a priest. It seemed radical to them at the time. They are still my friends."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"Nothing prepares you for everything. The seminary gave me the tools I needed."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
"I would probably be an attorney, working in legal aid or government work."
Favorite priestly assignment:
"Being the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is the universal Church in miniature. There are so many cultures. It is such an active community. There are always more things to respond to and develop. I never wake up bored. And the spirit of our community is extraordinarily positive."
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"It is seeing the suffering for those who do not respond to Christ. It is knowing that if they gave their life to Christ, it would change their lives. I know the stories of people intimately, and the desperation, hurt and struggle people face. If they would give their life to Christ and believe, it would change everything."
'If (people) would give their life to Christ and believe, it would change everything.'
His description of the ideal priest:
"He loves God and loves his people."
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
"The thing about stereotypes is that they are partial truths. They are incomplete. Priests are as different as there are people in the world. People need to realize that."
What he does on his day off:
"I walk. If I have the whole day off, I walk a 15-mile circuit. I have walked El Camino de Santiago three times, and I have been on it a total of eight times. I also visit friends."
Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger is shown here on one of his pilgrimages through El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in Spain. He has walked the ancient pilgrim road in its entirety three times and been on some part of it a total of eight times.
Favorite movie:
"'The Lion in Winter' because of its artful use of the English language in the dialog. The recent movie I have seen is 'The Way,' written and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father, Martin Sheen. I really enjoyed the movie. It is a good portrayal of the human stories that get intertwined and grow along the Way of St. James and the cinematography is great. It is more challenging physically than the movie lets on. It helped me relive my experiences and remember the people I have met over those years."
Favorite TV series:
"Gator football."
Last book read:
"El Sueño del Celta. The Celtic Dream."
Favorite type of music:
Classical
Person he most admires:
"My mom and dad. They were good souls and normal people."
His greatest disappointment:
"There is not enough time to do all that I want to do and experience it all."
His greatest joy:
"A Mass where everyone is connected and you feel the Spirit."
His greatest accomplishment:
"Being an authentic person."
Thing he most fears:
"I don't know that person and I would rather not."
Born July 16, 1941, on a farm in County Cork, Ireland, Father Singleton aspired to the priesthood from seeing priests who visited from many nations. He studied at St. Patrick's Seminary in Thurles, County Tipperary, was ordained in September 1965, and set off for South Florida. He was assigned first to St. Helen in Vero Beach, where he acquired a heart for agricultural workers and the underprivileged.
That orientation would later guide his work at Sacred Heart in Homestead, San Isidro in Pompano Beach, the Pompano Beach Labor Camp and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Immokalee. While in Immokalee, he recognized he had an alcohol addiction and sought professional counseling.That led him to learn how to help others out of substance abuse. He studied the subject at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, then St. Mary's University in San Antonio. On returning to South Florida, he worked at Palm Beach Institute, became clinical director of Anon Anew in Boca Raton and eventually executive director of the Hanley-Hazelden Center, West Palm Beach. He later served at St. Joan of Arc in Boca Raton and most recently at St. Anthony, from where he retired July 1, 2014. [Father Singleton died in Ireland Nov. 24, 2023.]
How his work with migrants influenced his ministry:
"With migrants, you come to realize what is really significant in your life. The day-to-day story about the migrants was survival — for rent, for food. They always gravitated to the Church. We also had to become their advocates for the state. All that opens you up to what it means to survive and be a human being. And how you're aided by the spiritual."
How alcohol addiction affected his ministry:
"It informs your whole life. I got into AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and it gave me a whole new understanding of my vulnerability, and how you're not an island unto yourself. And (it provided) a new understanding of God the Father. Prior to that, it was 'Do you believe that God loves you?' But through AA, I experienced it. That influenced my relationship with God, and how I related to others."
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
"The professors had been educated in Rome, so through no fault of their own, they had no idea of the American Church and not much understanding what was going on in American society."
' You get the sense that (Pope Francis) knows how to run a parish.'
Culture shock on coming to U.S.:
"A big cultural shock. Suddenly, you're out here and totally free, and trying to manage your freedom in a responsible way. And how the people viewed Church and priests was very different. … You never saw a priest (in Ireland) except at Mass, and people stayed at a distance. Here, people saw the priest as approachable. They'd invite you to their house."
Hardest part of being a priest:
"Trying to be as available as possible, and trying to be all things to all people. That can eat you up over time. You hope you have enough spiritual life to sustain you."
Biggest challenge facing the Church today:
"To become relevant, to help people make sense of the Gospel message in their daily lives. That gets beyond a lot of the regulations and laws that some people can get caught up in."
Favorite vacation spot:
"Back home in Ireland, on the home farm. And I play a lot of golf, if weather permits. I tell people that overnight, I become the laziest person in the world."
Favorite TV series:
"I watch the news and golf and ESPN. I follow the Dolphins."
Father Jerry Singleton is seen here at the PGA National Charity Golf Tournament in 1990.
Favorite type of music:
"I like Irish music and light classical music, and some country-western. It's like Irish ballads."
Person he most admires:
"Pope Francis. He's the first one that I'm aware of who has a sense of the pastoral. Francis' sermons are very down to earth. You get the sense that he knows how to run a parish."
Something most people don't know about him:
"There are times I seem to be vain. I take maybe too much pride in accomplishments."
Regrets:
"Maybe one would be that I didn't go into recovery from alcohol sooner. I could have saved myself and others a lot of pain if I'd done it even three or four years earlier."
Advice for others considering the priesthood:
"Learn to serve people. Forget about fancy vestments and vessels. Put into your head that you're going to serve."
Born Jan. 24, 1947, in Havana, Father Sosa arrived in Miami Oct. 27, 1961,
one of the 14,000 unaccompanied minors brought to the U.S. through Operation Pedro Pan. He spent time at the Matecumbe and Kendall camps before moving into St. Raphael Hall, where the chaplain was Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh, one of the architects of Pedro Pan. Father Sosa completed his last two years of high school at St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami, went on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, and was ordained May 20, 1972, one of the first Cuban priests to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami. Until his appointment to St. Joseph this fall, he served as pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Kendall for
19 years, and before that was pastor of St. James in North Miami. He is a published author and composer.
In addition to his duties at St. Joseph, he serves as president of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia Inc.,
as consultor to the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, as member of the archdiocesan Vocations Board, and as adjunct professor of liturgy and popular piety at his alma mater, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“I worked summers in various places while I was at the seminary. I entered the seminary when I was 15 years old. I have worked in libraries, banks and even in maintenance for a while during those summers.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I always had an inclination toward the religious life. For a while I wanted to be a (Marist) brother, like those who taught me in school in Cuba. Later on, after I arrived in the Pedro Pan program and stayed in Miami, I decided to join the seminary, for which Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh was very happy.”
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
“Brother Modesto from the Marist School in Cuba and Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh.”
Person most surprised by his vocation:
“My parents and some of my schoolmates and friends.” In fact, he told his parents by phone about his plans, as they were still in Cuba. They suggested he wait until they arrived in the U.S., but that did not happen until 1967. By that time, he was halfway through his seminary years.
His experience in the seminary:
“That’s where I learned that I could sing, that I could write, and Latin and Greek.” When he attended the seminary, only 10 of 200 seminarians were Spanish-speaking. He spent four years at St. John Vianney - the last two years of high school and two years of college - and six more at St. Vincent de Paul. “I used to wake up and say, ‘I’ll never make it.’ Now, nearly 40 years have passed.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I would probably be a teacher. I love to teach and even if I am tired, still draw much nourishment from teaching a group or a class. Also, counseling and spiritual direction - I love that.”
'I love to teach and even if I am tired, still draw much nourishment from teaching a group…'
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“For me, as a pastor, knowing that I have to fire an employee, and the funeral of a child.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“A man who can balance prayer, teaching and administration in such a way that his life reflects the values of priesthood with peaceful serenity; a man who sees Christ in others and others see beyond his frailties the Christ that lives in him.”
A priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“A ‘climber,’ someone who thinks he can ‘feel’ better because he is recognized with titles or positions; someone who displays more clericalism than pastoral outreach.”
Hobbies:
“I was a tennis player in the seminary. I still play it and I love to watch it on TV.”
Shown here is a young Father Juan Sosa helping out at a summer camp for children during his time in the seminary.
What he does on his day off:
“Rest, sleep, go to the movies or to the theater, share a meal with good friends.”
Favorite movie:
He has many - “Forrest Gump,” “Casablanca,” “All About Eve,” “The Lives of Others”: “Movies that display opportunities for redemptive love and express it in some form of a turning point.”
Last book read:
Dean Koontz novels
Favorite type of music:
Classical
What he collects:
“Too many gadgets, gifts that I received from people, mostly paintings and icons.”
Person he most admires:
“St. Paul and St. Damian of Molokai, for their perseverance as shepherds in the midst of a most difficult situation; opposed and rejected by their own and others and yet faithful to their priestly commitment.”
His greatest disappointment:
“Anyone who leaves the Church without discernment and personal prayer.”
His greatest joy:
“Sunday and weekly Mass; receiving new members into the Church at the Easter Vigil.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“Books and articles I have written over the years; music I have composed; the satisfaction of writing and composing for others.”
His harshest critic:
“Myself.”
Thing he most fears:
“Not being able to shepherd to people in their life’s journey.”
Born April 8, 1957 in New Jersey, he moved to Florida with his family around 1970, settling in St. Vincent Parish in Margate, where his parents still live.
He was ordained in 1983 and served for 10 years as director of Catholic Charities' child welfare division. He has a master's degree in social work and is nationally certified as a social work manager and pastoral counsellor. He still serves as a state policy leader for the Child Welfare League of America.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
During his first year of business and pre-law studies at Stetson University, while attending a retreat: "It was as if a voice was saying to me, 'Be a priest, be a priest.' It was quite audible to me. It was just a very strong urge or message. Finally, I believe I actually said it out loud. I said, 'All right, damn it, I'll do it' ... That I am a priest, that I responded to that call, is one of the things that proves to me there is a God... Why would I have thought of it? Why would I do such a thing?"
Hobbies:
He is a runner (five miles about three times a week) and plays trumpet.
Favourite TV series:
"The West Wing": "It's probably the most accurate program you're going to see when it comes to the freneticism of government."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
Definitely a lawyer, "possibly elected office." His father had been a city councilman and police commissioner in New Jersey.
Happiest times as a priest:
His ministry from 1984-1988 at St. Mary Cathedral in Miami, because of what he learned from the late
Msgr. Gerard LaCerra's leadership, the bonds of camaraderie among the staff and the generosity of the parishioners. "We didn't have hot water in the winter. We didn't have air conditioning in summer. We used to fight the roaches for breakfast in the morning."
"The Gospel is not a bunch of words in the pulpit. It has to be brought into action"
Role of priests and laity:
"The clerics are in charge of running the business of the church. But the laity are in charge of running the business of the world."
His 10 years in child welfare:
"God has a weird sense of humour. He called me to be celibate and made me the father of hundreds of kids a year." The job entailed dealing with abused and neglected children and their parents: "We were the God committee. Because we had to decide very often who was going to be a family and who was not going to be a family... We were asked to play God."
His involvement in the community:
Despite running a one-priest parish, he serves on the board of the Urban League of Broward County, on the ethics committee at Plantation General Hospital and the coordination committee for Broward County's Million Meals organization. "The Gospel is not just a bunch of words in the pulpit. It has to be brought into action."
Greatest Joy:
"The best time of my week is the Sunday liturgy. Everything else makes no sense without the liturgy."
Father Tywoniak treasures this 1993
how to of himself with one of the special needs children he helped find a home for when he was director of Catholic Charities' child welfare division. "Adoption isn't about finding children for childless couples.
It's about finding parents for a
family-less child."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Dealing with the drain of being on duty 24 hours a day. You never stop being a priest."
Regrets:
"There have been periods in my life when I've questioned. I've looked back and felt the angst of what if I had married and had kids? After a long day, to come home and have my beautiful wife waiting for me with dinner. And then I think, get real! Because that's just a fantasy, too."
Thing he most fears:
"I've faced death on many occasions during my ministry." The worst moment perhaps was weathering Hurricane Andrew at St. Anne's Residence and Nursing Center in south Miami-Dade. "You can't watch a building fall apart around you and not think you're going to die." He had often wondered how he would react to death, and thought of the martyrs. When it hit him that he might die that day, "a great sense of peace came over me. Then I went back to doing what needed to be done."
Born Aug. 14, 1947, in Indianapolis, he moved to Miami with his family “in 1955 BC — before Cubans,” as he puts it. After graduating from St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores, he attended high school and college at St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 12, 1973.
Among his assignments, he has served as director of religious education for the archdiocese, pastor of St. John the Apostle in Hialeah, and chairman of the archdiocesan Art and Architecture Committee. He has been pastor of
St. Bartholomew since 1986 and also serves as president of Msgr. Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens.
On south Florida’s diversity:
“I remember (when) there were no Cubans in Miami. … I remember there was one Spanish speaking kid in my class when I was in grade school, St. Rose of Lima, and he was from Nicaragua.” Today, in Miramar alone, there are people from everywhere in the Caribbean, South America and Central America. “We have a recognizable Filipino community and a significant Nigerian community. South Florida has completely transformed into an international community. I’ve been here since 1955 and I’ve learned two extra languages (Spanish and French), and I haven’t moved.”
What he did before becoming a priest:
“Student. This is not a second career.”
What triggered his vocation:
“Probably my family. I was raised in a family of practicing Catholics. My parents were music teachers and involved in music ministry in different churches. I always kind of grew up very close to the Church and involved in it.”
What he would be doing if he had not become
a priest:
“Maybe some social work program or teaching.”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“Where I am right now. … Father David Russell told me years ago, ‘The best job in the Church is being pastor of a parish.’ And it’s true.”
‘I’ve been here since 1955 and I’ve learned two extra languages (Spanish and French),
and I haven’t moved.’
View of the priesthood:
“I’m happy, very happy being a priest, very happy with the choice I’ve made. I would make it again.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Leadership through sharing vision, not by simply trying to give orders. It’s getting people motivated and directed, whether it’s in terms of spirituality or stewardship.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“Someone who is pastorally sensitive, a good liturgist and preacher, and a good administrator.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“That it’s the priest’s Church and the people are helping him run it. … We need priests; there’s no question there. But everybody has responsibilities. That’s the big thing about stewardship: We’re all in this together. It’s not my Church; it’s our Church, and we must find out the different gifts that everybody has, as well as the different responsibilities we can all fulfill.”
Scuba diving is among Father Vuturo’s favorite sports. He obtained his license in December 1998. “It’s like going to a different part of the world that most people don’t get to see.”
What he does on his day off:
“My father still lives in the area and I spend time with him.” He also likes to scuba dive and play racquetball.
Favorite TV series:
“I enjoy the ‘CSIs,’ any variety of them.”
Last book read:
“A Marginal Jew,” by John P. Meier, and “The Gods of War,” a novel about Julius Caesar, the fourth and final in Conn Iggulden’s “Emperor” series.
Person he most admires:
“My father because of his relationship with me; the example he showed loving and taking care of my mother, who died in 2003; supporting his children; and his ongoing relationship with his adult sons.”
His greatest disappointment:
“Narrow-mindedness in people, whether it’s in political or Church leaders or people in general. Sometimes narrow-mindedness is reflected in prejudices, in racism.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“Becoming pretty good at the sensitivity to ethnic differences, and blending the multiple layers of languages and cultures in our community.”
Regrets:
“The times when I might have hurt people, when I should have been more sensitive and I wasn’t.”
Born April 11, 1949, in Cleveland, Father Tom, as his parishioners typically call him, has a brother and a sister: Ronald Wisniewski and Anne Washburn. Their parents, Henry and Sophie Ann, were both purebred Polish: Their own parents immigrated from Poland in their youth. Eventually his parents bought a farm in North Bloomfield, Ohio, where they lived for 26 years until their deaths. Thomas moved to Florida in 1972 at the request of Msgr. William Dever, who was vocations director for the Archdiocese of Miami at the time. Except for kindergarten, Father Tom was educated wholly in the Catholic school system. A thoughtful student, he earned a degree in philosophy at St. Charles Borromeo High School and College in Wyckliffe, Ohio, then got a master’s degree in theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. On May 15, 1976, he was among the last priests ordained by the late Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll, Miami’s first archbishop. Before founding Mary Help of Christians in 1989, he served five years at St. Bernard Parish in Sunrise and eight at St. Anthony in Fort Lauderdale.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be either a priest or a spaceman. Weird combination, I know. Being a priest was probably more realistic. And when I was in first or second grade, Father Hugh Gallagher, the pastor at St. Monica (in Cleveland) said, ‘He’s going to be a priest some day.’”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I probably would have gone into some branch of science and taught somewhere. I’m not sure, because once I’d selected the priesthood, I didn’t think of anything else.”
You took a master’s in theology, an academic degree, rather than a master’s in divinity, a ministry degree. Why?
“I have an inclination to be more academic and esoteric.”
Does that affect your ministry today?
“Yeah, I have a tendency to say things that I think are very connected, but they’re not to most people. One Sunday, I gave a homily and said, ‘Think of sin as a black hole. It sits out there eating and destroying.’ People just looked at me like ‘What are you talking about?’”
‘I have an inclination to be more academic and esoteric.’
The hardest part of being a priest:
“Listening to complaints. I try to be patient.”
What he does on his day off:
“I sometimes get away for a couple of days. I go to Cleveland to visit my brother and sister, but I hate traveling. I may also go to Mount Dora to do antique shopping.”
Hobbies:
“I like painting miniatures, especially from ‘Star Trek’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ And I still have a collection of phasers (weapons from ‘Star Trek’) at the house.”
Favorite movie:
“One is ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ I’ve been a fan of (J.R.R.) Tolkien since the books became available in high school. Another favorite film is ‘The Haunting,’ the black-and-white version with Claire Bloom. It’s scary without being gory. A third is the most recent ‘Star Trek.’ They remade the ‘Star Trek’ universe.”
Last book read:
“Information and the Nature of Reality: From Physics to Metaphysics”: “It was on how information can become reality. And how it relates to our faith in God.”
Father Thomas Wisniewski shows a whimsical, tongue-incheek side with a shelf of knickknacks in his office. Among the items are a wooden Starfleet insignia, a stuffed dog with a T-Rex face, Mr. Spock wearing a striped tie, and Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings” in a gnomish hat and tiny white beard.
Favorite type of music:
“New Age. It’s a free-flowing style, with instruments. I listen on Hearts of Space, a public radio station.”
One person in history he would like to meet:
“Outside of Jesus, it would be Peter. He was a
stubborn idiot. I can be one at times. With all his
failings and shortfalls, he still followed the Lord.”
If he could ask God one question, it would be:
“‘Why me?’ He would probably say, ‘Why not?’”
His most memorable spiritual experience:
“My ordination. I remember the feeling of awe as eachpriest came by, laid hands on my head, and asked God to be with me. I felt great joy and great peace.”
His greatest joy:
“It will always be to celebrate Mass. That’s what
we’re ordained to do: to give the life of Christ to
the community.”
Something most people don’t know about him:
“I swim every day. It’s one thing I enjoy. I don’t like
team sports.”
Thing he most fears:
“Disagreement. I hate conflict.”
What he would like most to be remembered for:
“Being a good priest. Holy. God-like. Not
necessarily serious” (smile).
The son of a Cuban mother and Italian father, Father Alfred Cioffi was born in Havana, Cuba, Nov. 5, 1952, the older of two brothers. The family left Cuba in 1960 and lived in New Orleans and New York before moving to various countries in Central America. (His father worked for the airline Alitalia.) After high school, the young man came to Miami to study marine biology. In 1973, he received his undergraduate degree in biology from Florida International University but was not accepted for postgraduate work at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
After working at a fish farm, taking time off to care for his ailing mother and teaching at Miami's St. Brendan High School, he entered the seminary in 1980 and was ordained for the archdiocese on May 11, 1985. Father Cioffi served at Epiphany Parish in South Miami before being sent to Rome to obtain a doctorate in moral theology.
Upon his return, he taught at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach and served five years as pastor of St. Kevin Parish in Miami before being sent to Purdue University in Indiana to obtain a doctorate in genetics. Because of Father Cioffi's expertise in this controversial field, the Archdiocese of Miami has "lent" him to the church at large.
Titles of his doctoral dissertations:
Moral theology: "The Fetus as Medical Patient: Moral Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis From the Catholic Perspective." Genetics: "The Relationship Between the Structure and the Function of Chromosomes."
What he did before becoming a priest:
After graduating from FIU, he got a job taking care of tropical aquarium fish at a fish farm on Sunset Drive in Miami. "It was a lot of fun. I would take care of the fish all day. The weekends I would be sailing and diving and dating and dancing – and I was getting paid for it."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
Marine biologist.
"My best recommendation for TV is to shoot it before you throw it out the window."
Vocation moment:
"I love nature. Through nature, I had a deeper relationship with God." As a teacher, he also "wanted to reach the teenagers at a deeper level, a more spiritual level; especially to try to help them not commit some of the mistakes that I had made when I was a teenager." Finally, taking care of his bedridden mother for more than a year "brought forth a generosity in my life." Until then, "I would have said 'I'll be a nun before I become a priest.' Those were the chances."
Celibacy:
"That was a big sacrifice, and it is daily," although it has a practical advantage: "just being available for the people."
Favorite sacrament:
Confession, "because I've had to use it a lot. But seriously, to think that people, total strangers, come to us with their conscience in their hands. They tell us things they don't tell their spouse. It's a very privileged moment that we have."
What he does for fun:
Scuba diving and sailing.
Favorite movies:
"It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Passion of the Christ."
Greatest disappointment:
"The church abuse scandal."
Favorite TV series:
"My best recommendation for TV is to shoot it before you throw it out the window. The happiest moment of my life was when I gave up TV. I'm addicted to TV, you see, so when I turn it on I can't turn it off."
Regrets:
"All the sins of my life: being too wild, too young."
At home on the water: Would-be marine biologist Father Alfred Cioffi, center, during a diving trip with cousin-inlaw, Richard Jung, and his son, Ricky.
Wild days:
"I started smoking at 11." As a teenager in Central America, he and his friends would compete to see who could find a good wedding to crash and then be the first to get drunk. "It's by sheer miracle that I'm alive. … I have been the cause of my parents' sanctification."
Thing he most fears:
"That the scandal is not over."
Greatest joy:
Teaching.
Greatest accomplishment:
"Convincing a mother not to have an abortion."
What he collects:
Not much anymore, but "I used to collect coins, stamps, plants, animals, women, fossils. You name it."
Born Jan. 6, 1953, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Father Acevedo attended school there but studied for the priesthood at St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach.
He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 8, 1999, and served at St. Mark Parish in Southwest Ranches, Immaculate Conception in Hialeah and St. Louis in Pinecrest. In 2005, he was named administrator, and then pastor, of Mother of Our Redeemer Parish in northwestern Miami-Dade County.
What he did before becoming a priest:
“Many things, but the last two careers were flight attendant for Eastern Airlines for 10 years, and just before it went on strike I began studying cardiovascular technology. I was a cardiovascular technologist for three or four years.”
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
At the age of 6, when he watched a movie about the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Person or event that triggered his vocation:
When he was much older, the death of a friend. “His faith in God was so evident that at the moment of his death, I started wanting what he had – a personal relationship with God. As I began my journey to finding God … the desire to be a priest returned, so I had to act on it. Thank God I did!”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“If I had to pick one, I’d say administration. The rest has been an ‘on-the-job training’; it prepares you to learn on the job. The seminary did help me to become a better person and to listen to God, to trust his will and follow his lead.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“I would be a cardiovascular technologist or be in a profession where I have to serve the public. All my life I’ve been geared toward people.”
" I have come to understand that everything that I have done in my life has brought me to where I am now. "
Favorite priestly duty:
“As a priest, what I enjoy the most, besides celebrating the Eucharist, is funerals. It is a moment when you bring hope, comfort and healing to the person who mourns the loss of a loved one. Sometimes it even triggers a conversion in members of the family.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“Accepting and loving everyone just as Jesus does.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“One who is down-to-earth, who recognizes his brokenness and offers it to God; one who is as loving and merciful to (God’s) people as he is able to be, with the grace of God.”
A priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“That we are perfect and should never make a mistake.”
About a year ago, Father Jaime Acevedo switched to driving a Smart Car convertible. He says he has no regrets.
It is a lot easier to get around in traffic, and its savings on fuel are great on the pocketbook and the environment.
What he does on his days off:
“Read a book. I may go out to lunch with friends, but mostly I stay home and rest.”
Favorite TV series:
“‘Battlestar Galactica’: I never watched it while it was being broadcast, but I’ve been watching it on DVD whenever I get a chance. It’s better than the one from the ’70s.”
Last book read:
“Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta.”
Favorite type of music:
“My music taste is kind of eclectic; it depends on the mood. I like classical, especially piano concertos, jazz, movie soundtracks, R & B.”
What he collects:
“Many things, but mainly icons – and monkeys.”
Person he most admires:
“My parents, a great example of what true love and good marriage should be.”
His greatest disappointment:
“Maybe giving so much heartache to my folks because of my aversion to anything that had to do with studies. I was a lousy student!”
His greatest joy:
“Being who I am, a priest!”
Thing he most fears:
“Fear itself. It can paralyze you and prevent you from doing the will of God.”
Regrets:
“None. I have come to understand that everything that I have done in my life has brought me to where I am now. And God has been with me all the time.”
Born April 8, 1957 in New Jersey, he moved to Florida with his family around 1970, settling in St. Vincent Parish in Margate, where his parents still live.
He was ordained in 1983 and served for 10 years as director of Catholic Charities' child welfare division. He has a master's degree in social work and is nationally certified as a social work manager and pastoral counsellor. He still serves as a state policy leader for the Child Welfare League of America.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
During his first year of business and pre-law studies at Stetson University, while attending a retreat: "It was as if a voice was saying to me, 'Be a priest, be a priest.' It was quite audible to me. It was just a very strong urge or message. Finally, I believe I actually said it out loud. I said, 'All right, damn it, I'll do it' That I am a priest, that I responded to that call, is one of the things that proves to me there is a God. Why would I have thought of it? Why would I do such a thing?"
Hobbies:
He is a runner (five miles about three times a week) and plays trumpet.
Favourite TV series:
"The West Wing": "It's probably the most accurate program you're going to see when it comes to the freneticism of government."
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
Definitely a lawyer, "possibly elected office." His father had been a city councilman and police commissioner in New Jersey.
Happiest times as a priest:
His ministry from 1984-1988 at St. Mary Cathedral in Miami, because of what he learned from the late
Msgr. Gerard LaCerra's leadership, the bonds of camaraderie among the staff and the generosity of the parishioners. "We didn't have hot water in the winter. We didn't have air conditioning in summer. We used to fight the roaches for breakfast in the morning."
"The Gospel is not a bunch of words in
the pulpit. It has to be brought into action"
Role of priests and laity:
"The clerics are in charge of running the business of the church. But the laity are in charge of running the business of the world."
His 10 years in child welfare:
"God has a weird sense of humour. He called me to be celibate and made me the father of hundreds of kids a year." The job entailed dealing with abused and neglected children and their parents: "We were the God committee. Because we had to decide very often who was going to be a family and who was not going to be a family. We were asked to play God."
His involvement in the community:
Despite running a one-priest parish, he serves on the board of the Urban League of Broward County, on the ethics committee at Plantation General Hospital and the coordination committee for Broward County's Million Meals organization. "The Gospel is not just a bunch of words in the pulpit. It has to be brought into action."
Greatest Joy:
"The best time of my week is the Sunday liturgy. Everything else makes no sense without the liturgy."
Father Tywoniak treasures this 1993
how to of himself with one of the special needs children he helped find a home for when he was director of Catholic Charities' child welfare division. "Adoption isn't about finding children for childless couples.
It's about finding parents for a
family-less child."
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
"Dealing with the drain of being on duty 24 hours a day. You never stop being a priest."
Regrets:
"There have been periods in my life when I've questioned. I've looked back and felt the angst of what if I had married and had kids? After a long day, to come home and have my beautiful wife waiting for me with dinner. And then I think, get real! Because that's just a fantasy, too."
Thing he most fears:
"I've faced death on many occasions during my ministry." The worst moment perhaps was weathering Hurricane Andrew at St. Anne's Residence and Nursing Center in south Miami-Dade. "You can't watch a building fall apart around you and not think you're going to die." He had often wondered how he would react to death, and thought of the martyrs. When it hit him that he might die that day, "a great sense of peace came over me. Then I went back to doing what needed to be done."
Born Jan. 21, 1953, in Havana, Cuba, Father García is an only child. He started elementary school in Cuba but completed it in Spain, where he had emigrated with his parents. He left Spain to move in with relatives in Kansas, where he attended college. He finished his studies at Florida International University, obtaining a degree in accounting. He entered the seminary at age 39 and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 1997. In addition to being pastor of St. Cecilia, he serves as spiritual director of Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (Christian Family Movement).
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked for 16 years as an accountant at Florida Power and Light.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“I always knew it, since I was 9 years old. I can’t say the specific date. The desire just kept growing within me.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
“Accounting, which I actually have to keep doing because I do the bookkeeping for the parish.”
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Nobody. Everybody more or less knew it, and they would tell me.”
What the seminary did not prepare him for:
“The administrative aspects (of the priesthood) but thank God I already had that.”
His current responsibilities:
“Everything involved in running a parish: Painting walls, changing lightbulbs, seeing people, keeping the books.”
" My greatest joy was when I was ordained. "
What he does on his days off:
“See friends, visit the mall, sometimes I go to the movies. Instead of being a day ‘off’ it’s a day ‘on’ because I leave everything for that day.”
Greatest joy:
“My ordination.”
Regrets:
“That I didn’t answer God’s call earlier.”
Favorite TV program:
“I don’t watch much television, but sometimes I watch A Mano Limpia (a local Spanishlanguage talk show) with Oscar Haza.”
Favorite movie:
“Marcelino Pan y Vino – it was the first storybook that I read.”
Father Luis Garcia worked as an accountant for Florida Power and Light before becoming a priest.
Favorite type of music:
Old Cuban music, music from Spain and classical music.
Last book read:
Vida y Misterio de Jesús de Nazaret (Life and Mystery of Jesus of Nazareth) by José Luis Martín Descalzo.
Most memorable priestly assignment:
When he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines. “I spent two years there with Father James Vitucci. He was the best example of priesthood for me – a good friend, a colleague, a good son, a good priest. I was privileged to share the last years of his life. I heard his last confession and laid him to rest.”
His description of the ideal priest:
Father James Vitucci.
Most difficult aspect of the priesthood:
“Trying to keep everybody happy.”
Person he most admires:
“My mother because she was a good woman, a good mother and wife, an example of piety, love and sacrifice for me.”
His greatest fear:
“Not to be able to return to a free Cuba. It was something my parents longed for and they died without being able to go back.”
His biggest critic:
“I’m sure I have many, but I would say it would have to be me.”
The son of Colombian parents, Father Bohórquez was born in Argentina on Oct. 25, 1972. He lived in Venezuela and Colombia before coming to the United States in 1988. He graduated from McArthur High School in Hollywood in 1990, and entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami six years later.
He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami in May, 2001. His mother died 24 days after his ordination. He has a sister who lives in Colombia and a brother who lives in Boston. His father lives in Miami. Before going to St. Jerome, he served at Epiphany Parish in South Miami.
What he did before becoming a priest:
He worked in many different trades, from cleaning offices to delivering pizzas to stripping and waxing floors to telemarketing (where he lasted only one day).
What he does on his days off:
“I make it a point to always visit my father: I try to at least eat one meal with him on my day off.”
Favorite movie:
“Contact” starring Jodie Foster
Favorite TV series:
“The Cosby Show” and “Home Improvement”
"I see how God transforms and that thrill is
more awesome than anything else in this life."
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
He never really considered the priesthood seriously until a year or so before he entered the seminary, but he sees now “that was the end of a well-planned-by-God journey.” His family had always been very connected to the church and as a child he sometimes dreamed of preaching the word of God. At 18, he began to pray, “If it is your will that I become a priest, just show me. The answer was so obvious, so in my face, that I could not recognize it.” Finally, a good friend advised him to try it, reminding him that going into the seminary did not mean he would have to stay. When he first got there, he would wake up in the morning and ask himself, “What have I gotten myself into? But the initial fears and cautions became joyful assurance as the years passed.”
What he would be doing if he had not become a priest:
At first he thought of becoming a veterinarian, then an aerospace engineer, later a pilot.
Greatest disappointment:
“There is so much hurt in my heart when, instead of being a ‘bridge’ (to the divine), I have been in the way I relate to people, when I have been unfaithful to the call in my ministry or in the living of my Christianity a ‘rock of stumble’ for people’s faith.”
Greatest joy:
“When I see the word of God and his grace working with all the force of his mercy, power and majesty in the lives of people who have the courage to receive it.I see how God transforms and that thrill is more awesome than anything else in this life.”
Most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“The frustration I experience continuously is my incapacity to transmit my experience of faith. I see that the message of the Gospel cannot be explained or described. I have come to realize that the only way to share this Good News is to let God burn me and, as I am being consumed by that fire, allow the light of Christ to shine then, get out of his way. Letting God come through is my challenge, and many times, my frustration.”
Image of the ideal priest:
“A candle: As the priest allows God’s fire to consume him, that makes it possible for him to illuminate with the light of Christ. But that light will not shine if he is not willing to let the Gospel burn him and consume him little by little.”
Priestly stereotype that should be discarded:
“The priest as a mere professional if the ministry is not embedded to my person, it is no priestly ministry at all.”
Father Bohorquez, far right, with his father, Francisco, his sister, María Carolina and his brother, José Luis. Although all three are wearing T-shirts that say Argentina, Father Bohorquez is the only one who was born there. His sister was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and his brother in Valencia, Venezuela.
Who was most surprised by his vocation:
“Me I dreamt of serving the Lord as a married man with children. The Lord showed me in more and more powerful and evident ways that the way towards holiness and thus, happiness that he had chosen for me was the priesthood.”
Favorite type of music:
All types at different times: jazz, salsa, Colombian folkloric music, classical, Christian pop, merengue, Catholic and Protestant- Christian hymnody, liturgical, Gregorian.
Person he most admires:
“My mother, who is deceased and planted so many seeds of eternal life in my own life, and my father, who continues to give me a powerful example of integrity, love for life, and unshakable faith in the midst of trials. Also, the three saints which the Lord has given me as continuous sources of spiritual inspiration: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Therese the Little Flower. Pope John Paul II is also in the bunch.”
Zirilli was born in Melbourne, Fla., on April 26, 1971, the older of two boys. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and later obtained a master’s in the field from the University of North Florida. For eight years, he worked as a certified public accountant in private practice in the Key Largo area. In 2002, he sold his firm and entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, where he completed the pre-theology program before entering St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2008. He was assigned to St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest before being named vocations director in September 2010.
When he knew he wanted to be a priest:
“When I was about 22 the thought came to me while sitting at Mass one day. I was looking at the priest celebrate Mass and knew in that moment God was calling me to it. It was a powerful, beautiful, frightening moment. Before that moment I had an inkling, so I began to find out more about my faith on my own. I read the Bible one chapter at a time, every night.
It took a few years to finish.”
Person most surprised by his vocation:
“Me. I had always seen myself as a businessman with a wife and kids but the call (to priesthood) just couldn’t be ignored.”
Seminary life:
“From the first day in the seminary I knew I had made the right decision. I felt as if God was telling me, ‘I want you to be happy and if you follow me you’ll be more happy than doing anything else.”
Favorite priestly assignment:
“I have only had two, so far, and both assignments have been very different. As a parish priest I liked being involved in the day-to-day life at the parish and with the parish community; you get to develop solid relationships. I was always very moved by the example of faith. As vocations director I get to talk about the priesthood and how much I love it. I get to meet lots of people and travel to different parishes every weekend. I get to know both the pastors and the parish community.”
'(I) serve God,
but I am not God.'
The most difficult aspect of being a priest:
“(I) serve God, but I am not God. I pray I bring God’s comfort and love to people, but wish I could help everyone. It is difficult to see human suffering. I pray I bring hope and Christ to people; I’m in the business of hope.”
His description of the ideal priest:
“Must have a solid relationship with Christ, be happy, approachable, friendly, humorous and can articulate the faith to people yearning to hear it. Must have a beautiful heart and love God and have an incredible grasp of Scripture.”
A priestly stereotype that he feels should be discarded:
“A lot of people think or view the priesthood as being a life without success or that it is a wasted or unhappy life. That tends to be a barrier to consider vocations. However, priesthood is filled with great happiness, joy and is fulfilling. I am reminded of Mother Teresa when she said, ‘God calls us not to be successful, but to be faithful’.”
Favorite TV series:
“MythBusters”
Last book read:
“Just finished reading the Sherlock Holmes mysteries on my e-reader and I’m now reading ‘The Divine Comedy’ by Dante, ‘Spirit of the Living’ by Pope Benedict XVI and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen.”
Father David Zirilli is pictured here during an Amor en Accion-sponsored missionary trip to the Diocese of Portde- Paix, Miami’s sister diocese in northwest Haiti. The group consisted of seminarians and parishioners from St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West who supported the construction of a new school in the village of Dity.
Favorite type of music:
“Love the ’80s, but I can’t pass on a good Gregorian chant. That’s the best.”
Person he most admires:
“St. Joseph because he was and is an ideal role model for Catholic men to be faithful husbands and fathers; he is also a good role model for priests because he was always open and willing to carry out the will of God.”
His greatest disappointment:
“Not responding to the call (vocation) sooner, although that is hard to say. Sometimes things are for the best; no experience is wasted. We learn and grow both from our mistakes and successes.”
His greatest joy:
“When God lets you see the fruit of your ministry. As priests our task is to sow the seeds not necessarily to see the fruits, but when God does allow it, it’s a great joy to know that you have faithfully done your ministry.”
His greatest accomplishment:
“If on my tombstone it reads: ‘Here lies David
Zirilli, a holy priest.”
The Archdiocese of Miami understands the importance of providing quality-of-life benefits and considers them to be a significant part of employee compensation. Eligible Archdiocesan employees will be provided with $15,000 life insurance, $15,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance as well as long-term disability insurance to provide income protection in the event of illness, injury and/or inability to work. The Archdiocese will share the cost of your choice of three medical plans: PPO, HMO or Value HMO. Optional Dental PPO and HMO Plans, Short Term Disability, Supplemental and Spouse Life Insurance will be available on a voluntary basis.
The contributions made by the Archdiocese of Miami and its Entities are like a second paycheck, providing for a wide range of benefits to support the needs of our employees and their families. As the Church professes that "Life and physical health are previous gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2288), the Archdiocese is an advocate of quality care and works to provide our employees with quality benefits.
Below is the information to navigate your benefit enrollment experience:
Benefit-eligible employees must enroll or decline coverage within the first 30 days of employment or change to benefit-eligible status.
Coverage is effective on the 31st day.
Annual Enrollment is held each year during the month of May. All changes become effective July 1.
Follow these steps:
1
Read the Benefits Guide for an overview of the options available to benefits-eligible employees.
2
Enroll in the secure website, www.adomhealthplan.org, where employees can find more resources and information, enroll in benefits, make changes or waive coverage.
This website provides year-round access to employees’ benefit summary and specific benefit elections, as well as a wealth of other information. Employees may click on the attached Enrolling is Easy for instructions on setting up an account.
The coat of arms of
Peter Baldacchino as
Auxiliary Bishop of Miami.
Born Dec. 5, 1960, in Sliema, Malta, Bishop Baldacchino is the second oldest of four children - three boys and a girl - born to Leonilda (known as Hilda) and Rinaldo (known as Rene) Baldacchino. When he was 13, his family joined the Neocatechumenal Way. He studied at St. Francis School in Msida and Mount Carmel College in Santa Venera, Malta, then studied science and chemistry at the University of Malta.
He entered the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary in Newark, N.J., in 1990, obtaining a bachelor's in theology and a master's in divinity from Seton Hall University. On May 25, 1996, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark and assigned as parochial vicar to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, N.J. In 1999, he was named chancellor of Our Lady of Divine Providence Mission in Turks and Caicos Islands, a missio sui iuris (independent mission) for which the Archbishop of Newark is responsible. He became pastor of Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in Providenciales in 2002, and in 2009 was named a Chaplain to His Holiness, with the honorary title of monsignor. Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of Miami Feb. 20, 2014. He was ordained to the episcopacy March 19, 2014.
The Archdiocese of Miami in communion with the Universal Church and Pope Francis will open the Jubilee Year of 2025 with a solemn Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 7525 NW 2nd Ave on Saturday, December 28, at 5:30 PM.
Archdiocese of Miami Designated Places of Prayer for Jubilee Year Pilgrims:
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Miami 7525 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (La Ermita) 3609 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove (Miami)
Our Lady of Schoenstatt Shrine 22800 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 3317
St. Mary Star of the Sea Basilica 1010 Windsor Lane, Key West
St. Clement’s Catholic Parish 2975 N. Andrews Avenue, Wilton Manors
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish 11691 NW 25 st., Doral, FL
For pilgrims who cannot travel to Rome:
Archbishop Thomas Wenski has designated the following special places of prayer for Jubilee Year pilgrims, offering opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences and other events intended to strengthen and revive faith.
Basic conditions to gain an indulgence:
The person is "moved by a spirit of charity," is "purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by Holy Communion" and prays for the pope.
Groups of faithful who wish to organize pilgrimages:
Should coordinate with the designated site so that the pilgrims can be properly welcomed and have access to the Sacraments, especially confession.
Recognizing that each individual is created by God, the Archdiocese of Miami is committed to the safety and well-being of its children and vulnerable adults and implements procedures to minimize risk and barriers and to build and foster a culture of safe environment.
The Archdiocese does not tolerate abuse or neglect of anyone. It will comply with all obligations of civil and canon law; it will promote healing where it is needed, provide education, training and guidance when it is appropriate, and endeavor to prevent any abuse of minors or vulnerable adults with firm justice and mercy towards all.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated hotline, 1.866.802.2873, that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims. A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
All allegations of sexual abuse by Church Personnel or on church premises shall be reported promptly to the Archdiocesan Contact Person. The Archdiocesan Contact Person shall immediately notify the Archdiocesan Attorney who will in turn notify the local State Attorney.
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service has established a hotline to report sexual abuse, abuse of authority or other misconducts by a bishop to proper Catholic authorities and third parties for investigation. When a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential.
If you have any other kind of complaint about a bishop, such as parish assignments, church closing or homily contents, please address those directly to your diocesan or eparchial bishop.
Sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer of the Church should be reported to the Archdiocese of Miami Office of Safe Environment Hotline. If you are the victim of sexual abuse, or any other crime, please contact local law enforcement as well.
The archdiocese of Miami recognizes that the Black Catholic Ministry brings to the Church of South Florida a rich cultural tradition and historic faith.
The Black Catholic Ministry, together with Movements of Black Catholics seek to provide spiritual, cultural, and social nourishment for Black Catholics; to enhance Black Catholic leadership; to welcome Blacks to join the Catholic Church; to help coordinate ongoing efforts with all faith communities. They also act as agents for the concerns of the Black community at large, assess the needs of the Black community and communicate these to the established Archdiocesan agencies; provide representation at the decision-making levels with the Archdiocese; represent the Archdiocese in state and national Black Catholic organizations and inform the Black Catholic community via materials, programs, and workshops on local, state, and national events.
The Building and Property Office oversees the maintenance of churches and other archdiocesan facilities, as well as the construction of new buildings in Catholic parishes.
Office staff also manages the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese and oversees the mail room, copy room, purchasing, telephone and voice mail systems, switchboard and maintenance.
Anyone interested in purchasing any available archdiocesan properties or selling property to the Archdiocese of Miami should contact this office.
Mission statement:
To support the Archdiocese of Miami in proclaiming the Good News of Christ through the work that we do related to its buildings and properties. We are charged with being faithful stewards of archdiocesan assets, and with providing professional guidance and assistance to Church entities in the planning and overseeing of maintenance and construction projects.
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"We will always have the sacraments, we will always have Mass...as long as we have priests."
Saint-Clos Papouloute
"I want to be a priest because I grew up in the church and I am aware of the beauty and greatness of God's
love
for us;
after speaking with my pastor at the time, I felt in the depth of my heart the mission to lead the people of
God
on the way of salvation."
Fourth Year of Philosophy
Notre Dame d'Haiti Parish
Gabriel Alejandro Campos
The reason why I am studying to become a priest is because I heard the voice of God, and I truly believe that I am called to serve the people of God."
Let me know if you have any questions or if would like to meet to discuss this in further detail. I will be available this afternoon."
Second Year of Philosophy
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
Aristides L. Lima
"I want to be a priest because God is real, He loves us, and not many people know that; and because Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist."
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to the indigent and homeless populations of Miami-Dade County, Florida for more than 40 years.
Established by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd in 1960, Camillus House has grown steadily over the years from a small overnight shelter into a full service center offering a full "continuum of care" for the poor and homeless.
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, FL 33138
(305) 762-1070
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
Catholic schools depend upon the quality and commitment of our teachers, principals, and
staff members. We encourage you to view our hiring qualifications and open positions.
We are always seeking great people to serve in our schools!
School Job Openings
Benefits of Teaching at an Archdiocese of Miami School:
Rewarding, life-changing work
Welcoming and safe school environments
Serve students in preschool, elementary, and secondary levels
Family-friendly schedule
Competitive salary and benefits
Support for ongoing professional development
60+ schools across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties
Employee scholarships for Catholic school tuition
Click on a category below to display related job openings
The primary and essential object of catechesis is, to use an expression dear to St. Paul and also to contemporary
theology, "the mystery of Christ."
Catechizing is in a way to lead a person to study this mystery in all its dimensions: "to make all
men see what is the plan of the mystery...comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height
and depth ...know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge...(and be filled) with all the fullness of God" (Eph.
3:9, 18-19).
It is therefore to reveal in the Person of Christ the whole of God's eternal design reaching fulfillment in that
Person. It is to seek to understand the meaning of Christ's actions and words and of the signs worked by Him, for
they simultaneously hide and reveal His mystery. Accordingly, the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not
only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the
Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” (St. John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae)
The Catechist Formation and Certification process of the Archdiocese of Miami (ADOM) for teachers in Catholic schools provides basic theological understanding and spiritual formation to help cooperate with God in forming each child in the image and likeness of God through an integral formation of the human person. Learning about Jesus and the mysteries of His life aims to lead each person to discover the meaning and purpose of all things so as to order his/her life according to the values of the Gospel.
“Catholic schools must be seen as "meeting places for those who wish to express Christian values in education". The Catholic school, far more than any other, must be a community whose aim is the transmission of values for living. Its work is seen as promoting a faith-relationship with Christ in Whom all values find fulfilment. But faith is principally assimilated through contact with people whose daily life bears witness to it. Christian faith, in fact, is born and grows inside a community.” (The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School, n.53)
Initial Certification Process
Within three (3) years of first being hired, Catholic school teachers are to successfully complete the following four initial certification courses (each course counts for 10 credit hours), listed in the recommended order of completion:
Introduction to Sacred Scripture
Introduction to the Profession of Faith: Creed
Introduction to Liturgy and Sacraments
Introduction to Catholic Morality: Life in Christ
Renewal Certification Process
After completion of Initial Certification, teachers have five (5) years to work towards completion of 40 hours of renewal certification, ten of which must be a renewal certification course.
Renewal Certification Courses (each course counts for 10 credit hours), listed in the recommended order of completion:
Foundations: Prayer and Spirituality
Gender Identity
Spirituality for Teachers and Catechists
TOB in Touch with Adults and Educators
Scripture - Old Testament
Scripture - New Testament
Initial and Renewal Certification Courses may be taken either at the parish/school (with proper approval from the Office of Catechesis) or through the ADOM Learning online platform.
Catechetical Conference
Teachers who attend the yearly ADOM Catechetical Conference will receive 10 credit hours towards their renewal of certification after completing a reflection survey within one week after the conference. The digital link for the survey is sent to all participants.
Extra renewal credits do not rollover to the next renewal cycle.
“By their witness and their behavior teachers are of the first importance to impart a distinctive character to Catholic schools. It is, therefore, indispensable to ensure their continuing formation through some form of suitable pastoral provision. This must aim to animate them as witnesses of Christ in the classroom and tackle the problems of their particular apostolate, especially regarding a Christian vision of the world and of education, problems also connected with the art of teaching in accordance with the principles of the Gospel.” (The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School, n.78)
The Mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami is to honor God by:
Enhancing human life and dignity, supporting individuals and families, building communities, and working for justice.
Our faith calls us to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers; to serve those in need, to build communities, and to work for justice on behalf of all of God's children.
This is the story of the Church's social mission, a tradition to be shared and a challenge to be fulfilled. Founded on the life and words of Jesus Christ who came, "To bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind…" (Lk 4:18-19), our Catholic social teaching is more than a set of documents. It is a living tradition of thought and action.
We cannot celebrate a faith we do not practice. We cannot proclaim a gospel we do not live. Our mission statement allows us to proclaim our commitment to charity and justice and, through the delivery of our services, to make Christ visible in our community.
Incorporated in 1931, Catholic Charities remains for the residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties, a pioneer in social service provision. As a leader in the field of providing specialized programs, outcome oriented results and social advocacy, Catholic Charities has remained faithful to the Gospel messages which call us to work for justice and mercy in the world. Our ministry makes Christ present in the local and international community to all who require His love and compassion.
Cabinet Secretary of Stewardship, Development & Communications; Chief Development Officer; President, ADOM Development Corporation; Executive Director, Catholic Community Foundation
The mission of the Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami is to support financially the spiritual, educational and social need of our Catholic Community in the acquisition, management, investment and growth of endowment funds.
The Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami, Inc. is designed to invest and manage endowment funds wisely, easily and cost effectively. A Board of Directors, comprised of clergy and lay Catholic professionals from throughout the Archdiocese, oversees and manages the funds entrusted to the CCF.
Catholic Health Services is a South Florida healthcare leader and THE healthcare ministry for the Archdiocese of
Miami, serving the frail and vulnerable in our community for over 40 years.Our four medical campuses are
strategically located for your convenience across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. These include acute inpatient
rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing/rehabilitation, assisted living, and home
health services.
We serve more than 7,500 people per year and operate 42-plus facilities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Our patients,
residents and those who use our services are our first responsibility. We provide our services with love, skill,
compassion and respect for all human dignity - regardless of race, creed or religious affiliation.
For more than 35 years, Catholic Hospice, a not-for-profit provider, has cared for people of all faiths navigating
through serious, life limiting illnesses. We assure you more control, comfort and choices to maximize your quality
of life at home or in one of our welcoming inpatient care centers. We also extend our specialized loving care to
your entire family through a wide range of support services.
Bereavement Support Groups
Catholic Hospice provides FREE bereavement support groups to the community throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties. To obtain a list of our current support groups, please visit: www.catholichealthservices.org/hospice/grief-support.
For questions, you can also contact the Catholic Hospice Bereavement Hotline at (305) 351-7025.
Catholic Hospice also offers Camp Erin, a FREE bereavement camp for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
Catholic Housing Management (CHM) offers attractive, well-managed apartment communities at adjusted rental rates to meet the affordability needs of active, independent low-income seniors. We also have select availability for younger adults with mobility, hearing or vision impairment. Our 18 communities are within walking distance of worship; close to shopping; and conveniently located for loved ones to visit.
The Old Testament enjoins us to "treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you." (Leviticus 19:34) The mission of Catholic Legal Services (CLS) is to implement this teaching by providing professional immigration services to South Florida 's refugee and immigrant communities and attorney representation before the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Over 1,000 individuals seek the services of CLS each month. CLS provides pro bono services to individuals and family who qualify based on income, eligibility status, and the availability of resources.
For those who do not qualify for free services, CLS may represent you based on a sliding fee scale. For those who can afford a private attorney, CLS encourages you to seek the services of a qualified immigration attorney, particularly members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. We will be happy to refer you to a qualified immigration attorney should we determine that we cannot help you.
Two Catholic universities are located within the Archdiocese of Miami.
St. Thomas University, in Miami Gardens, was founded as Biscayne College in 1961 by Augustinians who had been expelled from Cuba that same year. The university came under the sponsorship of the Archdiocese of Miami in 1988, conferring upon St. Thomas the distinction of being the only Catholic Archdiocesan sponsored university in the State of Florida.
Barry University, in Miami Shores, was founded in 1940 as a woman’s college by siblings — Bishop Patrick Barry, of St. Augustine, and Mother M. Gerald Barry, prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan. The Adrian Dominicans continue to serve as Barry’s sponsors.
Consecrated in 1959, two archdiocesan cemeteries serve the faithful of South Florida with Catholic burial. Making a Catholic cemetery your choice is one final and lasting way to affirm your devotion to your faith and to your loved ones.
For more than six decades, the Church has provided the Catholic South Florida community with a sacred, peaceful enclosure for those who have lived within the faith and a measure of comfort to those who come in bereavement.
Catholic Cemeteries perform a sacred function on behalf of the entire Christian community. They serve as symbols of the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death.
Each cemetery, one in Broward County and one in Miami-Dade County, consists of 125 acres designed, developed and landscaped to provide a setting of beauty and tranquility. They offer beautiful outdoor mausoleums, traditional ground burial, lawn crypts, and niches and ground burial options for cremated remains. Glass-fronted columbaria are also available in the chapel mausoleums, where remembrance Masses are celebrated regularly. Families are encouraged to witness the full Order of Christian Funerals by holding the wake or visitation, Mass of Christian Burial and finally the Rite of Committal at the cemetery.
Centro Mater Child Care Services is a nonprofit organization that was founded on the belief that love for children brings hope for the future. With five accredited centers in Miami-Dade County, Centro Mater caters to 1,500 children 6 weeks to 12 years of age in its efforts to help youth prosper and their parents and/or guardians become financially independent.
Information and Steps for Catholic School Teachers
Getting Started
This website was developed to assist and guide Catholic School teachers seeking information on obtaining and maintaining their Florida Educator Certification. All of the pages on this site include links directly to the specific content at the Florida Department of Education Certification website.
If you need to check the status of your application or certification, please use any of the following methods;
You may login to your account to check your status here
After viewing this site, if you have questions or need assistance after contacting the Florida Department of Education, email [email protected] and provide your name, DOE#, and attach a copy of your Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE).
Certification Steps
Initial Steps for Florida Educator Certification
Application
Apply online here for temporary, professional, subject add-on or apply for renewal or reinstatement (Note: If not eligible for reinstatement of expired professional, applicant must apply for initial temporary certification)
Submit Official Degree Transcripts and/or Credential Evaluation Report
Official Degree Transcripts should be sent to the Office of Catholic Schools to the attention of Domenick Russo with copies of any valid out of state or national certificate when applicable. A Credential Evaluation Report is required for foreign trained applicants.
Receive Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE)
An official statement of status of eligibility is issued after evaluation of the transcripts and degree major by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) outlining the path toward professional certification. The SOE indicates whether the applicant is eligible or not eligible.
Certification Background Screening
New hires and teachers with eligible SOE's must schedule their certification screening appointment to obtain their initial Florida certification.
Office of Catholic Schools then processes the formal district issue request form to FDOE.
All certification related documents such as official transcripts, credential evaluation report or I-9 forms used for certification must be sent to:
Archdiocese of Miami, Office of Catholic Schools, Attn: Domenick Russo, 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, Fl. 33138
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing and issuance of your Florida Educator Certificate.
Do NOT send original foreign diplomas or original foreign transcripts to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Documents submitted to the Bureau of Educator Certification become part of the applicant's permanent certification record and cannot be returned.
Applicants who completed academic training outside the United States should submit the documentation described below with the completed CG-10 application form and processing fee. Additional information is provided for individuals who are not citizens of the United States.
Credential evaluation report of United States equivalency. The applicant must submit an original credential evaluation report that includes a statement of United States degree equivalency and a breakdown of coursework into descriptive course titles and semester-hour credits. Photocopies are not accepted.
The credential evaluation report may be provided by one of the following
An accredited four-year college or university in the United States
A current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
A current member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
A credential evaluation agency approved by the Bureau of Educator Certification. Please see Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies for the current list of agencies that have requested and received approval from the Bureau of Educator Certification. Criteria for approval of credential evaluation agencies are outlined in State Board of Education Rule 6A-4.003.
Noncitizens
An applicant who is not a United States citizen may apply for the Statement of Status of Eligibility. However, appropriate immigration status must be established through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to employment. The Bureau of Educator Certification cannot provide assistance with visas since this is strictly an employment issue. Consequently, matters related to immigration status or visas should be discussed with any prospective employer. Upon employment in an approved Florida school, the employer must submit appropriate documentation of immigration status to the Bureau of Educator Certification as one requirement for issuance of a Florida Educator Certificate.
Applicants for Florida Educator Certification must have an unexpired eligible Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE) prior to scheduling an appointment. You must be employed or have an offer of employment before scheduling your certification screening appointment.
To schedule a fingerprinting appointment for Florida Educator Certification
Go to Fieldprint website at www.fieldprintflorida.com
Click “Schedule An Appointment”. DO NOT schedule an appointment if you do not have an "eligible" SOE
In the Reason why you need to be fingerprinted screen; select the web link: I know my Fieldprint Code.
Please enter the following access code: FPAOMCertification
The access code IS case sensitive.
Provide contact and demographic info. The information requested on the scheduling site is the information required by FDLE/FBI in order to process the criminal search.
From this point forward the website will prompt for the required information to find a local collection facility and schedule an appointment. Instructions, directions, maps, and photos will all be provided directly online.
There is a mandatory fee required from the Florida Department of Education
Please use correct SSN and date of birth or the report will not be valid
If there are any issues or questions, please contact the Fieldprint customer service team at (877) 614-4364 or at [email protected] or select the “Contact Us” link from the website.
Caution
Certification screening does not satisfy ADOM employment screening which has a different code.
ADOM employment screening does not satisfy Florida Department of Education requirements for background screening for certification.
Non-US citizen applicants must provide a copy of Employment Eligibility Form I-9 if requested on their SOE.
CLICK HERE for additional information on the background screening process for certification.
Statement of Status of Eligibility
The Official Statement is valid for three years and has two functions
Officially states whether or not "you are eligible" for a Temporary Certificate or a Professional Certificate in the subject you applied for, and
Provides you with a list of the requirements you must complete to be issued professional certification in Florida.
If Your Official Statement Shows that "You Are Eligible" for a Certificate
Your Florida Temporary Certificate is issued when
Your Official Statement states that "you are eligible" for at least a Temporary Certificate, and
You are employed as a teacher or have an offer of employment from one of the Archdiocese Catholic Schools.
You have scheduled and completed your Fieldprint digital livescan Certification screening (see CERTIFICATION STEPS)
When your certificate is issued, the list of requirements on your Official Statement must be completed before the expiration date of your Temporary Certificate.
If your Official Statement expires before you are employed in a Florida school, you may re-apply for a new Official Statement. You will be then evaluated for eligibility based upon the certification laws and rules in effect at the time your next application is received.
What to do if you are "Not Eligible" for a Certificate
Applicants for bachelors degree subject areas, the SAE (subject area exam) is recommended to qualify for the subject area applied.
Applicants for masters degree subject areas, the graduate degree transcripts for the specific specialty area and the SAE (subject area exam) are recommended to qualify.
Once you have qualified for the subject area, send official transcripts and copy of your score report to the Office of Catholic Schools attention Domenick Russo.
The Archdiocese of Miami Professional Mentoring Program (PMP) is a Florida Department of Education approved program to satisfy the Professional Education Competence stated on the SOE (statement of status of eligibility)
Non education majors and those certification applicants who have not completed a college teacher education program will need to enroll in the PMP program. PMP enrollment is announced at the beginning of every school year. You may not enroll in PMP if your temporary certificate has expired.
To enroll in the PMP program, you must have a valid Florida Temporary Certificate. To complete PMP, all requirements of the program including passing all 4 portions of the General Knowledge exams must be completed.
For details on options to satisfy Professional Education Competence, please visit here
Professional Preparation Requirements
Changes to Rule 6A-4.006, Professional Preparation Requirements Effective January 1, 2016
To more closely align with the priority teacher competencies and requirements of Florida state-approved teacher preparation programs, the courses listed in the college course analysis option for professional preparation were updated for initial applications received January 1, 2016 and later.
Requirements as of January 1, 2016:
A minimum of 15 semester hours in education courses with credit in each of the professional education areas listed below
Classroom management with a focus on creating safe learning environments for students
Child and adolescent development including theories and principles of learning
Educational assessment practices that include analysis and application of data to improve instruction and learning
Effective instructional techniques, strategies, and materials to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities
Applications of research-based instructional practices in reading
Instructional strategies for teaching students of limited English proficiency including instruction in the English language, and
Practical experience in teaching by completing one year of full-time teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school.
The major changes to note are
The new requirement for instructional strategies for teaching students of limited English proficiency (i.e. ESOL instructional strategies) applies to all applicants and teaching experience cannot be used to meet this requirement.
The instructional practices in reading course requirement now applies to ALL subjects classified as either Academic or Degreed Career and Technical (i.e. Vocational), including K-12 subjects such as Computer Science, Exceptional Student Education, or World Languages. This reading requirement does not apply to administrative subjects or those classified as specialty (e.g. Ed Media Specialist, School Psychologist).
There is no longer a course requirement for special methods of teaching the subject.
Remember, as of October 26, 2015, a passing grade of “C” or higher must be earned for each course to be used in professional preparation.
Appropriate Courses
Please note that even though the specific wording of the individual course requirements were changed, generally the same courses that were appropriate to meet the similarly worded requirements in the previous version of the Rule for Professional Preparation, will still be acceptable. For example, a course titled “Child Psychology “ will still be acceptable to meet the new requirement for “Child and Adolescent Development and Learning”.
Application of Teaching Experience in lieu of three semester hours (one requirement) in professional preparation did not change; however, as noted above the new requirement for ESOL instructional strategies CANNOT be met through the use of one year of teaching experience.
Information with exam dates, description of exams, testing requirements, locations, study guides and online registrations.
FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations: The FTCE is administered to educators seeking initial certification in the K-12 system. Educator candidates take one of 42 subject area examinations, as well as the General Knowledge Test and Professional Education Test.
FELE - Florida Educational Leadership Examination: The FELE is administered to educators seeking initial certification as educational administrators in the K-12 system. Administrator candidates take the FELE as well as the General Knowledge Test and Professional Education Test.
Exam requirements are listed here
Subject area exam (SAE) for the subject area in which you have submitted a CG-10 application or for subject area listed on your SOE.
To register or to obtain specific information, visit www.fl.nesinc.com or call FTCE/FELE Customer Service toll-free at (866) 613-3281 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Mon.– Fri., excluding holidays. (The Automated Information System is available by phone 24 hours daily.)
All renewal options and requirements must be completed within the validity dates of the Professional certificate to qualify for renewal.
Renewal requires six (6) semester hours of college credit or 120 total inservice points.
Total MIP must include (1) semester hour or 20 inservice points in teaching students with disabilities regardless of the subject area on the certificate. (Shown as (ESE) component on the MIP transcripts).
Subject area exam (SAE) in area of certification is equivalent to (3) semester hours or 60 inservice points.
Subject area exam in ESE is worth 60 SWD/ESE points when ESE is already on the certificate.
Subject area add-on with passing score on the SAE is equivalent to 60 inservice points.
Exceptional Student subject area add-on is worth 60 SWD/ESE points when added within certificate renewal period.
College teaching credit can be used for renewal credit; 3 semester hour course taught is worth 60 points.
National Board (NBPTS) certification in similar Florida area can be used for renewal.
In-service credit may be used in any combination of SAE exam, in-service credit, college course work, teaching college or from another school district.
In-service credit must be earned within the validity dates of the certificate (7-1-issue year and 6-30-expiration year).
Inservice credit from a Florida public or private school district may be transferred to ADOM.
Send notification to [email protected] to inform of the online renewal application when relying on ADOM inservice credit.
Teachers relying on inservice credit from a former Florida public or private school district must request their inservice credit transferred to ADOM to obtain the required inservice credit needed to renew their professional certificates. Please contact your former Florida employing school district to request an Inservice Transfer Record to the Archdiocese of Miami.
All inservice required for renewal must be on file at least 4 months prior to the expiration date of the certificate to allow time for processing the verification of inservice credit to FDOE.
Florida Certification Online Application
For initial Temporary or Professional, subject add-on or to renew online please go here
For further information and options for renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Education renewal page here
Master Inservice Credit
CONTACT INFO
Teachers coming from Miami Dade County Public Schools
The Office of Catholic Schools maintains a master inservice program which is updated from the MIP documentation received from our schools. For Catholic School teachers, it is recommended to complete the required minimum 120 inservice points no later than February 1 in the year the professional certificate expires.
New renewal rules require 120 total inservice points in which a minimum 20 are in ESE. It is recommended to complete your ESE credit in the year prior to your certificate expiration and file your renewal application at least 6 months prior to your certificate expiration date.
Catholic school teachers will file their renewal application online here and for those teachers relying on ADOM inservice credit, please email to notify of your renewal application.
The Office of Catholic Schools cannot accept inservice activity from individual teachers. All inservice documentation and credit must be received from your employing school.
Inservice Transfers for new hires coming from other Florida school districts.
All new teachers coming to the ADOM must request an INSERVICE TRANSFER RECORD from their former employing Florida school district when applicable.
The application and fee are valid for one year from the day the application is received.
All requirements must be completed prior to the expiration of the application.
Earn six (6) semester hours of college credit to include at least one (1) semester hour in teaching students with disabilities (SWD).
The credit/points must be earned within the five-year period immediately preceding the date your application is received in the BEC and/or prior to the expiration of the application.
Credit completed for issuance of the expired professional certificate may not be used to reinstate the certificate.
Sixty (60) inservice points in an approved Florida master inservice program are equivalent to three (3) semester hours of college credit.
Twenty (20) inservice points in an approved Florida master inservice program are equivalent to one (1) semester hour of college credit.
College level credits must be awarded by an accredited or approved institution (Word), or the American Council on Education (ACE), and must be reflected on an official transcript.
College level credit awarded for CLEP, DANTES Subject Standardized Test, Excelsior, other examination, life experience, or other method must be reflected on an official transcript from an accredited or approved institution (Word), or the American Council on Education (ACE).
College remedial credit is not acceptable.
Teaching an appropriate college level course at an accredited or approved institution (Word) may be accepted the same as credit earned for taking the course. The registrar or dean of the college must submit a letter on institutional letterhead. The letter must verify the title, prefix, number, and semester-hour credits of the course taught and the dates when the course was taught.
Earn a passing score on the Florida Subject Area Examination for each subject from the expired certificate that will be shown on the reinstated certificate.
The passing score/s must be earned within the five-year period immediately preceding the date your application is received in the BEC and/or prior to the expiration of the application.
Subject area examinations completed for issuance of the expired professional certificate may not be used to reinstate the certificate.
You do not have to reinstate all subjects from the expired certificate.
A subject identified as an "endorsement" on the expired certificate will automatically be reinstated, if the endorsement is still authorized by the Florida State Board of Education, and if an appropriate base coverage is reinstated.
Subjects no longer authorized by the Florida State Board of Education may not be reinstated. See the Florida Subject Area Examination chart for currently authorized subjects/examinations corresponding with subjects that may no longer be authorized. The reinstated certificate will include the currently authorized subject for which the corresponding subject area examination has been passed.
For further details on reinstatement requirements and options, please visit the Florida Department of Education reinstatement page here
Our catechist certification courses are available through our new learning platform, ADOM Learning: adomlearning.com If you do not have an account with ADOM Learning, please ask your certification coordinator to set up an account for you.
These are the course sessions dates:
Fall 2025 - Catechist Certification Online Learning Session
Registration: September 15-26, 2025
Course Session: September 29, 2025 – November 10, 2025
Spring I 2026 - Catechist Certification Online Learning Session
Registration: January 12 – 23, 2026
Session: January 26, 2026 – February 9, 2026
Spring II 2026 - Catechist Certification Online Learning Session
Registration: February 23, 2026 – March 6, 2026
Session: March 9, 2026 – April 27, 2026
Summer 2026
Registration: June 22, 2026 – July 3, 2026
Session: July 6, 2026 – August 17, 2026
If you have any questions, please contact your certification coordinator.
“What assiduous study of the word of God transmitted by the Church's magisterium, what profound familiarity with Christ and with the Father, what a spirit of prayer, what detachment from self must a catechist have in order that he can say: "My teaching is not mine!"” (St. John Paul II, Catechesi tradendae, n.6)
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, FL 33138
(305) 762-1070
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
Over 96% of graduates attend colleges or universities
Scholarship
Our graduates earn hundreds of millions of dollars in college scholarships every year
Standardized Tests
Our students consistently outperform local competitive options on standardized tests
Community Service
Our students dedicate hundreds of hours to community service per year
Teachers Certified
Teachers are professionally certified by the state of Florida and certified in catechesis by the Archdiocese of Miami
Schools Accredited
All schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference or Cognia.
Curriculum
Our Catholic schools offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares each child for success in college and beyond. Instructional standards are defined for each grade level, indicating what students need to know by the time they leave that grade. Standards in non-religion subjects are based upon the Florida State Standards and adapted to our unique Catholic setting.
The Archdiocese has developed specific standards for Religion, which support the teaching of religion as well as the integration of our Catholic faith into non-religion subjects.
Students in grades 3-8 participate in the Terra Nova NEXT annual assessment, which provides achievement, growth, and predictive data for each child. High school students take the ACT and pre-ACT Assessments.
Students in grades 2-12 participate in the Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) test which measures knowledge and perceptions of the Catholic faith.
Office of Catholic Schools
The Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) is dedicated to providing leadership, oversight, and support of the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese. In achieving its mission, the OCS works closely with other offices and departments of the Archdiocese, Catholic and non-Catholic university partners, and other partners to strengthen the mission, quality, and vitality of Catholic education.
We want to help every family have access to a great Catholic school. Families have various ways of receiving financial support. In addition to the programs below, we encourage every family to discuss their financial needs with their local principal or pastor. A key part of our mission is to allow families of all backgrounds to have access to our schools.
Scholarships for Private Schools provide an average of $7,500 per year per child for K-12 private schools. With the passage of Florida House Bill 1 in 2023, any Florida resident is qualified to apply for a state-funded Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), regardless of their income level. This scholarship can be used to pay for tuition and other educational needs.
The state also offers the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) which is available for students with identified needs and their siblings. This scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, educational needs, and needs associated with the child’s identified need.
Students 4 years of age as of September 1st can attend the four-year-old preschool at the school of their choice through the VPK program. Schools must be formally recognized as VPK providers by the state and meet certain operational and academic standards.
Offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and child care. Can be used to pay for Catholic PreK programs and other services.
Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer
Sister Elizabeth Anne Worley, SSJ
Office of the Chancellors consists of the Chancellor for Canonical Affairs and Chancellor for Administration. The Chancellor for Canonical Affairs processes clergy requests for faculties, approval for public speakers, issues celebret and ID Cards for clergy, and processes various canonical maters. The Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer oversees archdiocesan operations and compliance.
Archdiocese of Miami, per policy, requires that any speaker - clergy, religious or lay - coming from outside the archdiocese be approved by the Office of the Chancellor for Canonical Affairs. No event can be publicized in the archdiocesan newspaper or website unless the speaker has received this approval. Please submit your approval request via form below. Please do so at least 14 days prior to the event - OR - if you plan to advertise the event, the approval needs to be in place before you start your advertising campaign. For help, please contact Gloria Hemmingsen at [email protected] or at (305) 762-1220.
The ecclesiastical Province of Miami includes the Archdiocese of Miami and the Dioceses of Saint Augustine, Saint Petersburg, Orlando, Pensacola-Tallahassee, Palm Beach and Venice. The policies of the Province have been approved by the bishops of these dioceses and are part of the policies and regulations of those dioceses and their parishes.
Empowered by the Spirit of Christ, Catholic Campus Ministry strives to form a community of faith, which witnesses to the presence of the Risen Christ. We do this by building a sharing community of administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Catholic Campus Ministry promotes the well being of higher education and society as a whole. We also strive to provide an atmosphere of welcome, hospitality, and support for the entire university community; while at the same time, we specifically aim to help Roman Catholics grow in their faith life.
The Communications Department of the Archdiocese of Miami handles media relations, public relations and community information. It oversees the archdiocese's radio and television programming and the archdiocesan newspapers.
Mission Statement
We are committed to using the mass media to communicate the word of God and the teachings of the church on social and moral issues to both the Catholic and non- Catholic communities. We strive to do so while developing unique story ideas, maintaining integrity and providing accurate and complete information in a timely manner. This is achieved through The Florida Catholic, La Voz Catolica, Television and Radio programming and the World Wide Web.
Media protocol in covering archdiocesan events
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover celebrations of the Mass and archdiocesan events, but we ask to be notified in advance so that we may assist you and provide proper clearance from the pastor in charge. With proper clearance, photography and videography is permitted inside the church during Mass, but no flash or camera lights please. Photographers and videographers are asked to stay a respectable distance from the altar, and not stand in the space between the sanctuary and the congregation. Finally, we ask that you respect the privacy of individuals receiving Communion.
Installation Mass video now available, for more information click here »
Cuéntame Católico: Virgen de la Caridad by Archdiocese of Miami
Bienvenidos al primer episodio de Cuéntame Católico! Dedicamos este episodio a la Virgen de la Caridad. Hablamos con Katherine Romero, coordinadora de comunicaciones de la Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, y con Izzy Rennella, asesora de Encuentros Juveniles, sobre la importancia de continuar las tradiciones de esta gran fiesta y como los jóvenes en la Arquidiócesis de Miami se preparan para ella.
The Office of Cultural Groups ministers to the spiritual needs of non-Hispanic ethnic and language groups in the Archdiocese of Miami. Currently, Sunday Mass is celebrated in more than a dozen different languages in the archdiocese.
Cultural Groups
Contact Info
Brazilian Apostolate
Rev. Hugo Laerte Santana Cardoso, C.S.
St. Vincent Catholic Parish
6350 NW 18th Street
Margate, FL 33063.
The diaconal ministry of service is a very ancient and a very beautiful ministry in the Church. Through deacons, God desires to provide for the needs of His people and especially the needs of the poor.
The permanent diaconate is an ordained ministry along with the priesthood and the episcopacy. Permanent deacons preach and teach, assist priests and bishops in the celebration of the Eucharist and oversee ministries of charity and justice.
In the Archdiocese of Miami, the permanent diaconate is open to both married and unmarried men between the ages of 31 and 60 with a strong Catholic faith and a solid reputation and character. Candidates must be in full communion with the Church.
Men interested in the permanent diaconate should contact their parish pastor who is responsible for the nomination phase of the application process.
The Office for the Diaconate is charged with the coordination and facilitation of the application process and the formation program.
The Catholic Church understands marriage to be an enduring and exclusive partnership for the mutual exchange of love and for the procreation and education of children.
Between those who have been baptized, a valid marriage is a sacrament. The Church believes that every valid, sacramental marriage that has been consummated is indissoluble. This is the law of God according to the evidence found in the Old Testament, the Gospels of Sts. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the writings of St. Paul, and almost two thousand years of Christian tradition.
Although not every marriage is a sacrament, each and every marriage (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, etc.) is presumed to be a valid marriage binding unto death. The good of all concerned (spouses, children, in-laws, society, the Church, etc.) demands this presumption.
What about marriages that break up?
After a couple has been married, the husband and wife go through a period of adjustment. During this time many problems may arise. Sometimes the problems remain below the surface and do not come to the fore until later in the marriage. Whenever these problems do arise, if they become severe, the parties often seek relief from this unhappy relationship by obtaining a civil divorce. For Catholics a civil divorce means that there are no longer any civil effects enduring from their marriage, although the Church maintains that they are still married in the sight of God.
Inasmuch as the Church recognizes as valid those marriages between non-Catholics that take place before a non-Catholic minister or a civil official, the Church believes that civil divorces or civil annulments among non-Catholics as well as Catholics have no spiritual effects.
Whenever a marriage breaks up, the natural reaction is to ask why these two people, who at one time in their lives seemed so willing to make a permanent commitment now want to resume separate lives. The causes of marriage failure are varied.
Because marriage is a sacred contract or covenant, there must be a free exchange of consent if it is to be valid. Each party must be able to fulfill the conditions for marriage. Sometimes it is found that marriages have failed because one of these is lacking. If one of the necessary qualities was, indeed, lacking when the exchange of consent took place, the marriage could be declared null; then the parties could be free to contract a valid marriage.
What is a declaration of nullity?
It is important to understand the meaning of a declaration of nullity. A declaration on nullity does not deny that a real relationship did exist nor does it imply that the relationship was entered into with ill will or moral fault. A declaration of nullity is a statement by the Church that the relationship fell short of one or more of these elements essential for the relationship to be a marriage, a binding union. Therefore, the union in question would not be regarded by the Church as a source of continuing marital rights and obligations.
A declaration of nullity differs from a divorce in that a divorce breaks the civil effects of a marriage bond, whereas a declaration of nullity declares there never was a true bond. An ecclesiastical declaration of nullity in no way affects the laws and statutes of civil law. The provisions established by the courts in the issuance of a divorce certificate stand as decreed. There are absolutely no civil effects of a Church declaration of nullity in the United States. It does not affect in any manner the legitimacy of children, property rights, inheritance rights, or names. A Church declaration of nullity is a declaration by the Catholic Church that a particular union, presumably begun in good faith and regarded by all as a marriage, was, in fact, not a marriage according to the Church's definition of a valid marriage.
Who may apply for a declaration of nullity?
Any Catholic or non-Catholic within the territory of the Archdiocese of Miami may approach the Metropolitan Tribunal for the clarification of his/her status in the Church. The application for declaration of nullity must be made to a Tribunal that has proper jurisdiction. If the Miami Tribunal is unable to undertake this study, we will gladly assist persons in determining which Tribunal enjoys competence.
How does one begin this process?
If you live within the territory of the Archdiocese of Miami, for beginning the process, these are the essential steps:
Contact your parish priest, who either personally or through a person trained by the Tribunal, will assist you in this process.
With either your parish priest or FIELD ADVOCATE (person trained by the Tribunal) complete the Preliminary Fact Sheet.
Obtain the following necessary documents: Recent copy of baptismal certificate of Petitioner (if Catholic); Recent copy of baptismal certificate of Respondent (if Catholic) (This may be obtained from Church of marriage); Copy of church marriage certificate (if married in the Catholic Church); Copy of civil marriage certificate (if not performed in Catholic church); Copy of final divorce decree (property settlements alone not acceptable).
Contact the necessary witnesses and confirm their willingness to cooperate.
Once the Preliminary Fact Sheet has been completed and the necessary documents obtained, the parish priest or the FIELD ADVOCATE will forward the material to the Tribunal.
When the Tribunal receives the Preliminary Fact Sheet and the necessary documents, a packet of questionnaires will be returned to your Advocate. You will receive a copy of the letter to the Advocate informing him or her that the process has begun. Once you receive this copy, arrange a meeting with your Advocate.
What is the role of the advocate?
The Advocate is the person (either your parish priest or a person trained by the Tribunal) who acts as a liaison between the Tribunal and the persons involved in the case. The Advocate's role is to assist the party in gathering the necessary information. He or she is the one who will also answer any particular questions regarding the procedure. All questions should be directed toward this person and NOT the Tribunal. If there is a difficulty between you and your FIELD ADVOCATE then notify the Tribunal in writing. Be sure to indicate your protocol number.
Are witnesses required?
Marriage is never a totally private relationship. It creates profound effects on the family, society, and the Church. Witnesses, therefore, are required by Church law to assist the Tribunal in reaching a deeper understanding of you, your spouse, your marriage and its failure. The witnesses' questionnaires will be included in the packet sent to the FIELD ADVOCATE. The FIELD ADVOCATE will be responsible for the completion of the questionnaires either personally or through the mail.
Are any special witnesses needed?
Sometimes doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, priests, ministers, rabbis, etc., have been consulted before or during a marriage to assist a person or a couple. If this is the case, please provide the complete name and address of the professional.
After you have signed a release provided by the Tribunal, the professional may give information that may prove to be of great value in the study of the marriage. The Tribunal will arrange to obtain this person's testimony.
Who may review this information?
Your own statements, the statements of your witnesses, and the expert statements of professionals are treated with the strictest confidentiality. No one has access to this except the parties to the case and individual members of the Tribunal staff specially assigned to the study of the marriage. They are all bound to secrecy by an oath. If there are any doubts or questions in this matter, or if there is a need for particular testimony to be withheld from the other party, please contact your Advocate at once, but the final decision for withholding testimony is left to the judge in the case.
What about the former spouse?
After the Tribunal has received your petition, we will notify your former spouse in writing. He/she will be offered the opportunity to present a complete account of the marriage as well as to introduce any desired witnesses. The universal law of the Catholic Church requires this procedure. In some cases no decision can be given without the testimony of the former spouse.
It is important, therefore, for the Tribunal to have an accurate address of the former spouse. If the current address is not available, then the Tribunal must have his/her last known address together with the address of a family member through whom the former spouse may be contacted.
Please note that the Tribunal contacts the former spouse. You may, if you wish, do likewise, and often it is helpful if you do, but it is not required. It has been the experience of the Tribunal that in the majority of the cases the former spouse is cooperative.
Usually a period of 15 days is allowed for the former spouse to reply, after receiving the notification from the Tribunal, but in certain cases more time may be given.
What happens if the former spouse gives a testimony opposite to mine?
In a declaration of nullity the Judge must have, according to Church law, moral certitude about the nullity of the marriage. If this is lacking after all the evidence has been presented, he has no other recourse but to decree that the invalidity of the marriage has not been proved, even though it may, in truth, be invalid. Therefore, it is important to include the testimony of the other party as well as other statements that will enable the Judge to attain moral certitude. The Judge will weigh carefully all evidence in relation to the party presenting it.
What staff members will be involved in my case?
The ADVOCATE is your contact person with the Tribunal whose duties have been described above. After he/she collects all the evidence, he/she writes a brief, arguing why the marriage should be declared null.
The JUDICIAL VICAR/ADJUTANT JUDICIAL VICAR has the duty of examining your petition and all supporting documents; he must determine if the presented material is adequate for the starting of a study.
The CASE DIRECTOR/ASSESSOR/ a member of the Tribunal Staff is assigned to coordinate your case from its beginning to its conclusion.
The NOTARY has the responsibility of assuring the authenticity of the acts of the case.
The DEFENDER OF THE BOND is charged by the Church Law to examine the testimony that has been given and to make those arguments that support the validity of the marriage.
The JUDGE takes care that the correct rules of procedure are followed in the hearing of the case. He orders the processing of the case, step by step. In some instances the Judge will want to personally interview either you or your former spouse or both. Finally, he will write the sentence.
When is a decision made?
When the formal hearing has been concluded, the Defender of the Bond and the Advocate offer views on the case. After reviewing all the data, the Judge will then render a decision.
If either party or the Defender of the Bond is not in agreement with the decision, the law provides for an appeal. The appellate court for Miami is the diocese of Pittsburgh, PA. An appeal may also be made to the Sacred Roman Rota, in Rome. Appeals are directed to their proper appellate court through the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami.
What effect does a declaration of nullity have under civil law?
In the United States there is a separation of Church and State. While the Government grants authority to ministers of religious bodies to officiate at marriages in the name of the respective civil entity, neither an individual State nor the Federal Government recognizes the right of Church bodies to terminate or annul marriages insofar as the legal effects are concerned. Therefore, it is necessary to have obtained a civil divorce before one seeks a Church declaration of nullity. A Church declaration of nullity has no civil effects.
Is remarriage in the church allowed?
If a declaration of nullity is decreed and there are no restrictions attached to it the usual procedure of preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church may be started with the local parish priest. In addition to the documents usually required for all weddings, it is necessary to provide the parish priest with the Declaration of Nullity.
If a marriage is declared invalid due to a specific cause, a second marriage obviously cannot be permitted until it has been demonstrated that the cause that invalidated the first marriage has been removed. Please note that permission to remarry in the Catholic Church can in no way be guaranteed before the completion of the entire process of study and formal hearing (s). No plans for future marriages should be made before that time. The tribunal cannot be responsible for arbitrary promises or guarantees made by any priest, religious, or lay person.
How long does the entire process take?
It is impossible to predict the exact length of time because of a number of variable factors. No two cases are the same. Usually from our experience it takes AT LEAST A YEAR to complete a case. However, this is not a guarantee. By Church Law PRIESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SET DATES FOR REMARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH UNTIL A DECLARATION OF NULLITY HAS ACTUALLY BEEN ISSUED. The Tribunal processes each case as efficiently as possible.
How soon after a favorable decision has been rendered may i remarry?
When an affirmative decision has been rendered, a letter to this effect will be sent to you, the Defender of the Bond and your former spouse, if he or she has cooperated in the process. The Defender of the Bond or your former spouse has the right to appeal this decision. You are not free to remarry within the Church until you have received a final notification from us indicating that the Diocese of Pittsburgh has upheld our decision and there are no restrictions placed upon you.
How much is the fee?
It costs the Archdiocese over $500,000.00 a year to maintain the Tribunal. This works out to $2,500.00 for a case. Since the contributions of the Catholics of the Archdiocese of Miami help the Archbishop to fund the operations of the Tribunal, we only ask for a subsidized fee of $650.00 if you are a faithful of the Archdiocese of Miami.
If a catholic of the archdiocese of miami requires a reduction, the tribunal will readily arrange to honor such a request if recommended by his/her pastor and will ensure that your case will be processed. At no time should financial consideration discourage or prevent any faithful of the archdiocese of miami from exercising the right to receive a just hearing from the church. His or herability or inability to pay a fee in no way affects the progress or outcome of a request.
La Iglesia Católica enseña que el matrimonio es una asociación permanente y exclusiva ordenada al intercambio mutuo del amor y a la procreación y educación de los hijos.
Para los que han sido bautizados, el matrimonio valido es a la vez sacramento. La Iglesia sostiene que todo matrimonio valido y sacramental, que ha sido consumado, es indisoluble. Esta es la Ley de Dios evidenciada en el Antiguo Testamento, en los evangelios de San Mateo, Marcos y Lucas, en los escritos de San Pablo y en los casi dos mil años de tradición cristiana.
Aunque no todo matrimonio es sacramento, todos los matrimonios (Católicos, Protestantes, Judíos, etc.) se presumen matrimonios validos. EI bienestar de las partes interesadas (cónyuges, hijos, sociedad, Iglesia, etc.) así lo requiere.
¿Y si el matrimonio se rompe?
Después que una pareja se casa, marido y mujer atraviesan por un período de ajuste. Durante este tiempo, pueden surgir muchos problemas. A veces, estos problemas permanecen debajo de la superficie y no vienen a aflorar hasta mucho después. Cuando surgen estos problemas y llegan a hacerse graves, con frecuencia las partes buscan una solución a su relación infeliz con la obtención de un divorcio civil. Para el Católico, el divorcio civil significa la terminación de los efectos civiles que van ligados al matrimonio. Pero la Iglesia mantiene que la pareja continua casada a los ojos de Dios.
Por cuanto la Iglesia reconoce como validos los matrimonios celebrados entre no-Católicos ante un Ministro no-Católico o un funcionario civil, la Iglesia mantiene que el divorcio civil o las anulaciones civiles, lo mismo entre no-Católicos que entre Católicos, no surten efecto espiritual alguno.
Siempre que un matrimonio fracasa, la reacción natural es preguntarse por que estas dos personas, que en un momento de sus vidas parecieron tan deseosas de constituir un compromiso permanente, quieren ahora seguir caminos separados en sus vidas. Son muchas las causas que pueden contribuir al fracaso matrimonial.
Siendo el matrimonio un contrato y un pacto sagrado, la validez del mismo ha de estar basada en el intercambio mutuo y libre del consentimiento. Cada una de las partes debe estar capacitada para cumplir las exigencias del matrimonio. Con frecuencia hay matrimonios que fracasan por la falta de algún elemento esencial del matrimonio. Si alguno de estos elementos esenciales estaba ausente a la hora de contraer el matrimonio, este podría ser declarado nulo. Si este fuera el caso, las partes quedarían libres para contraer un nuevo matrimonio.
¿Que es una declaracion de nulidad?
Es importante conocer el significado de una anulación. Una anulación no niega la existencia de alguna moral. Una declaración de nulidad es una declaración que hace la Iglesia diciendo que una determinada relación quedó corta y careció de algún elemento esencial para una unión valida. Por tanto, la Iglesia no puede considerar esta unión como origen y fuente de derechos y obligaciones matrimoniales.
Una declaración de nulidad difiere de un divorcio civil en que el divorcio rompe el vínculo matrimonial, mientras que la declaración de nulidad declara que nunca existió un vínculo verdadero. Una declaración eclesiástica de nulidad no afecta para nada las normas y estatutos de la ley civil. Las provisiones establecidas por los Tribunales civiles al decretar un divorcio civil quedan en pie. Una declaración de nulidad no surte efecto civil alguno en los Estados Unidos. No afecta para nada la legitimidad de los hijos, los derechos de propiedad, los derechos de herencia, o cambio de nombres. Una declaración de nulidad por parte de la Iglesia es una declaración de la Iglesia Católica de que una determinada unión, que se creyó iniciada de buena fe y fue considerada por muchos como matrimonio, de hecho fue una unión invalida de acuerdo a la definición de la Iglesia de un matrimonio válido.
¿Quién puede solicitar una declaracion de nulidad?
Cualquier Católico o no-Católico puede dirigirse al Tribunal Matrimonial para tratar de esclarecer su situación ante la Iglesia. Esta solicitud debe ser dirigida a un Tribunal que tenga jurisdicción o competencia. Si el Tribunal de Miami no pudiera hacerse cargo de la investigación, con sumo gusto le ayudaremos a determinar el Tribunal que tiene competencia para ello.
¿Cómo se inicia el proceso?
Estos son los pasos fundamentales para iniciar el proceso:
Contacte a su Párroco, quien personalmente o por medio de alguna persona ya preparada por el Tribunal, le ayudará en el proceso.
Complete la Hoja Preliminar de los Hechos con el sacerdote de su Parroquia o con el Abogado (persona adiestrada por el Tribunal).
Obtenga los documentos siguientes: Copia reciente del Certificado de Bautismo del peticionario (si se trata de Católico); Copia del Certificado de Bautismo de la parte demandada (si se trata de Católico) (Este certificado puede obtenerse a través de la iglesia donde se celebró el matrimonio); Copia del certificado de Matrimonio (si se trata de Matrimonio por la Iglesia); Copia del certificado del Matrimonio civil (en casos de matrimonios no celebrados en la Iglesia Católica); Copia del Decreto Final de Divorcio (no basta copia de Acuerdo sobre bienes).
Informe a los testigos escogidos y asegúrese de su cooperación.
Una vez completada la Hoja Preliminar de los Hechos y obtenidos los documentos requeridos, el sacerdote de la Parroquia o el Abogado se encargaran de enviarlos al Tribunal.
Cuando el Tribunal reciba la Hoja Preliminar de los Hechos y los documentos necesarios, enviará al Abogado una serie de cuestionarios. Usted recibirá copia de la carta dirigida al Abogado en la que se le informa que el proceso ha sido iniciado. Recibida esta carta, póngase al habla con su Abogado.
¿Cuál es el papel del abogado?
EI Abogado es la persona (sea sacerdote de la Parroquia o la persona adiestrada por el Tribunal) que actúa como enlace entre el Tribunal y las personas implicadas en el caso. El papel del Abogado es asistir al peticionario en la obtención de la información necesaria. El Abogado podrá asimismo contestar cualquier duda o pregunta en cuanto al proceso. Todas las preguntas deben ser dirigidas al Abogado. NO al Tribunal. Si surgiera cualquier problema entre usted y su Abogado notifíquelo por escrito al Tribunal. No olvide de indicar siempre el número de Protocolo.
¿Se necesitan testigos?
EI matrimonio no es nunca una relación totalmente privada. Crea efectos profundos en la familia, sociedad y en la Iglesia. La ley de la Iglesia requiere testigos que ayuden al Tribunal a poder llegar a una mejor comprensión de usted, de su cónyuge, del matrimonio y de su fracaso. Estos cuestionarios para los testigos irán incluidos en el envío que se haga al Abogado. El Abogado se responsabilizará de completar estos cuestionarios, sea personalmente o a través del correo.
¿Se necesitan testigos especiales?
En ocasiones, antes o durante el matrimonio, han sido consultados médicos, psiquiatras, psicólogos, sacerdotes, ministros, rabinos, etc. tratando de buscar ayuda o asistencia para una persona o pareja. Si este fuera el caso, suministre por favor el nombre completo y dirección del profesional. Después que usted haya firmado un poder provisto por el Tribunal, el profesional podrá suministrar información confidencial que puede ser de gran valor en la investigación del matrimonio. El Tribunal se encargara de obtener estos testimonios profesionales.
¿Quién tiene acceso a esta informacion?
Sus declaraciones, las declaraciones de sus testigos y de los expertos o profesionales se consideran estrictamente confidenciales. Nadie tiene acceso a esta información excepto los miembros del Tribunal especialmente designados para el estudio del matrimonio. Todos ellos están obligados por juramento a mantener el secreto. Si tuviera alguna duda con respecto a este punto puede consultarlo con su Abogado; sin embargo la decision final para retener cualquier testimonio queda a dispocision del juez del caso quien tiene la autoridad en el mismo.
¿Cuál es la situacion del exconyuge?
Una vez que el Tribunal haya recibido su petición, el Tribunal informará por escrito a su excónyuge. Se le brindará la oportunidad de presentar su historial matrimonial, asi como los nombres de los testigos que juzgue oportunos. La ley universal de la Iglesia establece este requisito. Puede haber casos que no puedan ser decididos sin el testimonio del esposo(a) anterior.
Es importante, por tanto, que el Tribunal posea información exacta de la dirección del excónyuge. Si se desconoce su actual paradero, el Tribunal debe ser informado de la última dirección conocida, juntamente con la dirección de algún miembro de su familia a través del cual pueda ser localizado.
Tenga en cuenta que es el Tribunal el que se encarga de ponerse al habla con su excónyuge. Si así lo desea, usted puede hacerlo también, y en ocasiones ello ayudará al caso. Pero no es necesario que lo haga. La experiencia del Tribunal es que en la mayoría de los casos el excónyuge se brinda a colaborar.
Usualmente se da un plazo de quince (15) días al excónyuge para contestar sin embargo, en algunos casos particulares el tiempo puede ser extendido.
¿Que sucede si el exconyuge presenta un testimonio opuesto al mio?
De acuerdo con la ley de la Iglesia, el Juez debe tener certeza moral sobre la nulidad del matrimonio. Si no pudiera alcanzar esta certeza moral después que se ha presentado toda la evidencia, no tendrá otro recurso que decretar que la invalidez del matrimonio no ha sido probada, aun cuando, de hecho, el matrimonio haya sido en verdad invalido. Es por ello de suma importancia incluir el testimonio de la otra parte, así como todas las otras declaraciones que ayudarán al Juez a obtener la necesaria certeza moral. EI Juez sopesará cuidadosamente toda la evidencia presentada en favor de la parte peticionaria.
¿Que funcionarios tendran que ver con mi caso?
EL ABOGADO (cuyos deberes han sido descritos anteriormente) es la persona que sirve de enlace con el Tribunal. Después de recoger todas las pruebas, presenta un escrito de la defensa, en el que trata de probar la invalidez del matrimonio.
EL VICARIO JUDICIAL 0 VICARIO JUDICIAL ADJUNTO tiene el deber de examinar su petición y todos los documentos que la respalden, el debe determinar si el material presentado es adecuado para iniciar el proceso.
EL DIRECTOR DEL CASO 0 ASESOR es un miembro del Tribunal cuya labor es coordinar su caso y la presentación de la proba desde su inicio hasta su conclusión.
EL NOTARIO tiene la responsabilidad de asegurar la autenticidad de las actas del caso.
EL DEFENSOR DEL VINCULO es la persona designada por la ley de la Iglesia que ha de examinar las evidencias presentadas y presentar razones legítimas para mantener la validez del matrimonio.
EL JUEZ debe cuidar que las normas correctas del proceso sean seguidas con toda fidelidad durante la vista del caso. Él es el que señala el ordenamiento a seguir paso por paso. En algunos casos el Juez decide entrevistar personalmente a usted, a su excónyuge o a ambos. Finalmente, él es él que redacta la sentencia.
¿Cuándo se toma la decision?
Cuando haya sido terminada la vista formal del caso, el Defensor del Vínculo y el Abogado presentan sus puntos de vista sobre el caso. Después de revisar toda esta información, el Juez dicta sentencia.
Si alguna de las partes, o el Defensor del Vínculo no están de acuerdo con la decisión, la ley ofrece la oportunidad de una apelación. El Tribunal de Apelación para Miami es la Diócesis de Pittsburgh, PA. Hay también la posibilidad de apelar a la Rota Romana en Roma.
¿Que efecto surte una declaracion de nulidad con respecto a ley civil?
En los Estados Unidos hay separación de Iglesia y Estado. Aunque el Estado concede a los ministros religiosos autoridad para oficiar matrimonios en nombre del poder civil, ni un determinado Estado ni el Gobierno Federal reconocen el derecho de entidades religiosas para terminar o anular matrimonios en lo tocante a efectos legales. Por lo tanto, es menester haber obtenido un divorcio civil antes de solicitar de la Iglesia una declaración de nulidad. Una declaración de nulidad de la Iglesia no surte efecto civil alguno.
¿Se permite un segundo matrimonio por la iglesia?
Si se ha concedido una declaración de nulidad y ésta no lleva consigo restricción alguna, puede iniciarse con el sacerdote de la Parroquia el procedimiento usual de preparación para matrimonios por la Iglesia. Junto a los documentos ordinarios requeridos para toda boda se precisa presentar al sacerdote de la Parroquia la Declaración de Nulidad.
Si un matrimonio ha sido declarado invalido por una razón específica, es obvio que no se permita un segundo matrimonio mientras no se compruebe que la causa invalidante del primer matrimonio haya sido removida.
Por favor, tenga en cuenta que no se puede garantizar el permiso de un nuevo matrimonio por la Iglesia hasta tanto el proceso de estudio y vistas formales no haya sido concluído. No puede hacer plan alguno de nuevo matrimonio antes de este momento. El Tribunal No Puede Responsabilizarse De Promesas Arbitrarias 0 Garantias Hechas Por Cualquier Sacerdote, Religioso O Laico.
¿Cuánto tiempo lleva todo elproceso?
Es imposible predecir el tiempo exacto por razón de varios factores. No hay dos casos iguales. Nuestra experiencia nos dice que la tramitación de un caso lleva al menos un año. Sin embargo, no se puede garantizar. La ley de la Iglesia prohibe a los sacerdotes separar fechas para un nuevo matrimonio por la iglesia hasta tanto no se haya dictado una declaracion de nulldad. EI Tribunal tramita cada caso tan eficientemente como le es posible.
¿Cuánto tiempo despues de haberse dictado la sentencia favorable puedo casarme de nuevo?
Una vez que se haya dictado una decisión afirmativa, se le notifica a usted por carta, asi como al defensor del Vínculo y a su excónyuge, si ha colaborado en el proceso. EI Defensor del Vínculo o su excónyuge tienen tres semanas para apelar esta decisión. Usted no puede considerarse libre para un nuevo matrimonio hasta tanto no haya recibido de nosotros notificación final indicando que la Diócesis de Pittsburgh ha mantenido nuestra decisión y que no haya restricción alguna.
¿Cuánto es el estipendio?
Se estima que el mantenimiento del Tribunal cuesta a la Arquidiócesis de Miami unos $500,000.00 al año. EIcosto aproximado sería de $2,500.00 por cada caso. Como las contribuciones de los Católicos de la Arquidiocesís de Miami ayudan al Arzobispo a sufragar los gastos operacionales del Tribunal, solamente se pide un estipendio de $650.00 si Ud. es un feligrés de la Arquidiócesis de Miami.
Si un catolico de la arquidiocesis de miami requiere una reduccion, el tribunal gustosamente considerara su solicitud, si esta recomendado por su parroco. Por ninguna razon consideraciones de tipo economico deben ser motivo que impidan o disuadan a un feligres de la arquidiocesis de miami solicitar de la iglesia una audiencia justa. La habilidad o inhabilidad de una persona para pagar el estipendo no afecta para nada el proceso o el resultado final de una peticion.
We recognize evangelization as the essential mission of the Church. We have welcomed and accepted the gift of Salvation in Jesus Christ. We desire to see Christ in the detainees, and the detainees can see Christ in us.
Mission
We are called, formed, and sent to release the Good News which is able to heal and transform the hearts of those affected within the Criminal Justice System.
We are committed to providing religious services and spiritual companionship to inmates with pastoral teams at correctional and detention institutions, as well as helping families of offenders, children of incarcerated, parents, individuals (ex-offenders), and newly convicted offenders (prison consulting).
Cabinet Secretary of Stewardship, Development & Communications; Chief Development Officer; President, ADOM Development Corporation; Executive Director, Catholic Community Foundation
The Development Office of the Archdiocese of Miami strives to cultivate relationships and garner financial support for the Catholic Community of South Florida to support the works of the Church and further the mission of Jesus Christ.
The Development Office serves as a resource to all parishes, schools, programs and entities of the Archdiocese of Miami for their development needs--from capital campaigns to development services and beyond.
Annual Appeal
The Archbishop’s Charities and Development Drive (ABCD) supports our community through life-changing programs and ministries. It is a way for us to put our faith into action. Every gift opens the door to a better tomorrow, a better life, and a more hopeful future.
Planned Giving
The mission of the Office of Planned Giving in the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation is to educate and assist the Catholic community of South Florida in leaving a legacy and providing for the future of the Church through planned and estate gifts.
The Office of Planned Giving in the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation assists donors and works with their estate and financial planners in identifying the proper vehicle to meet the donor’s needs. As part of the development strategic plan, the Office of Planned Giving designed an 11-step Planned Giving Model which is available to all parishes, schools and entities, free-of-charge.
Legacy SocietyBecome a member of the Archdiocese’s select donor group, The Legacy Society. Name the Archdiocese, your parish or school in your will or estate plan to join. Your participation will be recognized by the Archdiocese and your Parish.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Office in the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation offers hands-on assistance and consulting services to all of the parishes in the Archdiocese to help them become stewardship parishes that focus on time, talent and treasure as a “way of life.” The stewardship model designed and developed by the Development Corporation focuses on vibrancy and fellowship, engagement and ministry, and offertory enhancement and online giving.
Events
The Archbishop hosts a number of special events which vary year to year; however, there are a few benchmark events that are consistently hosted and designed to bring the community together and to raise funds for important needs in our Archdiocese.
The Marian Center offers services for people with intellectual disabilities: a fully accredited school for students ages 6 to 21; an adult day training and work program; and a full-time residential facility for women. Each of these programs welcomes people from all races, religions and backgrounds. The Marian Center provides partial financial aid to all those who qualify.
Whatever brings you to this page, we are happy to provide you with some of the resources we are familiar with.
The unfortunate and painful reality is that some couples who attempt marriage do so only to find out later that one or both parties may not have intended to enter into marriage (an exclusive, lifelong partnership of the whole of life) or they realize one or both parties did not have the freedom or ability to do so.
When this happens, disappointment and pain are inevitable for all who are impacted and grieve the dissolution of the relationship.
There are a lot of good Catholic resources available today and we hope these links connect you with resources that will bring about peace, healing, and wholeness for you or those you know and love.
May the Holy Spirit guide you to the resources needed.
Support for Troubled Marriages
If efforts have not yet been made to save the marriage, there are many successful programs that have helped couples navigate difficulties including addictions, infidelity, and separation.
Program operating in our Archdiocese: Rediscovery/Retrouvaille is a lifeline of hope and healing for struggling marriages. It is a three-phase program that begins with a weekend experience, followed by post-weekend presentations, and monthly small group support meetings. It is a Catholic peer ministry of couples helping couples with the support of caring clergy members. The primary focus is on improving communication and building a stronger marriage, so couples may rediscover the love they have for each other. The non-profit program is available in communities worldwide.
English - www.MarriageLifeline.org
Spanish -www.SalvavidasParaMatrimonios.org
Divorce Support and Declaration of Nullity
USCCB Pastoral Website with information regarding divorce including frequently asked questions and many links to resources, support programs, articles, etc.: www.foryourmarriage.org/divorce
Life-Giving Wounds is a ministry that seeks to help young adults and adults with divorced and separated parents give voice to their pain and find transformative healing in Christ. It runs regularly in person (including here in Miami) and also online. For more information: www.lifegivingwounds.org
The Office of Ecumenical and Inter-faith Relations is the archdiocesan outreach to the larger community of many faith traditions. The outreach is accomplished through meetings, dialogues and workshops addressing the church's concern for unity and dialogue among other religious communities.
Bishop Enrique Delgado says the phrase, “Man plans, God laughs” is “the story of my life.” At the peak moment of his professional career as an industrial engineer, he left it all to become a priest.
“As an engineer, I had everything figured out, even the day I was going to die, in plans,” said the Peru native, laughing, and adding that when he says something, God usually says something else.
But “as an obedient servant I do what God says, because he knows what’s best,” he added, referring to his acceptance of a call to priesthood and now his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Miami. He is the first Peruvian to be named a bishop in the U.S.
Perhaps because of the influence of his late mother, Carmen Arroyo, a devout Catholic who went to daily Mass, Bishop Delgado was always close to the Church. He served as an altar boy and a catechist, as an extraordinary minister of Communion, and a helper at retreats.
“I was very, very involved,” said the bishop, currently pastor of St. Katharine Drexel in Weston. And although he felt God pushing him toward a deeper surrender, he hesitated.
In the meantime, he worked successfully as subdirector of a financial corporation in Lima, the Peruvian capital, a position that allowed him to travel to many countries. On one of those journeys, to Japan around 1989, he began to accept the other calling.
His flight made a stopover in Miami, where by coincidence he knew a seminarian, who invited him to spend the night at St. John Vianney College Seminary. There, he saw some “late vocations,” which is what he considers himself, having entered the seminary at 35.
It felt good to see people his own age. “In Peru, the seminarians are pretty young guys,” said the bishop’s sister, Pilar Delgado.
That led him to reconsider the possibility of the priesthood, and it marks the point where he began giving serious consideration to the idea. In Japan, two important events aided his discernment.
The first was a conversation he had with a Jesuit priest, who told him he had to give God time; and “if God is calling you, all the doors will be opened for you.” The new bishop recalls hearing those words and feeling as if “they had come from God himself.”
The second took place his last day in Japan, after attending Mass in the chapel of the University of Sophia in Tokyo. He saw a shop selling religious articles and upon seeing an image of the cross, felt a great emotion.
The image contained an inscription in Japanese. A woman religious who worked at the shop pointed him to an English-language Bible and the passage that read: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
“It was like a tremendous bolt of lightning hit me from head to toes, I was petrified,” Bishop Delgado recalled. “God was speaking to me clearly. And I said to myself, I’m no longer confused. I had to go very far to be able to listen.”
At that moment, he decided he would enter the seminary, at least for one year. It was the proof and confirmation he neededbecause, as an engineer, “everything requires proof.”
On his return trip to Peru, he again stopped in Miami and spoke to the then rector of St. John Vianney Seminary, Father Thomas O’Dwyer, now pastor of Little Flower Church in Hollywood.
The future bishop envisioned studying in a seminary in Peru, but at the same time he felt pulled to Miami. That’s when Father O’Dwyer told him, “Why go to Lima, if we need you here?” He answered that all his family lived there, and left it at that.
When he returned to Peru, his friend and mentor, Father Gabriel Genovard, advised him to study outside of Peru, where he would be tempted by many distractions; and also urged him to join the Franciscans, like himself.
Bishop Delgado accepted his first advice but not the second. “I think my call is to be a diocesan priest,” he said.
Then nothing happened. Until about a year later, when during another trip, this time to Puerto Rico, he attended the ordination of a priest from there for the Archdiocese of Miami.
He spoke briefly to Miami’s vocations director at the time, after which they exchanged business cards. When he returned to Peru, he thought nothing would happen and he could return to his lay life. But two weeks later he received a package containing the paperwork for applying to Miami’s seminary.
He traveled here once more and agreed with the vocations director that perhaps he needed to experience parish life in a local church, to find out if he liked it; and then he could enter the seminary.
Six months later, in February 1991, he left Peru and came to live in local parishes: first St. Agnes, in Key Biscayne, for a month, then Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Fort Lauderdale, for six months.
That fall, he entered St. John Vianney Seminary, followed by more years of study at the major seminary of St. Vincent de Paul in Boynton Beach. He was ordained a priest for the archdiocese June 29, 1996, by Miami’s then auxiliary bishop, Agustín Román. The ordination took place in Peru, in front of all his family and friends.
It was one of the most spiritual days of his life, Bishop Delgado recalled. “At that moment, you realize that you are no longer yourself, you are a servant of God. It’s a spiritual moment where you feel very humble and at the same time completely connected with God.”
In October 2017, after 21 years of service in various archdiocesan parishes, Pope Francis named him a bishop — something he humbly accepted but also did not expect, he said, because he has always considered himself a parish priest.
As for his delay in entering the seminary, he says, “the things of God don’t happen right away, they develop. They’re situations and things you live and desire. I felt that God was calling me.”
Biography
The Most * Rev. Enrique Delgado
Born:
Dec. 26, 1955, in Lima, Peru
Fourth of 12 siblings
Ordained:
To the priesthood: June 29, 1996 in Lima, Peru, for the Archdiocese of Miami
To the episcopacy: Dec. 7, 2017, in Miami
Education:
Industrial engineering degree, 1982, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal
Master’s in economics with specialization in accounting and finance, 1986, Universidad de Lima
WorkExperience:
Industrial engineer, Lima Caucho (B.F. Goodrich), 1980-1987
Adjunct general manager, Artesanías del Peru, 1987-1988
Sub-director, COFIDE, Peru’s corporation for development, 1988-1991
Priestly Ministry:
Parochial vicar, St. Agnes, Key Biscayne, July 1996-June 1999
Parochial vicar, Nativity, Hollywood, June 1999-April 2003
Administrator/pastor,St. Justin Martyr, Key Largo, April 2003-August 2010
Pastor, St. Katharine Drexel, Weston, since August 2010
Appointed Titular Bishop of Aquae Novae in Proconsulari and Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, Oct. 12, 2017
Episcopal Motto:
Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat(Philippians 4:13): “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”
The Office of Evangelization and Parish Life was created in response to a major priority of the Second General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami and the Strategic Pastoral Plan, "Disciples of Faith, Missionaries of Hope." The office aims to provide support and serve as a resource primarily to the parishes in embracing the missionary call of Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations" through creating a welcoming and vibrant experience of parish life.
The office also designs, develops and implements plans and projects to enhance the implementation of the New Evangelization among the faithful in order to help them advance in authentic discipleship and fulfill their baptismal call and mission to grow to the full maturity of Christ.
From time to time, those working in a Tribunal will hear the question:
But what about the children?
What do I tell them if you tell me that my marriage was invalid?"
On the surface, the answer to that question is relatively easy and is found in Canon 1137:
“Children conceived or born of a valid or putative marriage are legitimate;”
Canon 1061 §3:
“An invalid marriage is called putative if it has been celebrated in good faith by at least one of the parties, until both parties become certain of its nullity.”
This position, so succinctly captured in the revised Code of Canon Law, reflects the belief and teaching of the church that developed over a period of time, dating back to at least the Middle Ages.
Children of above-described marriages enjoy the same status in the Church as do children of a valid marriage. While there indeed may be scars from the fact that the two people they loved most are civilly divorced and have received an annulment, there is no stigma attached to them or their parents by the Church.
Thus, a young man whose parents' marriage has been declared null could, if it was his vocation, become a priest, a bishop, and even the Pope. It is important to bear in mind that the notion of legitimacy and putative marriages are merely legal constructions and do not as such have either moral or spiritual implications.
Para aquellos que trabajan en el Tribunal estas preguntas son muy corrientes:
¿Que consecuencia trae una Anulación para los hijos?
¿Cómo se Ies explica que el matrimonio de sus padres fue declarado invalido?
La respuesta es relativamente fácil y se encuentra en el Canon 1137:
"Son legítimos los hijos concebidos o nacidos de matrimonios validos o putativos."
El Canon 1061 §3:
"El matrimonio invalido se llama putativo, si fue celebrado de buena fe al menos por uno de los contrayentes, basta que ambos adquieran certeza de la nulidad."
La revisión del Código de Derecho Canónico refleja brevemente las enseñanzas y creencias de la Iglesia establecidas desde la Edad Media y que se han desarrollado a través de los tiempos.
Los hijos de los matrimonios descritos anteriormente en dichos Cánones tienen la misma posición ante la sociedad que los hijos de los matrimonios validos. Es posible que ellos presenten cicatrices por lo sufrido a través del divorcio de las dos personas que más quieren, pero la Iglesia no les crea un estigma ni a ellos ni a sus padres.
Asimismo, el joven cuyos padres se han divorciado y la Iglesia ha declarado nulo dicho matrimonio, puede, si es esa su vocación, llegar a sacerdote, obispo, y hasta Papa. Es importante mantener en mente que la noción del matrimonio legítimo y putativo son términos legales y que no tienen repercusión moral o espiritual.
What is the "The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children"?
According to Church teaching (Canon Law), the age of seven is called "the age of reason" (cf Canon 97 §2). By this age, children can have enough understanding to be responsible for their own actions. Therefore, they can make their own baptismal promises, whereas in infant baptism the parents make promises on behalf of the child. Accordingly, once a child has reached the age of 7, the Church requires that he or she then follows the preparation guidelines for RCIA, although in an age-appropriate manner. This catechesis will include learning about the Faith and especially about the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, as well as reflection on the scripture.
What do children study in the "The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children"?
The children are prepared to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. According to the guidance of the Church, once a child has reached the age of 7, he/she then follows the preparation guidelines for RCIA as if he/she was an adult. This catechesis will include sacramental education and reflection on the scripture.
When are the Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming usually celebrated?
These Rites can be celebrated when people have completed the period of Pre-Evangelization and Inquiry, and can be celebrated 2 to 3 times in a year (RCIA no. 18). A recommended date is the Feast of Christ the King.
This Rite is always celebrated by the Bishop (cf. RCIA no. 121) and usually on the First Sunday of Lent (cf. RCIA no. 126). Parishes may celebrate the Rite of Sending which takes place immediately before the Rite of Election (cf. RCIA no. 106).
Anyone who is in an irregular marriage (i.e. a Catholic with only a civil wedding ceremony or any person remarried without an annulment issued by the Church)should discuss their situation with a parish priest or marriage advocate at the parish as early as possible in the RCIA process. Each case is unique so seek assistance when needed.
Do married Catechumens or Protestant Candidates need their marriage convalidated?
Married couples who have had no prior marriages, and in which neither party is Catholic, are not bound by Catholic form and are, therefore, married in the eyes of the Church. After they receive their sacraments no convalidation is necessary.
How should uncatechetized Baptized Catholics who are married civilly be incorporated into the RCIA process?
Individuals or couples who are Catholic but married outside of the Church, and who have no previous marriages will need to have their Marriage convalidated prior to receiving the sacraments. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to convalidate the marriage after reception of the sacraments if the couple fully understands the expectations of Church prior to their convalidation (i.e. they must live as brother and sister until convalidation).
How should individuals or couples who have been previously married be incorporated into the RCIA process? What about a person married to someone who has been divorced?
Anyone who has a previous marriage (Catholic or non-Catholic), or is married to someone with a previous marriage, without a decree of nullity (annulment) issued by the Church must have their situation carefully examined. People in irregular marriages or who are married to someone with a previous marriage can participate in the Period of Pre-Catechumenate, the Rite of Acceptance and the subsequent period of the Catechumenate, but they cannot be accepted as elect (i.e. be admitted to the Rite of Election) and/or approach the sacraments until their impediment is removed. Each case is unique so seek assistance when needed.
By law: pastors can (and must) confirm those adults they Baptize. “Unless there is a grave reason to the contrary, an adult who is baptized is to be confirmed immediately after baptism and is to participate in the Eucharistic celebration also by receiving communion.” (Canon no. 866)
Can a pastor confirm a person outside of the Easter Vigil?
Yes. If the candidate is a baptized Catholic, a Pastor must request faculties in order to confirm him or her. No faculties need be requested to receive and confirm a candidate baptized into another Christian church. Conferral of the sacraments should take place at a Sunday liturgy during the Easter season, but not at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday.
Who from the RCIA group should be part of the dismissal from Mass?
The RCIA no. 73 states: Ordinarily when catechumens are present in the assembly of the faithful during the Mass they should be kindly dismissed before the liturgy of the Eucharist begins. They must await their Baptism, which will join them to God’s priestly people and empower them to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist. Therefore, catechumens should be part of the dismissal rite.
Baptized candidates from another Christian tradition are already members of the Church [though not in full communion]and children of God. Their Baptism gives them the right to be present at the celebration of the Eucharist but they may not receive Holy Communion until they have been received into full communion with the Church. When these candidates are truly uncatechized they may choose to be dismissed with the catechumens, however, they must be made clear to them that they are not catechumens.
Baptized Catholic candidates are never dismissed. By their Baptism they have the right and responsibility to be with the community for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Yes, as the prayer of exorcism in the three scrutinies is for catechumens who have received the Church’s election. The language of the prayers employs numerous images referring to their approaching Baptism, and thus are not proper rituals for candidates who have already received Baptism. In their place the RCIA provides a Penitential Rite for those preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist preserving the distinction between the scrutinies and the Penitential Rite. Furthermore, there is no combined rite for these celebrations. (RCIA no. 463)
It is usual that at the time of Baptism and Confirmation a person has a godparent. This godparent takes on the responsibility of helping the person to live a Christian life in keeping with Baptism/Confirmation and to fulfill the obligations inherent in it.
To take on the responsibility of being a godparent a person:
Must be a Catholic who is not a parent of the one to be baptized or confirmed
Must have received all the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation);
Must live a life of faith that befits the role to be undertaken (e.g. if married, must be in a valid marriage according to Church law);
Cannot have a canonical penalty like excommunication;
Cannot be under the age of sixteen.
If there is a just reason, someone of a younger age can be permitted by the pastor or the oneadministering the Baptism or Confirmation;
Must be nominated by at least one of the parents in the case of infant Baptism, by the one tobe baptized in the case of an adult Baptism, or by the pastor or the one administering theBaptism in cases where necessity requires it.
Regarding Witnesses: At the request of the parents, a baptized and believing person not belonging to the CatholicChurch may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent.
An unbaptized person cannot act as a witness or godparent.
One of my RCIA participants, while a baptized Catholic, joined for a few years a separated ecclesial community. She has decided to return to the Catholic Church. Does she to make a profession of faith?
No. She does not need to make a profession of faith. Her way back is via the sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession and absolution.
Is it proper to include the candidates in the Rite of Presentation of the Creed and Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer?
It depends on the spiritual needs of these candidates. If the candidates are truly uncatechized, have no experience with the Church of their baptism, were never raised in any faith, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer will be totally unfamiliar to them. The presentations would be proper and would be needed by them.
However, if the Lord’s Prayer has been part of their prayer life it would not make any sense to present them with this prayer. In a similar way, if a candidate has had some experience with their church of baptism and has prayed the Creed as part of religious services in that church then it would not make any sense to present them with the Creed which is already part of their prayer life.
All candidates would benefit from a deeper study of both these prayers as would all in our parish community, but to ritually present them with these symbols as if they had never heard of them before would be incongruous. (See RCIA no. 407)
Can a white stole be used at the Baptism and/or Confirmation of a child or adult as the white garment called for in the Rite?
No. The traditional vesture of the newly baptized/confirmed is the white robe (alb). The stole is the proper vestment for an ordained minister…priest, deacon. “The distinction between the universal priesthood of all the baptized and the ministerial priesthood of the ordained is blurred when the distinctive garb of ordained ministers is used at (Baptism), Confirmation. “[BCL Newsletter, Dec. 1984]
The finance council gives counsel to the bishop on the following:
Appointment of a finance officer (c. 494)
Removal of the finance officer (c. 494)
Imposition of taxes, either ordinary or extraordinary (c. 1263)
Decisions relative to the more important acts of administration(c. 1277)
Determination of the meaning of acts of extraordinary administration for institutes subject to his control if the statutes are not specific (c. 1281.2)
Review of annual reports submitted to him by clerical and lay administrators of any ecclesiastical goods(c. 1287.1)
Investment of tangible and intangible property assigned to an endowment (c. 1305)
Modification of the obligations imposed in executing last wills for pious causes if such obligations cannot be fulfilled (c. 1310.2)
The finance council must give or withhold consent to the bishop on the performance of an act of extraordinary administration as defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) (c. 1277):Alienation of property at or above an amount established by the USCCB (c. 1292 § 1) (effective March 31, 2004 , $1,000,000 for dioceses with Catholic populations of half a million persons or more; $500,000 for all other dioceses)
In addition to alienation, the entering into any transaction that worsens the financial condition of the diocese (c. 1295)
Consent must also be obtained from the Holy See for alienation of property and for transactions that worsen the overall financial condition of the diocese in the following amounts:
$10,000,000 or more for dioceses with Catholic populations of half a million persons or more
$5,000,000 or more for all other dioceses
In addition to the canon law requirements, diocesan bishops should consider consulting with their finance councils on the following:
Church
Personnel and Covered Volunteers must register online by accessing www.fieldprintflorida.com and following these instructions:
Click "Schedule an appointment" (registration can be done in English or Spanish)
Create a secure username/password and enter the Fieldprint scheduling system
In the "Reason why you need to be fingerprinted" screen, select the web link: "I know my Fieldprint
Code". (To obtain this access code, please call your parish or school beforehand.) Please note that
the access code is case sensitive.
Provide all the information requested. This information is required by the FDLE/FBI in order to process the
criminal search.
At this point, the website will prompt the applicant for the information required to find a local fingerprinting
facility and schedule an appointment. Instructions, directions, maps and photos will all be provided directly
online.
If additional questions or problems arise, please contact Fieldprint customer service at: 1-800-799-1067 or [email protected]. Or select the "Contact Us"
link on the website.
Third Party Vendors
No third-party vendors, other than vendors approved by the Office of Safe Environment, can be used
by any Archdiocesan entity for the purpose of background checks and/or clearance. Results of all fingerprinting and
background checks will be processed through the Office of Safe Environment.
Special Procedures for Instructional Personnel
Instructional personnel certified through the State of Florida will be re-screened every five years
in conjunction with the State's certification process (this will include a renewed FDLE/FBI check). All other school
employees will be re-screened every five years according to this policy. The State of Florida certification approval
and the related screening results for instructional personnel will be reviewed by the Office of Safe Environment.
International Background Check
Any prospective Church Personnel from another country who has not been in the U.S. for at least one
year will receive an International Background Check. Special forms are required and available through the Office of
Safe Environment.
Renewals
All Church personnel need to be re-fingerprinted and screened according to this policy every five
(5) years.
Disqualifying Offenses
Prior findings of guilt, pleas of guilt or pleas of no contest (regardless of adjudication) for
certain misdemeanors and felonies prohibit an individual from employment or volunteer ministry in an entity of the
Archdiocese.
Digital fingerprint images will be retained in a secure electronic database through a vendor
approved by the Archdiocese of Miami. Any identified criminal history, along with Archdiocesan recommendations for
clearance or denial, will be held in a secure location in the Office of Safe Environment.
If you have any questions, regarding this process, please contact the Background Check Department:
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or require assistance in registering should contact
their pertinent parish, school, Archdiocesan entity or the Archdiocese of Miami directly for their designated
coordinator.
We are happy to provide you with some of the marriage and family life support resources we are familiar with.
There are a lot of good resources today counseling, online programs, in person programs, retreats, books, etc.
We encourage those who are looking for resources to be discerning as to what may be helpful and to keep looking for support until the concerns are resolved. If one resource is not helpful, there are many others.
Please know that the links provided below should not be interpreted as an official endorsement of the organizations, programs, and websites listed. As often happens, organizations, non-profits, and individuals can and do change their mission, services, resources, and websites.
Each parish, pastor, and person utilizing any resource is encouraged to make his/her own investigation prior to utilizing any service, program, or resource.
Marriage is not easy, but with God all things are possible.
May the Holy Spirit guide you to the resources you need for yourself or for those you know, love, and seek to serve and help.
Program operating in our Archdiocese: Rediscovery/Retrouvaille is a lifeline of hope and healing for struggling marriages. It is a three-phase program that begins with a weekend experience, followed by post-weekend presentations, and monthly small group support meetings. It is a Catholic peer ministry of couples helping couples with the support of caring clergy members. The primary focus is on improving communication and building a stronger marriage, so couples may rediscover the love they have for each other. The non-profit program is available in communities worldwide.
English - www.MarriageLifeline.org
Spanish -www.SalvavidasParaMatrimonios.org
In November 1, 2009 the Communications Department of the Archdiocese of Miami launched an updated news resource for clergy, parishioners and the general public.
News Center
This function is comprised of daily news updates on the archdiocesan website's News Center.
Clergy, parishioners and the public have the ability to post approved comments related to each article.
Clergy, parishioners have the ability to submit articles to the editor through a new component called "News Collaboration". Pictures will be accepted to accompany the article.
Florida Catholic - Print edition
The Florida Catholic newspaper has granted the Archdiocese of Miami permission to continue utilizing the Florida Catholic name; beginning November 2009, a monthly newspaper will be delivered to each parish on the third Thursday of each month, to be distributed at Masses that weekend.
The new monthly publication will be comprised of feature in depth articles and will include collaboration from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Catholic Conference.
The Florida Catholic's main office in Orlando handles advertising for the monthly printed edition. If you are interested in placing an ad contact the number above.
Local news is handled by the archdiocesan editor. If you would like to submit a story idea or contribute please click here to read about our "News Collaboration" feature.
To publicize an event of interest to Catholics in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties enter your event information online by clicking here and registering online.
Nearly 800 volunteers from across the Archdiocese are engaged in the second phase of the Synod: the Focus Teams.
There are eighteen Focus Areas, which are particular areas of ministry which fall within the five "foundational ministries" of the Archdiocese:
Communion – Sacraments and Worship
Liturgy and Sacramental Life
Conversion – Education and Formation
Forming the Faith of our Youth and Young Adults
Forming the Faith of our Adults
Catholic Education
Stewardship – Governance and Finance
Parish Life and Stewardship
Task Force: Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
Task Force: Archdiocesan School Board
Task Force: Archdiocesan Finance Council
Task Force: Archbishop's Development Cabinet
Collaboration in the Keys
Solidarity – Social Services and Outreach
The Social Mission of the Church
Discipleship – Vocations and Evangelization
Lay Ministry
Marriage and Family Life
Youth Ministry
Campus Ministry
Young Adult Ministry
The Permanent Deaconate
The Priesthood and Vocations
The Focus Teams began meeting in September, at locations throughout the Archdiocese, including the Pastoral Center in Miami Shores, the parishes of St. Rose of Lima, Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Augustine and St. Thomas the Apostle, as well as Barry University and St. Thomas University. Each Focus Team meets three times, and is charged with providing recommendation of priorities, goals and initiatives for the Archbishop to consider for the next three years.
As part of their work, the Focus Team members perform the following tasks:
Analyzing and gathering data
Identifying challenges and opportunities
Discerning goals
Developing approaches and requirements
Recommending and supporting the fruit of the Synod
The final work product of each Focus Team is a set of Goal Statements, which are the actions the Focus Team feels are most important to be taken in their particular area for the next three years. At the conclusion of the three Focus Team meetings, a small group of team members will work for two more months as a SMART Goal Drafting Team, converting the Goal Statements from the larger team into specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and trackable goals.
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For nearly four decades, Bishop Gilberto Fernandez was a humble parish priest, serving first in Cuba, then in South Florida. That's what he aspired to be all his life, since following his two older brothers into the priesthood.
"Sometimes people talk about the loneliness of the priests, but when you are in a parish you don't feel that loneliness because you are surrounded by love and warmth," he said June 24, 1997, when his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Miami was announced. "I never thought about doing anything else but being a parish priest," he added. "But man proposes and God disposes. That's the situation here."
In accepting his new responsibilities, Bishop Fernandez pledged to follow the saintly example of a fellow Cuban, Miami Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman, whom he called "our local Mother Teresa." With characteristic humility, he accepted his new appointment, "knowing that many others among my brother priests are better qualified than me."
He also credited the faith of his parents, a faith which nurtured eight children, five boys and three girls. Four of the boys became priests, and one of the girls became a religious. All of them ministered in South Florida. "This appointment is not an honor bestowed on me, but one on my family, for the total dedication of my mother, my father, and brothers and sister," Bishop Fernandez said.
In his new role as bishop, he pledged to be "a servant of the people." For his episcopal motto, he chose "amor ultima ratio" -- love is the supreme reason.
His episcopal coat-of-arms features two clasped hands in front of a golden cross. The hands represent Miami, a meeting place and a place of welcome. Stars above the cross symbolize the Virgin Mary as well as the Cuban and U.S. flags. The bottom half features blue and white waters, representing the Caribbean Sea and the Catholic Church, which is often portrayed as the "bark of Peter."
Born in Havana, Cuba, on Feb. 13, 1935, Bishop Fernandez was ordained for the Archdiocese of Havana on May 17, 1959. He served in four parishes in the Havana area, including as administrator of the cathedral, before coming to Miami in July, 1967.
His two older brothers, Msgr. Orlando Fernandez (deceased) and Father Nelson Fernandez, had arrived here in 1961. Another brother, Fausto Fernandez, served for a long time as administrator of Marian Towers, an archdiocesan apartment complex for low-income elderly. Sister Lilia Fernandez is a Sister of St. Joseph of St. Augustine who ministers at Mercy Hospital. Two other sisters, Ondina (deceased) and Teresita, also lived in Miami. Another brother, Miguel Angel Fernandez, lives in Mexico with his wife and two daughters.
Among his assignments in South Florida, Bishop Fernandez ministered to migrant farmworkers in Naranja, Homestead and Delray Beach. In 1996, after six years as pastor of St. Kevin Church in southwest Dade County, he was named spiritual director of St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami.
Biography
Auxiliary Bishop Gilberto Fernandez
Born/Died:
Feb. 13, 1935, in Havana, Cuba
Sept. 30, 2011, Miami
Ordained:
To the priesthood, May 17, 1959, for the Archdiocese of Havana, Cuba
Appointed Titular bishop of Irina and Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, June 24, 1997
Ordained to the episcopacy, September 3, 1997
Retired for health reasons, Dec. 11, 2002
Education:
Buen Pastor Seminary, Havana, Cuba
Priestly Ministry:
Archdiocese of Havana, 1959 to 1966
Assistant Pastor, El Salvador Church, Cerro, Havana (1959 to 1960)
Administrator, St. Peter's Church, Batabano, Havana (1960 to 1961)
Administrator, Cathedral of Havana (1961 to 1962)
Pastor, El Cerro Church, Havana (1962 to 1966)
Archdiocese of Miami:
Assistant Pastor, St. Ann's Mission, Naranja (September, 1967 to October, 1969)
Administrator, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Delray Beach (October, 1969 to September, 1971)
Assistant Pastor, St. Patrick Church, Miami Beach (September, 1971 to June, 1974)
Pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Homestead (June, 1974 to May, 1979)
Pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Miami (May, 1979 to April, 1988)
Pastor, San Pablo Church, Marathon (April, 1988 to December, 1989)
Pastor, St. Kevin Church, Miami (December, 1989 to June, 1996)
Spiritual Director, St. John Vianney Seminary, Miami (June, 1996 to June, 1997)
Past and current appointments include membership in the Archdiocesan Worship Commission; Personnel Board; Presbyteral Council; and Advisory Boards for Permanent Diaconate and Catholic Cemeteries.
Personal:
Parents: Jose Fernandez and Consuelo (nee Villar) Fernandez, both deceased
Brothers: Msgr. Orlando Fernandez, (deceased Jan. 13, 2000), Archdiocese of Miami; Father Nelson Fernandez, retired, Archdiocese of Miami; Fausto Fernandez, former administrator of Marian Towers, Miami Beach; Sister Lilia Fernandez, Sisters of St. Joseph, Mercy Hospital, Miami; Miguel Angel Fernandez, Mexico; Teresita Fernandez and Ondina Fernandez (deceased September 2011), Miami.
On Aug. 13, 1958, the Diocese of Miami was created, with 51 parishes, 65 diocesan priests, and 21 religious order clergy ministering to 185,000 Catholics in 16 counties in southern Florida. Most of the rest of the state was covered by the original Diocese of St. Augustine. Bishop Coleman F. Carroll, formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, was installed as Miami’s first bishop on Oct. 7, 1958, at the newly-elevated St. Mary Cathedral.
He immediately moved to build the first minor seminary in the southeastern United States, St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, which was dedicated just 13 months after Bishop Carroll’s installation. The major seminary of St. Vincent de Paul in Boynton Beach, which now serves every diocese in Florida, opened its doors four years later, in 1963.
Between 1958 and 1963, Bishop Carroll led the new diocese through a tremendous program of expansion. Those first five years saw the number of parishes nearly double, from 51 to 94, and the number of priests more than triple, from 86 to 305. The church in South Florida also grew due to the tremendous influx of Cuban refugees and Catholics from the northern United States. The diocese bore the brunt of the Cuban exile exodus for a full year prior to receiving federal government assistance. Between 1960 and 1962, Catholic Charities, led by Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh, welcomed, cared for, and placed with temporary guardians or family members more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children in what became known as the Pedro Pan exodus. Most were later reunited with their parents.
Picture: Archdiocese Archive
Left to right: Cuban Refugees, Catholic Charities Building and Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh
On May 8, 1968, the ecclesiastical Province of Miami was established. The Diocese of Miami was elevated to the rank of archdiocese and two new Florida dioceses were created, Orlando and St. Petersburg. Miami yielded eight counties to the new dioceses. It now consisted of 85 parishes and 10 missions; 164 diocesan priests, 141 religious order clergy, and about 900 women religious served a Catholic population of 400,000.
By the time Archbishop Carroll died in office, July 26, 1977, the diocese had turned into a booming metropolitan see with more than 700,000 Catholics in eight counties. During his tenure, Archbishop Carroll founded close to 100 new parishes, an incredible pace of five a year.
On Nov. 3, 1994, Bishop John Clement Favalora, a native of New Orleans, La., who served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since 1989, was appointed to succeed Archbishop McCarthy. He was installed Dec. 20, 1994, and in early 1995, he, too, paid a visit to the Cubans and Haitians detained at the refugee camps in Guantanamo. A week later, the archdiocese opened Varela Centers at several South Florida Catholic parishes, in order to teach English to Cuban and Haitian children just released from the camps. The schools helped them and their parents prepare for life in the U.S.
On May 27-28, 1995, Cardinal Jaime Ortega of Havana made an official pastoral visit to South Florida as part of tour that included stops in New York, Chicago and Tampa. He celebrated Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, vespers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity on Biscayne Bay, and an outdoor Mass at St. Thomas University in Miami. Throngs greeted him at every site. The cardinal called for unity among Cubans, both those in exile and those inside the island.
On Jan. 25, 1998, Archbishop Favalora led a group of about 180 pilgrims on a nine-hour visit to Havana, Cuba, to attend Pope John Paul II’s Mass in the civic plaza.
On Aug. 13, 1998, its 40th anniversary, the archdiocese consisted of 108 parishes and three missions in three counties, with a registered Catholic population of more than 774,000 served by 265 diocesan priests, 122 religious order priests, 345 women religious and 56 men religious, and 128 permanent deacons.
In September, 1999, Archbishop Favalora announced plans for Vision 2000, a campaign to generate a $75 million endowment that would enable the Church in South Florida to continue its educational and charitable ministries into the 21st century. In December 2000, Vision 2000 concluded after having raised $110 million in endowments for the archdiocese.
On its 50th anniversary in 2008, the archdiocese consisted of 118 parishes and 3 missions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. More than 750,000 registered Catholics are served by 264 diocesan priests, 89 religious order priests, 150 permanent deacons, 314 women religious and 55 men religious.
On Aug. 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew, the first Category 4 storm to hit a highly populated urban area in the United States, struck South Florida, wreaking vast damage on the southernmost part of Dade County and an estimated $130 million in damages to Catholic facilities. Archdiocesan personnel and volunteers from unaffected parishes flocked to repair the damage and aid those left homeless. The task of rebuilding continued for months. To symbolize unity with those affected by the storm, the archdiocese marked its 34th anniversary in October with an outdoor Mass in South Dade. The altar was built out of hurricane debris.
On April 10, 1993, at the Vatican-mandated age of 75, Archbishop McCarthy submitted his resignation to Pope John Paul II, but continued to run the archdiocese until the Holy See appointed a successor.
On Oct. 7, 1993, its 35th anniversary, the archdiocese consisted of 107 parishes and three missions in three counties, with a registered Catholic population of more than 681,000 served by 198 diocesan priests, 127 religious order priests, 406 women religious and 56 men religious, and 103 permanent deacons.
In the summer of 1994, thousands of Cuban rafters again took to the seas, fleeing Communism and dire economic conditions in their homeland. After being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, most were placed in temporary detainment camps in Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba, where they languished while the Clinton Administration decided whether or not to admit them to the United States. The archdiocese asked Spanish-speaking priests to volunteer to work at the camps for rotating periods of time, and Archbishop McCarthy and Auxiliary Bishop Roman traveled to Guantanamo to visit and bring hope to the refugees.
Picture: Archdiocese Archive
With Cuban refugees in Guantanamo: Left: Father Felipe Estevez. Right: Father Pedro Luis Perez
Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy, a native of Cincinnati and founding Bishop of Phoenix, arrived in Miami Sept. 17, 1976, as coadjutor, succeeding to the see less than a year later, upon the death of Archbishop Carroll in July 1977.
Whereas Archbishop Carroll was a builder, Archbishop McCarthy saw his mission as blowing Spirit into the edifice built by his predecessor. He continued to found new parishes to keep up with the growing numbers of new Catholics. But he also established a Family Life office and a Lay Ministry office that became a model for the rest of the nation. Both were led by lay people, a hallmark of Archbishop McCarthy’s tenure. He consistently strived to call forth the gifts of the laity and empower them at the archdiocesan level.
Administratively, he re-organized the archdiocese into seven major divisions and oversaw the construction of a new chancery to house them all. The renamed Pastoral Center was dedicated at 9401 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami Shores in April, 1983.
Picture: Archdiocese Archive. Right to Left:
Archbishop McCarthy, Bishop Agustín Román, Bishop John Nevins with Our Lady of Charity
On Feb. 6, 1979, two new auxiliary bishops were appointed for Miami, including the first native Cuban to serve as a bishop in the United States in 200 years: Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román. (His “episcopal twin” was Auxiliary Bishop John J. Nevins, another archdiocesan priest.)
In 1980, Archbishop McCarthy announced the start of a five-year plan of evangelization. That same year, the Mariel boatlift brought nearly 125,000 Cuban refugees to South Florida. Haitians began arriving in significant numbers as well.
Throughout the next decade, Archbishop McCarthy spoke forcefully on behalf of the Haitians’ right to plead for asylum in this country, and against presidential directives that call for high-seas interdiction of boatloads of Haitian refugees.
On its 25th anniversary in 1983, the eight-county archdiocese included more than 896,000 Catholics, with 135 parishes and three missions, served by 312 diocesan and 210 religious order priests; 643 women religious and 63 men religious; and 45 permanent deacons. In 1984, the Kenedy Directory listed the Archdiocese of Miami as the second fastest growing See in the nation.
On July 17, 1984, the archdiocese was divided once more, yielding Palm Beach and Martin counties to the newly-created Diocese of Palm Beach; and Glades, Hendry and Collier counties to the newly-created Diocese of Venice.
The archdiocese now consisted of three counties, Dade, Broward and Monroe, with more than 527,000 registered Catholics served by 100 parishes, two missions, 279 diocesan priests, 164 religious order priests, 445 women religious, 63 men religious and 55 permanent deacons.
In 1985, Archbishop McCarthy convoked the first-ever Archdiocesan Synod and the first synod in Florida in 28 years. The Synod's goal was to renew the life of the Church in South Florida and plan for the 21st century. The first step taken by the Synod was the commissioning of a scientific survey of South Florida Catholics, including their ethnic identity and their level of religiosity.
Among the statistics: The total Catholic population in Dade, Broward and Monroe counties could be as high as 1.1 million, although less than half that number were registered in the parishes; Hispanics made up 62 percent of the Catholics in the archdiocese and 80 percent of the Catholics in Dade County; blacks (African-Americans and Haitians) made up less than 4 percent of the Catholic population, and Asians about 1 percent.
On Sept. 10-11, 1987, Pope John Paul II visited Miami as part of his second tour of the United States. After being greeted by President and Mrs. Reagan at the airport, he traveled to St. Mary Cathedral, where he was formally greeted by Archbishop McCarthy and religious dignitaries, as well as a cheering throng of Haitians gathered outside.
Picture: Archdiocese Archive
Pope John Paul II visited Miami as part of his second tour of the United States. Top-right: Pope with McCarthy at pope mobile.
He traveled to St. Martha Church, next door to the Pastoral Center, for a meeting with representatives of the nation’s priests, then met with President and Mrs. Reagan at the historic Vizcaya mansion on Biscayne Bay. Afterward, he paraded through Biscayne Boulevard in his “popemobile” before retiring to the Archbishop's residence. The next morning, he met with Jewish leaders and toured a Vatican Judaica exhibit at Miami’s Center for Fine Arts before celebrating Mass for nearly a quarter-million people at the Dade County Youth Fairgrounds. Rain and lightning strikes forced an end to the Mass during the Pope’s homily. The Pope and bishops finished celebrating Mass in a nearby trailer before leaving for his next stop in South Carolina.
On its 30th anniversary, Oct. 7, 1988, the archdiocese numbered more than 596,000 registered Catholics in 105 parishes and three missions. They were served by 177 diocesan priests, 146 religious order priests, 432 women religious, 58 men religious and 72 permanent deacons.
The Archdiocesan Synod ended in May, 1988, and in October, Archbishop McCarthy promulgated 165 decrees establishing Archdiocesan priorities. Chief among them were: A more effective and all-encompassing effort at evangelizing inactive Catholics and the unchurched, with special emphasis on using the media — radio, television, newspapers; a more profound emphasis on "cradle to grave" religious education, for children as well as adults; and increased sensitivity to the needs and languages of the different cultural and ethnic groups of the archdiocese.
Diocese of Miami is created, with 51 parishes; 65 diocesan priests; and 21 Religious Order clergy ministering to 185,000 Catholics in 16 counties in southern Florida. Most of the rest of the state is covered by the original Diocese of St. Augustine.
October 7
Bishop Coleman F. Carroll, formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, is installed as First Bishop of Miami.
1959
First minor seminary in southeastern United States, St. John Vianney College Seminary, is established in Miami.
1958-1963
Tremendous program of expansion, due to influx of Cuban refugees as well as Catholics from the northern United States. The diocese bears the brunt of the Cuban exile exodus for a full year prior to receiving federal government assistance.
1968
May 8
Ecclesiastical Province of Miami is established: Diocese of Miami is elevated to the rank of Archdiocese and two new Florida dioceses are created, Orlando and St. Petersburg; Florida now is divided into four Catholic dioceses including St. Augustine. Miami yields eight counties to the new dioceses.
June 24
Msgr. John J. Fitzpatrick, former chancellor of the archdiocese, is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, and consecrated in August, 1968. He is the first archdiocesan priest to join the ranks of the U.S. hierarchy. (In April, 1971, he is appointed Bishop of Brownsville, Texas, where he retired in 1991.)
October 7
On its tenth anniversary, the Miami Archdiocese consists of 85 parishes and 10 missions in eight counties. A Catholic population of 400,000 is served by 164 diocesan priests, 141 Religious Order clergy, and about 900 women religious. The diocese's Radio and TV Department is the first diocesan agency in the nation to inaugurate closed-circuit TV to schools and churches.
1971
December 6
Bishop Rene H. Gracida is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, and consecrated January 25, 1972. (He is appointed first Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee on October 1, 1975; and bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 19, 1983. He retired in April, 1997.)
1976
September 17
Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy, a native of Cincinnati and founding Bishop of Phoenix, arrives in Miami as coadjutor with right of succession to Archbishop Coleman Carroll.
1977
July 26
Archbishop Carroll dies, and Archbishop McCarthy succeeds to the See.
1979
February 6
Two new auxiliary bishops are appointed for Miami, including the first native Cuban to serve as a bishop in the U.S. in 200 years: Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman. His fellow Auxiliary Bishop is John J. Nevins, another Archdiocesan priest. Both of them are consecrated March 24, 1979. (Bishop Nevins is currently Bishop of Venice, FL).
Archbishop McCarthy re-organizes the Archdiocese into seven major divisions: General Services, Temporalities, Christian Formation, Worship and Spiritual Life, Christian Service, Pastoral Ministry and Ministry to Persons. He also announces plans for the construction of the Pastoral Center and St. Martha Church at 9401 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami Shores.
1980
Archbishop McCarthy announces the start of a five-year plan of evangelization. Mariel boatlift brings nearly 125,000 Cuban refugees to South Florida, and Haitians begin arriving in significant numbers as well. Throughout the next decade, the Archdiocese will speak forcefully on behalf of the Haitians' right to plead for asylum in this country, and against presidential directives that call for high-seas interdiction of boatloads of Haitian refugees.
Archbishop McCarthy announces the establishment of a Haitian pastoral center, later called the Pierre Toussaint Center, to be located across the street from St. Mary Cathedral, in the former cathedral rectory. The Pierre Toussaint Center will serve the spiritual and social needs of Miami’s ever-growing Haitian population. Father Marcel Peloquin, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who spent 28 years in Haiti, will serve as director, with Father Thomas Wenski, who recently returned from studies in Haiti, serving as associate director. The center will later move to its current site next to Notre Dame d’Haiti Mission in Miami. Father Wenski’s “circuit-riding” ministry to Haitian Catholics throughout the archdiocese will result in the establishment of Haitian missions as far north as Palm Beach, including Divine Mercy in Fort Lauderdale and St. Joseph in Pompano Beach.
1981
Mother Teresa comes to Miami to open a shelter for homeless women.
1983
On its 25th anniversary, which is celebrated December 8 with a Mass at the Orange Bowl, the eight-county Archdiocese includes more than 896,000 Catholics, with 135 parishes and three missions, served by 312 diocesan and 210 Religious Order priests; 643 women religious and 63 men religious; and 45 permanent deacons. In April, the Archdiocesan staff moves into its new home at the Pastoral Center.
1984
The Kenedy Directory lists the Archdiocese of Miami as the second fastest growing See in the nation.
July 17
The Archdiocese of Miami is divided once more, yielding Palm Beach and Martin counties to the newly-created Diocese of Palm Beach; and Glades, Hendry and Collier counties to the newly-created Diocese of Venice. Now, the Archdiocese of Miami consists of three counties, Dade, Broward and Monroe, with more than 527,000 registered Catholics served by 100 parishes, two missions, 279 diocesan priests, 164 Religious Order priests, 445 women religious, 63 men religious and 55 permanent deacons.
1985
Archbishop McCarthy convokes the first-ever Archdiocesan Synod and the first synod in Florida in 28 years. The Synod's goal is to renew the life of the Church in South Florida and plan for the 21st Century. The first step taken by the Synod is the commissioning of a scientific survey of South Florida Catholics, including their ethnic identity and their level of religiosity. Among the statistics:
The total Catholic population in Dade, Broward and Monroe counties may reach 1.1 million, although less than half that number are registered in the parishes;
Hispanics make up 62 percent of the Catholics in the Archdiocese, and 80 percent of the Catholics in Dade County; blacks (African-Americans and Haitians) make up less than 4 percent of the Catholic population, and Asians make up about 1 percent.
About half the Catholic population is under 35 years old, and 14 percent is aged 65 and over;
About 25 percent of the Catholic population has moved here in the past five years; another 25 percent have lived here for the past 20 years.
1986
January 10
Bishop Norbert L. Dorsey, a Passionist missionary originally from Massachusetts, is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami and ordained on March 19. (He is appointed Bishop of Orlando, Florida, in March 1990.)
1987
September 10-11
Pope John Paul II visits Miami. After being greeted by President and Mrs. Reagan at the airport, he travels to St. Mary Cathedral, where he is formally greeted by Archbishop McCarthy and religious dignitaries, as well as a cheering throng of Haitians who gather outside. He then travels to St. Martha Church for a meeting with representatives of the nation’s priests; stops to greet Catholic employees and parishioners at the Pastoral Center next door; and parades through Biscayne Boulevard in his “popemobile” before retiring to the Archbishop's residence. The next morning, he meets with Jewish leaders and tours a Vatican Judaica exhibit at Miami’s Center for Fine Arts; then celebrates Mass for nearly a quarter-million people at the Dade County Youth Fairgrounds. Rain and lightning strikes force a premature end to the Mass, which is halted during the Pope’s homily. The Pope and bishops finish celebrating Mass in a nearby trailer. Before departing for the airport, the Pope returns to the outdoor altar to greet and bless a few hundred Catholics who have remained at the Mass site, hoping for another glimpse of the Pontiff.
1988
October 7
On its 30th anniversary, the Archdiocese numbers more than 596,000 registered Catholics in 105 parishes and three missions. They are served by 177 diocesan priests, 146 Religious Order priests, 432 women religious, 58 men religious and 72 permanent deacons.
The Archdiocesan Synod ends in May, and in October, Archbishop McCarthy promulgates 165 decrees, establishing Archdiocesan priorities. Chief among them:
A more effective and all-encompassing effort at evangelizing inactive Catholics and the unchurched, with special emphasis on using the media -- radio, television, newspapers;
A more profound emphasis on "cradle to grave" religious education, for children as well as adults; the goal is to reach young people, many of whom are not exposed to any religious education, as well as to make adult Catholics more conscious of the demands of their faith, especially in the areas of Christian morality and social justice;
Increased sensitivity to the needs and languages of the different cultural and ethnic groups of the Archdiocese.
1991
December 4-9
In preparation for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the New World, the Archdiocese hosts a Festival of Faith at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The festival features information booths and exhibits by representatives of all the parishes, institutions and groups in the Archdiocese, daily Masses and opportunity for prayer and confession.
1992
August 24
Hurricane Andrew, the first Category 4 storm to hit a highly populated urban area in the United States, strikes South Florida, wreaking vast damage on the southernmost part of Dade County. The damage to Catholic facilities is estimated at $130 million. Archdiocesan personnel and volunteers from unaffected parishes flock to repair the damage and aid those left homeless. Dioceses in Florida and across the United States take up a collection for South Florida, and the Archdiocesan Hurricane Relief Fund reaches $3 million by the end of the year. The money is disbursed to families and individuals in need of housing, food and other assistance, especially migrant farmworkers left homeless and jobless because of the damage to farms and nurseries in the area. The task of rebuilding continues for months. To symbolize its unity with those affected by the storm, the Archdiocese marks its 34th anniversary in October with an outdoor Mass in South Dade; the altar is built out of hurricane debris.
1993
January 1
The Archdiocese establishes Radio Peace, a 13-hour a day, tri-lingual broadcast on time bought from WKAT, 1360 AM. The programming is in Spanish from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., in English from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and in Haitian Creole from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Radio Peace features a children's program, talk shows, spiritual music, prayer and news.
April 10
At the Vatican-mandated age of 75, Archbishop McCarthy submits his resignation to Pope John Paul II, but continues to run the Archdiocese until the Holy See appoints a successor. The Archdiocese now consists of 107 parishes and three missions in three counties, with a registered Catholic population of more than 681,000 served by 198 diocesan priests, 127 Religious Order priests, 406 women religious and 56 men religious, and 103 permanent deacons.
April - May
Little Flower Church in Coral Gables is the site of the annual Easter Mass broadcast nationally by the NBC network.
The Archdiocese ordains 11 men, its largest group of new priests in 16 years: Nine are ordained before hundreds of people at the James L. Knight Center in Miami; the other two in their home towns in Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. The newly-ordained include the Archdiocese’s third Haitian priest; four more Nicaraguans; two Cuban-Americans; two Puerto Ricans; one Anglo and one Colombian.
Archbishop McCarthy marks the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a gala dinner tribute which raises $235,000 for the newly-established Edward A. McCarthy Foundation for Child Care, whose aim is to support needy children throughout the Archdiocese.
August
A year after Hurricane Andrew, the Archdiocese reports that it received more than $7 million in donations from around the country, including $1 million from its sister dioceses in Florida. Nearly $4 million has been spent to assist victims, directly or indirectly through the Archdiocese’s parishes, schools and social service agencies. The remainder will be spent over the next five years, by funding additional social service programs in South Dade.
The Archdiocese’s rules, regulations and operating procedures, from the hiring of teachers to the vacations of priests to reporting child abuse and preparing for a hurricane, were published in book form for the first time. Copies of the “Pastoral Manual: The Guidelines and Directives of the Archdiocese of Miami, 1993” are made available to the public, not just to Archdiocesan priests, Religious and lay employees.
October 7
The Archdiocese marks its 35th anniversary, and Archbishop McCarthy takes the opportunity to propose yet another evangelization plan. This time, he urges Catholics to bring their faith values to the forefront of the secular world, by becoming involved in politics and voter registration drives. He also introduces a Pastoral Plan for Youth Ministry, urging parishes, among other things, to hire fulltime youth ministers, make Masses relevant to young people and establish Catholic clubs in public schools.
1994
Summer
Thousands of Cuban rafters take to the seas, fleeing Communism and dire economic conditions in their homeland. After being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, most are placed in temporary detainment camps in Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. They languish there while the Clinton Administration decides whether or not to admit them to the United States. The Archdiocese of Miami asks for Spanish-speaking priests to volunteer to work at the camps for rotating periods of time, and Archbishop McCarthy and Auxiliary Bishop Roman also travel to Cuba to visit and bring hope to the refugees.
November 3
Bishop John Clement Favalora, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana who has served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since 1989, is appointed to succeed retired Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy as Archbishop of Miami.
December 20
Archbishop Favalora is installed as the third Archbishop of Miami during a ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral, which is filled with priests, religious and civic dignitaries. To accommodate the many people who could not attend the Cathedral ceremony, a public Mass of Welcome for the new archbishop is offered at the Miami Beach Convention Center in January 1995.
1995
March
Archbishop Favalora pays a visit to the Cubans and Haitians detained at the refugee camps in Guantanamo. A week later, the Archdiocese opens Varela Centers at several South Florida Catholic schools, in order to teach English to Cuban and Haitian children just released from the camps. The schools will help the children and their parents prepare for life in the U.S.
May 27-28
Cardinal Jaime Ortega of Havana makes an official pastoral visit to South Florida, celebrating Mass at St. Mary Cathedral; vespers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity on Biscayne Bay; and an outdoor Mass at St. Thomas University in Miami. Throngs greet him at every site. The cardinal calls for unity among Cubans, both those in exile and those inside the island. The visit to South Florida is part of a pastoral visit to Cubans in exile which also includes stays in New York, Chicago and Tampa.
June 29
Archbishop Favalora receives his pallium from Pope John Paul II in Rome. The pallium signifies his status as Metropolitan of the Province of Miami, which includes all of Florida.
1996
January
Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh, longtime director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese and a world-renown advocate of immigrants and refugees, retires after more than 40 years on the job. His plans include teaching a class in Oxford, England, on the needs of immigrants and refugees.
August 9
Radio Paz, the Spanish-language archdiocesan radio programming, begins broadcasting 24 hours a day on WACC-830 AM. The archdiocese at first leases the station, then purchases it a year later. Radio Peace, the English-language programming, will continue to air on WAXY 790-AM from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
1997
June 24
Two new auxiliary bishops are appointed for the Archdiocese of Miami: Father Thomas Wenski, director of Catholic Charities and of the Ministry to Cultural Groups in the Archdiocese; and Father Gilberto Fernandez, longtime South Florida pastor and native of Cuba. The ceremony of episcopal ordination takes place Sept. 3 at the Miami Arena, with thousands of South Florida Catholics joyously participating.
November
Archbishop Favalora travels to Rome to take part in the Synod of Bishops for America.
1998
January 25
Archbishop Favalora leads a group of about 180 pilgrims on a nine-hour visit to Havana, Cuba, to attend Pope John Paul II’s Mass in the civic plaza. The pilgrims include the cardinals of Los Angeles and Detroit, most of Florida’s bishops, Cuban laity and priests from South Florida and elsewhere, as well as many Anglos from other parts of the U.S. Originally, the archdiocese had leased a cruise ship to take nearly 1,000 people on a three-day pilgrimage which would have included a memorial service at sea for those who lost their lives trying to flee the island; a Mass at Havana’s cathedral; visits to Havana area parishes; and the papal mass. Transportation aboard the ship would have resolved the issue of hotel lodging and meals for the pilgrims without violating the U.S. embargo against spending more than $100 a day in Cuba. However, after listening to months of protests from the Cuban exile community, who objected to a cruise ship as the means of transportation, the archbishop canceled the pilgrimage by sea and quickly organized the smaller, direct, charter flight.
March
Renew 2000, a program of spiritual preparation for the Great Jubilee 2000, is launched in the archdiocese. The program calls on parishes to foster small faith-sharing groups that meet on a regular basis, during the seasons of Lent and Advent, to discuss scripture and how it applies to their lives. The three-year program is expected to renew parishes by enabling church-goers to meet and get to know their fellow parishioners.
August 13
On the 40th anniversary of its establishment, the Archdiocese of Miami consists of 108 parishes and three missions in three counties, with a registered Catholic population of more than 774,000 served by 265 diocesan priests, 122 Religious Order priests, 345 women religious and 56 men religious, and 128 permanent deacons.
October
Catholic Charities mobilizes to help the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central America. The nations hardest-hit were Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador, where thousands died and entire villages were destroyed when swollen rivers overflowed. In a joint private-public effort, thousands of pounds of food and emergency supplies collected at local fire stations and by private agencies were sorted and shipped through Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. The extent of the devastation also prompted Catholic Relief Services to announce a $500 million effort not only to rebuild the infrastructure of the hardest-hit nations but also to reshape the unjust social structures that increased the damage wrought by the storm. In order to avoid even the appearance of corruption, and ensure that the help reaches the needy, the governments of the affected nations agreed to allow the church and other international relief organizations to administer and distribute the aid.
1999
September
Archbishop Favalora announces plans for Vision 2000, a campaign to generate a $75 million endowment that will enable the Church in South Florida to continue its educational and charitable ministries into the 21st century.
November
Catholic Charities teams up with Florida’s Department of Children and Families in a unique program to recruit foster and adoptive parents from among Catholic parishioners in South Florida. The goal is to reduce the backlog of needy children who linger in foster care by finding good homes where they can rebuild their lives.
Archbishop Favalora and his auxiliary bishops become the first to be fingerprinted under a new policy that requires background checks of all archdiocesan employees, including priests, deacons, religious and volunteers. Approved in 1998 by the Catholic bishops of Florida, the statewide program aims to reassure the public regarding people who work with the elderly, children and the disabled. The fingerprinting must be completed by September 2000.
December 24
During the Christmas Eve Mass, Archbishop Favalora opens the Holy Doors at St. Mary Cathedral to symbolize the beginning of the Great Jubilee Year 2000. A weekend-long Jubilee celebration takes place in March at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and a Mass is celebrated in Broward County in November, on the feast of Christ the King.
2000
December
Vision 2000 concludes after having raised $110 million in endowments for the Archdiocese.
2001
January 6
Archbishop Favalora concludes Great Jubilee Year 2000 celebrations with a vigil Mass for the feast of the Epiphany at a park in Key West; the next day he closes the Holy Doors at St. Mary Cathedral to symbolize the official end of the Jubilee Year.
2002
December 10
Auxiliary Bishop Gilberto Fernández, 67, announces his retirement from active ministry due to failing health.
2003
April 29
Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román turns 75 and submits his resignation to the Holy See, which accepts it June 7, 2003. The bishop is retiring from his official duties as auxiliary bishop although he will continue to minister at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, where he has worked and lived since 1968.
June 22
In a rite dating back to the earliest centuries of the church, Kathleen Danes, 62, becomes the Archdiocese’s first consecrated virgin. During the ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral, Archbishop Favalora gives her a ring, signifying her marriage to Christ, and a book of the Liturgy of the Hours, signifying her special union with the church. Danes has a degree in public administration and is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Lighthouse Point. She joins the growing ranks of consecrated women across the world, women who live in the world yet remain chaste for Christ.
July 1
Miami Auxiliary Bishop Thomas G. Wenski is appointed coadjutor to Bishop Norbert Dorsey of Orlando, Fla. His welcome ceremony there is set for Aug. 22, feast of the Queenship of Mary.
In compliance with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Adults,” approved in Dallas in June, 2002, the archdiocese issues a revamped “Policy and Procedural Guidelines … Relating to Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.” The new policy updates guidelines that had been established in the archdiocese since the mid-1980s, and revised in the 1990s. Also in compliance with the bishops’ charter, the archdiocese selects a Safe Environment program, VIRTUS, and appoints Marist Brother Joseph Teston to coordinate its implementation. Vicki Kaufmann, chief operating officer of Catholic Charities, is appointed Victims Assistance Coordinator, with a toll-free number where those who may have been abused by archdiocesan clergy or lay personnel may seek referrals and counseling. Dianne Trillo is hired as human resources generalist to implement the fingerprinting and background checks that are required of all archdiocesan employees and parish volunteers.
November 21
Msgr. Felipe de Jesús Estevez, former pastor of St. Agatha Church in Miami (1987-2001) and spiritual director at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, is appointed the eighth auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, becoming the fourth Cuban to be appointed bishop in the United States in modern times. His ordination ceremony takes place Jan. 7, 2004, at St. Mary Cathedral.
December 11
The archdiocese publishes, “A Time to Heal,” an eight-page special section in The Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica, which reveals the total number of sexual misconduct allegations against archdiocesan priests, religious and laity since the archdiocese’s founding in 1958, as well as the dollar amount of settlements and legal fees paid out since the Archdiocese of Miami Insurance Programs were established in 1966. “To help restore the bonds of trust and communion, I present this report on where the Archdiocese of Miami stands in this national scandal and our response to it,” writes Archbishop Favalora in a letter introducing the report, which is also posted on the archdiocesan website: www.miamiarch.org.
2005
June 7
Archbishop Emeritus Edward A. McCarthy dies in his sleep at the age of 87. His funeral Mass was celebrated June 13, with Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román preaching the homily, and the late archbishop’s sister, brother, nieces and nephews in attendance. He was buried in the priests’ section of Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami.
June 21
Msgr. John Noonan, 54, who serves as rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary, is named the ninth auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami. He is the first Irish-born Florida priest to be named a bishop since the death of Bishop Patrick Barry in 1940. His ordination takes place Aug. 24, 2005.
2008
October 7
On its 50th anniversary, the archdiocese consists of 111 parishes and 7 missions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. More than 750,000 registered Catholics are served by 264 diocesan priests, 89 religious order priests, 150 permanent deacons, 314 women religious and 55 men religious.
2009
January 22
Six of the archdiocese’s 59 elementary schools announce they will close at the end of the school year due to falling enrollments and rising costs: Corpus Christi in Wynwood, Our Lady of Divine Providence in Sweetwater, Sacred Heart in Homestead, St. Clement in Fort Lauderdale, St. Francis Xavier in Overtown and St. Stephen in Miramar. Eventually, charter schools move into all of those locations, leasing the buildings from the local parish.
June 30
Due to the ongoing financial crisis, the archdiocese announces the closing of its Youth Ministry Office. This means ministry to teens up to age 17 and young adults ages 18 and older will be handled entirely at the parish level. The Respect Life Office also will no longer receive any funding from the archdiocese but depend entirely on donations to carry out its work.
August 15-16
The archdiocese announces the merger of eight parishes, five missions and one apostolate. Effective Nov. 1: Divine Mercy Haitian Mission merges into St. Clement Parish in Fort Lauderdale; Resurrection Parish in Dania merges into St. Maurice in Dania Beach; St. Charles Borromeo merges into St. Matthew in Hallandale; St. George merges into Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Fort Lauderdale; St. Joseph Haitian Mission merges into St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Pompano Beach; St. Luke Parish in Coconut Creek and Our Lady Aparecida Brazilian Mission in Hollywood both merge into St. Vincent in Margate; the Vietnamese apostolate becomes part of St. Helen Parish in Fort Lauderdale; Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Opa-Locka merges into St. James in North Miami; St. Cecilia merges into St. John the Apostle in Hialeah; St. Francis Xavier Mission in Overtown merges into Gesu in downtown Miami; St. Philip Neri Mission merges into St. Monica in Miami Gardens; St. Robert Bellarmine merges into Corpus Christi in Miami; St. Vincent de Paul in Miami merges into St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores.
October 8
The Archdiocese of Miami now numbers 103 parishes and two missions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.
October 15
Father Fernando Isern, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kendall, is appointed bishop of Pueblo, Colo., becoming the 11th Miami priest to be named a bishop since the archdiocese was established.
2010
March 9
Two archdiocesan elementary schools announce they will close at the end of the school year due to rising costs and falling enrollment: St. Joseph on Miami Beach and St. Elizabeth of Hungary-St. Joseph in Pompano Beach. This brings the total number of elementary schools in the archdiocese to 48, along with 13 secondary schools.
April 20
Pope Benedict XVI names Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, a former Miami priest and auxiliary bishop, as the fourth Archbishop of Miami, accepting at the same time the retirement of Archbishop John C. Favalora, who will turn 75 — the Vatican-mandated retirement age — in December 2010. Archbishop-elect Wenski is installed June 1, 2010 at St. Mary Cathedral.
September
Archbishop Wenski begins to reopen some of the churches that were closed in 2009:
St. Robert Bellarmine reopens as a mission of Corpus Christi Parish in Wynwood in September 2010;
St. Joseph Haitian Mission reopens as a mission of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pompano Beach in January 2011;
St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Hallandale reopens in August 2014 as Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Mission, the new home of South Florida’s Vietnamese Catholics;
Resurrection Church in Dania Beach becomes St. Maurice at Resurrection in April 2014, when repairs can no longer be made to the old and sagging stable that had housed St. Maurice; and
Divine Mercy Haitian Mission in Fort Lauderdale reopens in May 2015 as St. Jude Knanaya Parish, a home for Indian Catholics of the Syro-Malabar Church, one of the Eastern Churches in communion with the Vatican.
2012
April 3
At the annual Chrism Mass with archdiocesan priests, Archbishop Wenski convokes a General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami, the second in the local Church’s history. This one will only last about one year. It begins with 10 listening sessions June 15-30, 2012: five in English, three in Spanish and two in Creole; one in Monroe County, five in Miami-Dade and four in Broward. During the sessions, participants will be asked three questions: What is the Church of Miami doing well? What can the Church of Miami do better? What three priorities should the archdiocese focus on in the next three to four years? The listening sessions will last two hours and the archbishop will be present at all of them, simply to listen. Those who cannot attend a listening session in person can answer the same three questions in an online form. The listening period continues through the end of September, concluding with a listening session totally focused on youth and campus ministry.
Summer/Fall
More than 2,500 Catholics take part in the Synod listening sessions. With that feedback in hand, nearly 800 volunteers dedicate over 12,000 hours in more than 100 different sessions to discerning the trends from the people, analyzing national and archdiocesan demographics, and sharing best practices from their personal, professional and ministerial perspective. Ultimately, those volunteers provide recommendations and rationales to Archbishop Wenski relative to 18 different areas of ministry.
September
The Synod continues with 15 Focus Area Teams, composed of between 8 and 10 volunteers each, beginning the work of compiling all the feedback, studying the results, and coming up with recommendations. Their task is to come up with “SMART” goals — specific and attainable — by March 2013. Then, an Integrated Planning Team will begin studying the proposed SMART goals and determining their attainability, given the resources of the archdiocese in terms of finances, buildings and personnel.
2013
October
The second General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami concludes with the issuance of a three-year Strategic Pastoral Plan. The plan prioritizes the 53 goals proposed by Synod members and creates a road map for responding to the major challenges and opportunities surfaced. The priorities are:
Deepening our discipleship through faith formation and support: Providing a consistent invitation and diverse opportunities to all Catholics, especially adults, to grow in understanding of their faith to be better prepared and equipped to invite others to know Christ. Providing coordinated, proactive support to all of the priests in the archdiocese to deepen their discipleship and strengthen their ability to form and lead the People of God.
Expanding our missionary outreach to youth and young adults: Investing the human, financial and spiritual resources necessary to help both youth and young adults cultivate a personal and life-long relationship with Christ and to ensure that the Archdiocese of Miami becomes a model church in outreach to the Church of today and tomorrow.
Establishing our parishes as centers of hope and evangelization: Supporting parishes in embracing the missionary call of Christ to “Go and make disciples of all nations” through creating a welcoming and vibrant experience of parish life.
2014
Feb. 20
Miami gets a new auxiliary bishop, Peter Baldacchino, a native of Malta, product of the Neocatechumenal Way, and priest of the Archdiocese of Newark. Bishop Baldacchino is ordained to the episcopacy March 19, 2014.
2014
Aug. 31
St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Hallandale, which closed in October 2009, reopens as Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Mission, the new home of South Florida’s Vietnamese Catholics.
July
To comply with the Synod directives, the Archdiocese creates a Secretariat for Parish Life. The new secretariat will encompass a newly created Office of Evangelization and Parish Life, as well as the offices of Marriage and Family Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Missions. The Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry re-opens in October 2014.
2017
Oct. 12
The Holy See names a second auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese: Enrique Delgado, a native of Peru and Miami priest who is serving as pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Weston. He is ordained to the episcopacy Dec. 7, 2017.
2018
Oct. 7
On its 60th anniversary, the Archdiocese of Miami numbers around 1.3 million Catholics, of which about 750,000 are registered in the 109 parishes and missions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. They are served by 227 diocesan and religious priests, 149 permanent deacons, and 271 religious sisters and brothers. The archdiocese also has 48 elementary schools, 13 secondary schools (four of which are operated by religious orders) and the only AdvancEd/SACS accredited virtual Catholic school in the U.S. The archdiocese also sponsors St. Thomas University, the only Catholic archdiocesan-sponsored university in the southeastern U.S.; and is home to the Adrian Dominican-run Barry University.
Since its creation in 1958, 11 auxiliary bishops have served in the Archdiocese of Miami, and 12 archdiocesan priests (*) have been selected to serve the Catholic Church as bishops. Nine of these priests were originally chosen to serve as auxiliary bishops in Miami, one as Apostolic Nuncio in the Vatican diplomatic corps, and two have been chosen immediately to lead a diocese. Following is a chronological list of Miami’s auxiliary bishops, and the Miami priests who have been named bishops:
Chapter six: Some pastoral perspectives. Certain complex situations.
“Marriages involving disparity of cult represent a privileged place for interreligious dialogue in everyday life… They involve special difficulties regarding both the Christian identity of the family and the religious upbringing of the children… The number of households with married couples with disparity of cult, on the rise in mission territories, and even in countries of long Christian tradition, urgently requires providing a differentiated pastoral care according to various social and cultural contexts. In some countries where freedom of religion does not exist, the Christian spouse is obliged to convert to another religion in order to marry, and, therefore, cannot celebrate a canonical marriage involving disparity of cult or baptize the children. We must therefore reiterate the necessity that the religious freedom of all be respected”.
“Attention needs to be given to the persons who enter such marriages, not only in the period before the wedding. Unique challenges face couples and families in which one partner is Catholic and the other is a non-believer. In such cases, bearing witness to the ability of the Gospel to immerse itself in these situations will make possible the upbringing of their children in the Christian faith”.
(For simplified reading, footnotes have been removed. The entire document can be downloaded here: bit.ly/MIA_AmorisLaetitia)
He Is Not Here, For He Has Been Raised Just as He Said (Mt 28:6).
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Just as He had said, the angel
reminds the women. This ancient greeting that proclaims the
resurrection resounds throughout the whole world.
The women, says St. Matthew, came to see the tomb and, instead of
the guards and the stone covering the entrance, they find the stone
rolled away and a mighty angel sitting on it. “Do not be afraid,” he says.
“You are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here” (Mt 28:6).
He is
not in the tomb because, as St. Paul says, “death no longer has
dominion over Him” (Rom 6:9). He is not here because, having been
obedient to the Father, He now reigns in glory for all eternity.
Christ is risen! The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our
faith. For this faith martyrs have given their lives. For this faith
missionaries leave their homeland to preach the Gospel. For this faith
you and I are called to give testimony.
Christ is risen! As we celebrate this greatest of feasts, let us rejoice in
Christ’s victory our victory and go out and proclaim that Christ is
risen indeed! May His peace be always with you.
Fr. Luis R. Largaespada V.F.
Cath·o·hól·ic
Signs of the coming Kingdom
December 3, 2020
The signs of the coming of this Kingdom are multiple, all of them positive. Jesus begins his ministry by caring for the sick, both in body and in spirit, for those who were socially excluded — lepers, for example and sinners who were looked upon with scorn by everyone, even by those who were greater sinners than they, but who pretended to be just. And what does Jesus call them? “Hypocrites.”
Jesus himself indicates these signs, the signs of the Kingdom of God: “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Mt 11:5).
“Thy kingdom come,” Christians persistently repeat when they pray the “Our Father.” Jesus has come; but the world is still marked by sin, inhabited by many people who suffer, by people who do not want to reconcile and do not forgive, by war and many forms of exploitation. Let us think about child trafficking, for example. All these facts are proof that Christ’s victory has not yet been completely attained. Many men and women still live with closed hearts.
It is above all in these situations that the second request of the “Our Father” emerges on the lips of Christians: “Thy kingdom come!” which is like saying: “We need you, Father! We need you, Jesus. We need you, Lord, to be everywhere and forever, in our midst!”
“Thy kingdom come, may you be in our midst.”
Source: Pope Francis’ catecheses on the Lord’s Prayer, given during general audiences between Dec. 5, 2018 and May 22, 2019.
Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we celebrate a new day, new season, a
new liturgical year.
As with all things new, it is a good time to look back and
reflect on the year past, the joys and the struggles especially in the light of
Covid-19.
The readings today call us to maybe consider how we have
awakened this past year.
How have we seen the Lord in a new way?
How have we grown in our relationship with Jesus, the Christ?
New days, seasons and years also invite to
look ahead.
So we can ask, How are we being invited to wake again, or maybe for the first time?
What is old, tired, dark that needs the Spark of Christ to make it new?
Lastly, there is a reminder to stay awake in the night, the times of darkness.
How do we do
that? I can stay awake in the darkness. I am reminded that the invitation is to remember that
Christ is always and everywhere present. To lean into, rely on and trust in that presence. Christ
is the Light in the midst of
darkness, if we can only choose to
open our eyes, turn our face, choose
the perspective that shows us that,
Christ will keep us awake.
Christ Be Our Light!
Fr. Damian Flanagan Administrator
Hospital
Contact Info
Baptist Hospital (Miami)
786-596-6577
Baptist Hospital (North)
Father Sammy Alvero
Father Francis Gnanasegaran
Baptist Hospital (West)
Father Nichodemus Okafor, SMMM
Broward Health Medical Center
954-355-5381
Catholic Health Services
North Campus
St. John's Nursing Center
St. Anthony's Rehabilitation Hospital
St. Joseph Assisted Living Facility
Father Santhosh Thomas, chaplain
954-739-6233
Catholic Health Services
Central Campus
Villa Maria Nursing Center
St. Catherine's Rehabilitation Hospital
Msgr. Parker Ogboe
Father Esteker Elyse, SMM
305-891-8850
Catholic Health Services
South Campus
St. Anne's Nursing Center & Residence
Father Edmund Aku
Father Francis Whatley, OSST
305-252-4000
Catholic Health Services
West Campus
St. Catherine's West Rehabilitation Hospital
Msgr. Parker Ogboe
305-351-7181
Catholic Hospice
Fr. Mario Rodrigo Ávila Vivero
Fr. Jorge Andrés Rubido Rosas
Father Raúl Pérez-Vasallo
Father Andy Lorenzo-Puga
Father Oswaldo Agudelo
305-822-2380
954-676-5465
Holy Cross Hospital
Fort Lauderdale
Father John McGoldrick, chaplain
954-351-5871
Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami)
Father Fidelis Nwankwo, CSSP
Father Lesly Jean
305-585-2529
Jackson North (Miami)
Call St. Lawrence Parish - 305-932-3560
Mercy Hospital
Father Jean Sterling Laurent, chaplain
Father Carlos Cabrera
Father Pedro Toledo
305-854-4400
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Call St. Patrick Parish - 305-531-1124
Palmetto Hospital
Call Santa Barbara Parish - 305-556-4442
South Miami Hospital
786-662-5392
UM Medical Center
305-325-5511
Veterans Administration Medical Center
(Miami)
305-324-4455 (ext. 3200)
Veteran Affairs
Father Juan M. Escamez
Westside Regional
Call St. Gregory Parish - 954-473-6261
Holy Cross Hospital
4725 North Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
A member of Catholic Health East, Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. is a full-service, non-profit Catholic
hospital, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Since opening its doors in 1955, the 559-bed hospital has offered
progressive services and programs to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Broward County. Today, Holy Cross has
more than 600 physicians on staff representing more than 40 specialties and more than 3,000 employees. The hospital
is fully accredited by the independent Joint Commission and its medical team has earned a reputation for excellence
unsurpassed in the community.
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
In witness of Jesus' healing mission, Mercy Hospital strives to improve the well-being of those served through a
healthcare delivery system designed to promote wellness and cure illness. As a ministry of the Roman Catholic
Church, we are committed to being a transforming, healing presence within our community.
Adopting the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida in "working to achieve unity of neighbor
with neighbor and neighbor with God," we attest to the value of human life in all its cycles. This is done through
respect for the unborn and recognition of the transcendent meaning of suffering and death by combining professional
excellence with a compassionate concern for the whole person.
We seek to understand and respond to the needs of our community through collaboration with others that share a common
mission and vision. With attention to fiscal responsibility, quality services are made available and accessible to
those who need them.
Contact
11410 North Kendall Drive - Suite 306
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 757-2824
Catholic Housing Management (CHM) is South Florida’s trusted leader in quality rental apartments, serving low-income
seniors and individuals with mobility, hearing or vision impairment.
Low-Income Senior Housing Specialists
CHM operates under the leadership of and in accordance with the mission of the Archdiocese of Miami. Our 18
communities are located throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Each community includes dedicated onsite
management and is safe, resident-centered and beautifully maintained.
The Office of Human Resources directs the development and administration of Human Resources policies and programs (employee recruitment, background screening and retention, employee performance evaluation and performance improvement efforts, management training, and employee compensation and benefits) in order to maximize employee effectiveness in support of the mission of the Archdiocese and its parishes and schools. The Office provides services to employees as well as training and consult to pastors and administrators on Human Resources topics. The Office is located in the Pastoral Center.
God designed marriage as an "intimate partnership of life and love" (see Gaudium et spes, no. 48). In God's design, marriage is a unique union of one man with one woman "for the whole of life" (see Canon 1055, The Code of Canon Law).
Marriage is oriented to the good of the spouses and to the creation and nurture of new human life (see Gaudium et spes, no. 48). Making decisions therefore, about when and how many children to have in marriage is a sacred responsibility that God has entrusted to husband and wife. This is the foundation of what the Church calls, "Responsible Parenthood," the call to discern God's will for your marriage while respecting His design for life and love.
The Catholic Church supports the methods of Natural Family Planning (NFP) because they respect God's design for married love. In fact, NFP represents the only authentic approach to family planning available to husbands and wives because these methods can be used to both attempt or avoid pregnancy.
When learning about NFP, it is important to know that:
Natural Family Planning is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid conception. These methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Some natural methods include use of fertility monitors to better understand the time of the wife's fertility. Married couples using NFP to postpone conception abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the wife's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. Married couples who use NFP to attempt a pregnancy, make use of the fertile window the optimum time when conception is likely.
NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p. 23)
Used with permission from the NFP Program, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.
Creighton Model Natural Family Planning Information and Courses
The Creighton Model is based upon a couple's knowledge and understanding of their naturally occurring phases of fertility and infertility. This knowledge empowers the couples to make informed decisions regarding achieving or avoiding a pregnancy.
The Creighton Model also provides valuable information to address any reproductive health concerns through the revolutionary Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTECHNOLOGY).
Couple-to-Couple League Model Natural Family Planning Information and Courses
The CCL Mission is to inspire, educate and support couples in family planning that is natural, effective, healthy and consistent with God’s plan for life, love and marriage.
Attend a three-part series of introductory classes offered by the Couple-to-Couple League to learn more about this medically safe, morally acceptable and highly effective method, both for postponing and achieving pregnancy.
Copies of the video that captured the historic Mass of installation for Archbishop Thomas Wenski, fourth archbishop of Miami, are now available from the archdiocese's Communications Department. So are the pictures of many of those who personally greeted the new archbishop after the Mass ended.
The cost of the DVD is $10 per copy, and it is available with commentary in English or Spanish. To order, write to:
Archdiocese of Miami
c/o Communications Department
9401 Biscayne Blvd
Miami Shores, FL 33138
Make checks payable to the Archdiocese of Miami. In the memo section of the check, please write Installation Mass DVD. Make sure to include the address where you would like the DVD mailed and which language (English or Spanish) you prefer.
Those wishing to look through the photos should go to:
tinyurl.com. Photos may be viewed and purchased directly from that site,
www.DotPhoto.com. To view/purchase photos from Archbishop Wenski's installation and other events he has attended since then,
go to
www.DotPhoto.com and sign in as
a "guest" with the user name "flcmiami."
Important
To All Pastors, Administrators and Bookkeepers
Third Party Claims Administrator:
All claims shall be reported to Gallagher Bassett Services. The claims reporting telephone number is: 1-844-220-5076. Client number: 060050
The toll free claims reporting number is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Initially, you will only need to notify the operator that you are calling to report a claim under the insurance policy issued to the Archdiocese of Miami. Thereafter, the operator will request additional information from you in a question and answer format. Even if you do not have all requested information, the claim notification will be accepted and the claim will be directed to the office handling claims for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Note
Please make sure that you provide a copy of these claim reporting instructions to anyone at your location who may need to notify Gallagher Bassett in the event of an accident or loss.
Below you will find the links to employment opportunities currently available within the archdiocese. Read each posting thoroughly and follow the particular instructions on how to submit your resume properly.
All employees hired by the Archdiocese of Miami will need to complete the Archdiocesan criminal background screening prior to employment, and participate in Safe Environment Virtus Training (U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People) shortly after hire.
Please note: The following requirement pertains to elementary and secondary schools, pre-schools and Early Learning Coalition centers; programs for persons with disabilities; programs for the elderly, and health care entities.
In addition to the eligibility requirements indicated in the Archdiocese of Miami Policy “Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children and Vulnerable Adults,” the selected candidate must undergo a background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and be granted a determination of eligibility as a condition of employment.
St. Patrick Catholic School, located in beautiful Miami Beach, Florida, is looking for a creative, technologically savvy teacher. The ideal candidate is a certified teacher who can plan and deliver grade-level lessons incorporating hands on, problem-solving activities that prepare students to be inquisitive, productive, team members able to solve multi-dimensional problems using a wide array of strategies. The 4th Grade Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
Florida Department of Education certification in K-6.
Excellent classroom management.
Experience working with educational computer software including digital gradebooks.
Must be of good moral character and supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected].
Subject line should read: 4th Grade – St. Patrick Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
ADT Client Supervisor – Marian Center
The Marian Center School & Services, Inc. in Miami Garden, Florida is an Educational Center for children and adults with developmental disabilities of different ages and varying levels of disability. They are currently seeking an ADT Unit Supervisor to supervise and interact with people with developmental disabilities; providing activities (indoor and outdoor), training, maintaining paperwork, attend training/meetings, and assisting with clients in all other activities.
Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Qualifications:
Required: High-school diploma or GED equivalent
Must have excellent interpersonal skills; experience with intellectually disabled preferred.
Good communication skills, including adaptive to audience, required.
Ability to follow detailed instructions.
Ability to assign and maintain discipline.
Ability to stimulate and involve others in recreational or group activities.
Demonstrates belief that issues can be addressed and resolved with mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties; expressing an optimistic attitude.
Demonstrates positive interactions with clients/staff/supervisors
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected].
Subject line should read: ADT Unit Supervisor
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Parish Receptionist (Part-Time) – St. Matthew Catholic Church
St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hallandale Beach, Florida has an immediate opening for abi-lingual
(English-Spanish), Part-time Parish Receptionist who will be responsible for providing first-point-of-contact customer service for general inquiries and visitors to the parish office and maintaining a welcoming environment to the parish. Primary duties are operating the main switchboard and greeting visitors and callers, assessing their needs, and directing them to the appropriate parties, sorting correspondence, taking Mass intentions, and other administrative tasks. The Part-time Parish Receptionist performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Responsibilities:
Provide exemplary customer service to visitors, parishioners, employees and others who contact the parish by phone, in person, and by e-mail; assess their needs and direct them to the appropriate parties. Foster a sense of hospitality and professionalism with an open-door mannerism in order to facilitate the renewal of parish structures and methods.
Provide callers answers to basic questions on operations, office locations and schedules, or document their concerns for escalation to the appropriate party.
Operate switchboard to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls.
Assist all walk-ins, new parishioners and give them the registration forms and help them register in the parish.
Assist and attend to any inquiries for Sacraments, explain the parish procedures and requisites to them and have them fill out the registration forms in the office.
Over see and facilitate the scheduling of Mass Intentions; offer date and time and input the information in the Mass Intention book.
In the spirit of collegiality, assist the Pastor and staff in any ways needed.
Qualifications:
High school diploma and 2 years’ clerical experience in a customer-service environment; non-profit helpful.
Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning files and sensitive information.
Must demonstrate a positive, welcoming and service-oriented disposition.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice, required.
Good oral and written Spanish communication skills required.
Type at least 60 wpm with 90% accuracy.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Publisher.
Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate online applications and knowledge of search-engine-optimization best practices.
Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
Demonstrated history of maintaining strict confidentiality.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to: Rev. Robert Ayala to [email protected].
Subject line should read: Part Time Parish Receptionist – St. Matthew Catholic Church
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Residential Assistant – Marian Center
The Marian Center School & Services, Inc. offers services for people with intellectual disabilities through its school, adult day training and work program, and full-time residential facility for women, in service to the Gospel and the Church’s call to love, charity and justice. They are currently seeking a Residential Assistant to assist a small group of girls with homework, arts and crafts, recreational activities, household chores, grooming and hygiene.
Must have excellent interpersonal skills; experience with intellectually disabled preferred.
Good communication skills, including adaptive to audience, required.
Ability to follow detailed instructions.
Ability to assign and maintain discipline of self and clients in residence.
Ability to stimulate and involve clients for personal care, home chores, recreational or group activities.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications, and resume to: [email protected].
Subject line should read: Residential Assistant
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) – Respect Life Administrative Office
The Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami is seeking a Part-time Administrative Assistant for the Respect Life Administrative Office in Hollywood, Florida. This position will assist the Executive Director with responsibilities in the office such answering phone calls, emails, data entry and other forms of correspondence and responding efficiently to requests. The Part-time Administrative Assistant performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: 20 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 9:00A.M. - 1:00P.M. with an occasional Saturday.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED / some pro-life ministry experience preferred but not required.
Good oral and written English language communication skills is a must, including a clear speaking voice / bilingual ability in Spanish or Creole preferred.
Knowledge of the basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel
Good time management skills including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be supportive of the Respect Life Ministry mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Administrative Assistant - Respect Life
Position open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Advanced Middle School Math Teacher (Grades 5-7) (Full-Time or Part-Time) – All Saints Church & School
All Saints Catholic Church and School in Sunrise, Florida. is searching for anAdvanced Middle School Math Teacher for the upcoming school 2019-2020 school year. This candidate will be responsible for helping students learn and apply mathematical concepts, and is qualified to teach middle school math at an advanced level and Algebra I. The Advanced Middle School Math Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Education.
Florida Department of education certification in Math grades 5-9.
Must be knowledgeable in levels of middle school math and Algebra I.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Advanced Middle School Math Teacher – All Saints Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Advanced Middle School Math Teacher (Grades 5-7) (Full-Time or Part-Time) – All Saints Church & School
All Saints Catholic Church and School in Sunrise, Florida. is searching for anAdvanced Middle School Math Teacher for the upcoming school 2019-2020 school year. This candidate will be responsible for helping students learn and apply mathematical concepts, and is qualified to teach middle school math at an advanced level and Algebra I. The Advanced Middle School Math Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Education.
Florida Department of education certification in Math grades 5-9.
Must be knowledgeable in levels of middle school math and Algebra I.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Advanced Middle School Math Teacher – All Saints Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Assistant Athletic Director - Immaculata-La Salle Catholic High School
Immaculata-La Salle Catholic High School in Miami (Coconut Grove), Florida, is looking to hire a qualified and experienced Assistant Athletic Director that is passionate about athletics. The Assistant Athletic Director will help the Athletic Director schedule and provide students an opportunity to participate in athletic activities that foster physical skills, a sense of worth and competence, a knowledge and understanding of the pleasures of sport, and the principles of fair play. The Assistant Athletic Director performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS/BA Degree preferred with administrative and/or coaching experience.
Possess and maintain a moral character that is in congruence with the expectations of the Archdiocese of Miami and the Mission of Immaculata-LaSalle High School.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience as an Athletic Administrator.
Possess a first-rate knowledge of the sport assigned including but not limited to, knowledge of training and conditioning techniques and the ability to diagnose player deficiencies and prescribe corrective activities to close skill gap.
Possess a superior ability to communicate with parents and students.
Experienced in applying first aid, including the ability to address situations dealing with blood, bodily fluids, and tissues.
Demonstrated professionalism and ability to foster positive work environment.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Skilled at managing individual, group, and organizational interactions.
Ability to lead with consistency and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
Skilled at resolving conflict and coaching others to work out conflicts.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to: Nicholas Fernandez at [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Certified Teacher (Part-Time) – Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco
Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco in East Little Havana, Florida, has an opening for a Part-time Certified Teacher. This position is responsible for achieving the mission of LLC by ensuring the success of the students enrolled in the program. The responsibilities of the Certified Teacher include planning and leading activities, instruction of lessons, and assessment of student performance. The applicant must be nurturing, creative and a dedicated professional with the ability to support the learning environment, cultivate critical thinking skills, work collaboratively as part of a team and lead small group lessons. The Part-Time Certified Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor Degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Valid currentFlorida Three-Year Temporary or Five-Year Professional Teaching Certificate.
Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
Willingness to undergo Leadership Learning Center orientation and training.
Meet eligibility requirements per FDLE background check.
Excellence in teaching and leading teacher assistants.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with diverse cultures and abilities.
Ability to lead discussions and communicate effectively.
Ability to work with children with disabilities as part of larger group of typical children.
Must be able to supervise individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills, such as learning to listen to instructions, playing with others and using play equipment, good health habits and other self-help activities.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor and demonstrated professionalism.
Excellent oral and written English - language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment required.
Subject line should read: PT Certified Teacher – LLC
Position open until filled.
Chemistry Teacher - Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced full time Chemistry teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher is expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for Chemistry. This teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, and/or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida DOE Teaching Certification in Science or Chemistry 6-12 preferred.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads, in the classroom.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent presentation skills.
Must have good classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, references and copy of certification to [email protected]
Subject line should read: Chemistry Teacher - Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Clinic Support Assistant - St. John Bosco Clinic
St John Bosco Clinic is looking for an individual who is interested in joining a Catholic non-profit organization that strives to make healthcare accessible to all those in need. The Clinic Support Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks that serve to support clinic operations. The primary tasks of this position include: processing of results and consult reports, uploading documents to the patient's EMR, completing referrals to specialists and community agencies, position will also serve as back up to the front desk clerk/receptionist, and may serve as back up to the Medical Assistant.
Schedule: 30 hours per week; Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
Qualifications:
Medical terminology knowledge required.
Certified Medical Assistant, preferred.
Must be fluent in English and Spanish, good written and oral communication, required.
Strong computer literacy, required.
Experience with electronic medical records, required.
Experience in a medical office setting, preferred.
Interest in working with underserved and diverse populations.
Strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Good time management skills including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Please include the following information on your resume:
How many years of EMR Systems experience do you have?
How many years of Medical Office experience do you have?
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Do you have a Medical Assistant license or certification?
Subject line should read: Clinic Support Assistant.
St John Bosco Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or violence in the workplace.
Coordinator for the Office of Mission and Social Advocacy – Archdiocese of Miami
The Archdiocese of Miami is searching for a Coordinator for the Office of Mission and Social Advocacy. The ideal candidate is passionate about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith, has a joyful disposition with a heart for the poor, and an untiring, can-do work ethic. The Coordinator will work under the Director of Evangelization in the Secretariat for Parish Life. This position will require a high sense of teamwork and collaborate with other ministerial and educational offices in the Pastoral Center as well as the parishes and schools. This candidate is solidly grounded in Catholic theology, with an understanding of the relationship between charity and justice, as well as the foundational principles in Catholic Social Teaching of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiary. Lastly, this position will coordinate opportunities for engaging the culture with a Catholic perspective in addressing social, political and economic structures that marginalize others.
The Coordinator of the Office of Mission and Social Advocacy performs all activities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Miami.
Primary responsibilities:
Work with the Secretariat to develop the sense of mission, missionary discipleship and missionary outreach in the archdiocese;
Collaborate with the Secretariats of Education and Parish Life(particularly evangelization, youth and young adults, religious education, etc) to ensure that the spiritual, as well as the material, needs of the poor are being addressed;
Collaborate with the Florida Catholic Conference in raising awareness among parishioners and students of pending legislation that enhances or creates barriers to social justice;
Coordinate and report on the Pontifical Mission Society (World Mission Sunday) collection, in collaboration with the Finance Office;
Coordinate and report on parish collections for the Missions;
Serve as archdiocesan liaison with Catholic Relief Services and the USCCB’s social outreach departments.
Prepare groups for missionary outreach and de-brief groups upon return, connecting them with parishes schools, and local opportunities for formation in missionary discipleship and service.
Strengthen efforts of charity and social justice by convening “come-and-see” events of those working in missions and activities promoting works of charity and justice;
Create opportunities for missionary outreach to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the archdiocese’s “sister diocese” of Port-au-Paix, Haiti, etc;
Qualifications:
An “authentic witness” to the faith who represents the teaching of the Catholic Church with zeal, integrity, and compassion to all, especially to the poor and marginalized.
Must demonstrate joy and enthusiasm for making Jesus Christ known and loved.
Must have understanding of the relationship between evangelization and missiology.
Must have active participation in parish life and/or Catholic schools.
Practicing Catholic in good standing fully committed to, and with advanced knowledge of, the mission and tenets of the Catholic Church.
Bachelor Degree in Theology, Catholic Philosophy or related field is preferred;
Comprehensive understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly human dignity, solidarity and subsidiary, as well as the apostolic exhortations and encyclicals such as Rerum Novarum, Laudato Si, etc;
Minimum 5 years of experience working in organizations or programs oriented to works of charity and social justice; teaching experience a plus.
Skilled in presentation and group facilitation.
Very organized and skilled in pre- and post-training evaluation methodologies.
Must be proficient in oral and written English and Spanish- or Haitian Creole-language communication skills, including a clear speaking voice. Haitian Creole a plus.
Excellent computer literacy, including skills in Excel, social media and communication.
Good time management skills required, including the ability to manage several projects at the same time. Knowledge of fundamentals of project management a plus.
Coordinator of Religious Education – Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL is seeking a part-time, bi-lingual (English-Spanish) Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE). This person will organize and direct the program of lifelong faith formation for all parishioners under the direction of the pastor and in collaboration with the pastoral staff. This Coordinator will have the pastor’s delegated responsibility and authority to implement a plan for lifelong comprehensive and systematic catechesis and will work in collaboration with parish staff members who share the responsibility for catechesis. The Coordinator of Religious Education performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: 20 hours/week, to include weekends and some evenings.
Responsibilities:
Implement a plan for comprehensive and systematic catechesis, including Sacramental Preparation for children, youth and adults based on the plan for comprehensive and systematic catechesis of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Implement the catechetical policies and curriculum of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Coordinate the administration of parish catechetical programs from adults to children.
Recruit, screen, train and evaluate candidates for the role of catechist.
Ensure that all their catechists are certified according to the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Collaborate with the pastor, other parish ministers and appropriate committees, boards and councils to develop catechetical vision, establish catechetical policy, and facilitate the understanding of catechetical ministry within the larger community.
Participate in the on-going formation opportunities, continuing education and professional development for CREs.
Coordinates children’s liturgies and retreats for the parish.
Work with parents to ensure the support and involvement of the family in the parish catechetical program.
Assist the pastor in developing and coordinating programs and processes for adult faith formation for adults of all ages which may include adults in the RCIA/ parents of school-aged children, senior adults, etc.
Implement Virtus programs for religious ed. students and ensure that catechetical personnel are in compliance with Safe Environment policy.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Catholic Religious Education, Theology or a related field from a Catholic University or equivalent preferred.
Three (3) – five (5) years of experience in parish catechetical ministry.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Church’s teachings in faith and morals.
Must have knowledge of tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have active participation in parish life.
Excellent oral and written English- and Spanish-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be a self-starter, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Must possess strong skills in organization, administration, recruitment/formation of volunteers.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Must have good business writing / correspondence skills.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to: Rev. Flavio Montes-Colón at [email protected]
Subject line should read: PT CRE Queen of Martyrs.
Position open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Custodian (Full-Time) – Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
Mary Help of Christians Catholic School in Parkland, Florida has an immediate opening for a full time School Custodian. This position will work primarily at the school but also be part of the overall maintenance team and be responsible for the execution of a variety of custodial and janitorial tasks that support the operation, maintenance, safety, repair and improvement of the grounds, facilities, and related equipment of Mary Help of Christians Catholic School and Church. The custodian performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Set up before and clean up after daily meal service in school Dining Hall.
Monitor Dining Hall during student lunches to ensure safe and sanitary environment.
Maintain school grounds and facilities in a clean, safe, and orderly manner through regularly scheduled custodial and maintenance duties according to scheduled tasks.
Periodically set up and break down facilities for parish and school events.
Keep storage areas clean, stocked and orderly.
Perform all work according to safe work practices while maintaining a safe, clean work area and tools, and reports any hazards to supervisor.
Other assignments as directed by supervisor.
Qualifications:
High-school diploma or G.E.D.; some experience with cleaning professionally is helpful but not necessary.
Valid FL driver license and personal automobile insurance.
Must have good oral and written English-language communication skills.
Basic PC skills, including ability to navigate the Windows OS, enter data into system and perform e-mail functions required.
Must be able to bend, climb stairs and, lift and move heavy (up to 50 pounds) objects.
Must be able to work in all environments, indoors and outdoors.
Must have good time management, including ability to manage several projects at once.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor around students and adults.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to: Donna Murphy [email protected]
Subject line should read: Custodian MHOC School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Director of Development – St. Agnes Catholic Church
St. Agnes Catholic Church in Key Biscayne, Florida seeks an energetic, mission-driven Director of Development. This person will be responsible for leading the development and advancement efforts of St. Agnes Catholic Church and St. Agnes Academy by securing financial resources in support of their mission and objectives. The Director will work under the direction and supervision of the pastor and under the guidance of the President of the Development Corporation of the Archdiocese of Miami, in addition to having a functional reporting relationship to the school principal. This position will seek opportunities and strategically identify, cultivate and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial, philanthropic support. The Director will also be responsible for designing, planning, overseeing and managing a robust, multi-million-dollar capital campaign to raise funds for new buildings. This position performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Affairs, Business or Psychology, or related field; Master Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field.
5-10 years’ direct fundraising experience.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills is a must, including clear speaking voice.
Good Spanish-language spoken and written communication skills strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success persuading and influencing groups and individuals to support the organization’s agenda with respect to colleagues, team members, volunteer leadership and other potential stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit donors, corporations or other entities for charitable purposes.
Demonstrated success leading and managing other professionals, support staff and volunteers to achieve short- and long-term professional goals and competencies individually and as members of a team.
Demonstrated history of maintaining confidentiality concerning contributor’s files.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate online applications and search engines effectively.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions.
Knowledge of the basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Essential Functions:
Seek opportunities and develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of philanthropic support for the church and academy, including but not limited to annual fund, major gifts, planned giving and events. Maintain a portfolio of major donors.
Develop, implement, and lead the development of the St. Agnes Parish and Academy’s strategic fundraising plans. Ensure the successful implementation of these plans through the efforts of staff and other volunteer leaders.
Establish fundraising goals for the church and the academy.
Grow a major gift program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
Build and implement a planned giving program, under the guidance of the senior director of planned giving of the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation.
Coordinate special donor events, including fundraising events, stewardship events and other events, as needed.
Create and sustain positive and mutually-rewarding relations between the parish, academy and their donors.
Design, develop and implement consistent, accurate and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for development efforts.
Design, develop and implement process for tracking charitable gifts made to St. Agnes through the different vehicles.
Ensure prompt and accurate gift acknowledgement, stewardship and donor communications.
Provide exemplary customer service to all internal and external constituents who contact the parish and academy by phone, email, fax or in person and all attendees at events.
Prepare donor reports and queries from Raiser’s Edge, as needed, and track all capital campaign, annual fund, major gift and planned giving prospects, actions and notes in Raiser's Edge.
Oversee assembly of media kits for distribution at events and meetings.
Collaborate and liaise with the Development Corporation of Archdiocese.
Regularly evaluate initiatives and results, both in the formative and summative stages and report results to Pastor.
Build relationships with development personnel at other parishes and identify best practices.
Learn and comply with development policies of the archdiocese as well as finance policies of the church and academy. Liaise with St. Agnes Church and Academy Business Manager.
Capital Campaign:
Design, plan, oversee and manage an integrated campaign planning process, in conjunction with the Campaign Steering Committee, that will incorporate all streams of fundraising.
Develop and implement an overall strategic plan, in coordination with the Chief Development Officer for the Archdiocese of Miami, for an integrated campaign model that supports the goals and objectives of the St. Agnes Capital Campaign involving all volunteer leadership (i.e. Campaign Steering Committee, Campaign Leadership Committee, and Volunteer Board) in the strategic development process to utilize their expertise and cultivate their support.
Oversee the creation and implementation of the campaign marketing plans and design of all campaign related materials, such as letterhead, tax receipts, etc.
Develop positive relationships with current donors and provide stewardship to the donor cultivation process.
Participate in the cultivation and solicitation of selected major contributors and campaign leadership.
Manage the overall relationship with relevant boards and committees involving staff and volunteer leaders, as appropriate.
Coordinate and manage activities related to the campaign, such as all campaign meetings, solicitation lunches and dinners, and campaign events, including a Campaign Kick-Off event (for public phase).
Develop and implement strategies to identify and incorporate new donors in the campaign to enlarge the donor base.
Supervise the maintenance of the campaign database and gift processing including production of financial campaign reports, pledge billing, and donor follow-up.
Responsible for all donor communication related to the campaign such as acknowledgement letters for all pledges and tax receipts for gifts received.
Institutional Advancement:
Design, develop and implement development programs to generate donations to the church and academy.
Work with chairs of key annual fundraisers to promote the events, coordinate the logistics of and solicit volunteers to work the events, and evaluate and report on event outcomes.
Promote development initiatives and events, fundraising campaigns through the church and academy’s website, news mediums, and social media.
Promote church and academy brand/identity and logos.
Develop and write summaries that serve as scripts for communicating a compelling case to support the development efforts of the academy.
Research and develop relationships with foundations to identify prospective grants for programming as well as operations.
Create and/or cultivate alumni association for the purpose of brand identification and developing a committed donor base.
Publish and maintain current calendar of fundraising events.
Report on post-event outcomes to the pastor, principal, parishioners and school community.
Coordinate communications with prospective donors, including parishioners and school alumni.
Create, organize and maintain development database for school alumni and individual donors.
Subject line should read: Director of Development – St. Agnes Catholic Church and Academy.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Director of Development – St. Agnes Catholic Academy
St. Agnes Catholic Academy in Key Biscayne, Florida seeks an energetic, mission-driven Director of Development. This person will be responsible for leading the development and advancement efforts of St. Agnes Catholic Church and St. Agnes Academy by securing financial resources in support of their mission and objectives. The Director will work under the direction and supervision of the pastor and under the guidance of the President of the Development Corporation of the Archdiocese of Miami, in addition to having a functional reporting relationship to the school principal. This position will seek opportunities and strategically identify, cultivate and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial, philanthropic support. The Director will also be responsible for designing, planning, overseeing and managing a robust, multi-million-dollar capital campaign to raise funds for new buildings. This position performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Affairs, Business or Psychology, or related field; Master Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field.
5-10 years’ direct fundraising experience.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills is a must, including clear speaking voice.
Good Spanish-language spoken and written communication skills strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success persuading and influencing groups and individuals to support the organization’s agenda with respect to colleagues, team members, volunteer leadership and other potential stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit donors, corporations or other entities for charitable purposes.
Demonstrated success leading and managing other professionals, support staff and volunteers to achieve short- and long-term professional goals and competencies individually and as members of a team.
Demonstrated history of maintaining confidentiality concerning contributor’s files.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate online applications and search engines effectively.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions.
Knowledge of the basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Essential Functions:
Seek opportunities and develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of philanthropic support for the church and academy, including but not limited to annual fund, major gifts, planned giving and events. Maintain a portfolio of major donors.
Develop, implement, and lead the development of the St. Agnes Parish and Academy’s strategic fundraising plans. Ensure the successful implementation of these plans through the efforts of staff and other volunteer leaders.
Establish fundraising goals for the church and the academy.
Grow a major gift program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
Build and implement a planned giving program, under the guidance of the senior director of planned giving of the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation.
Coordinate special donor events, including fundraising events, stewardship events and other events, as needed.
Create and sustain positive and mutually-rewarding relations between the parish, academy and their donors.
Design, develop and implement consistent, accurate and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for development efforts.
Design, develop and implement process for tracking charitable gifts made to St. Agnes through the different vehicles.
Ensure prompt and accurate gift acknowledgement, stewardship and donor communications.
Provide exemplary customer service to all internal and external constituents who contact the parish and academy by phone, email, fax or in person and all attendees at events.
Prepare donor reports and queries from Raiser’s Edge, as needed, and track all capital campaign, annual fund, major gift and planned giving prospects, actions and notes in Raiser's Edge.
Oversee assembly of media kits for distribution at events and meetings.
Collaborate and liaise with the Development Corporation of Archdiocese.
Regularly evaluate initiatives and results, both in the formative and summative stages and report results to Pastor.
Build relationships with development personnel at other parishes and identify best practices.
Learn and comply with development policies of the archdiocese as well as finance policies of the church and academy. Liaise with St. Agnes Church and Academy Business Manager.
Capital Campaign:
Design, plan, oversee and manage an integrated campaign planning process, in conjunction with the Campaign Steering Committee, that will incorporate all streams of fundraising.
Develop and implement an overall strategic plan, in coordination with the Chief Development Officer for the Archdiocese of Miami, for an integrated campaign model that supports the goals and objectives of the St. Agnes Capital Campaign involving all volunteer leadership (i.e. Campaign Steering Committee, Campaign Leadership Committee, and Volunteer Board) in the strategic development process to utilize their expertise and cultivate their support.
Oversee the creation and implementation of the campaign marketing plans and design of all campaign related materials, such as letterhead, tax receipts, etc.
Develop positive relationships with current donors and provide stewardship to the donor cultivation process.
Participate in the cultivation and solicitation of selected major contributors and campaign leadership.
Manage the overall relationship with relevant boards and committees involving staff and volunteer leaders, as appropriate.
Coordinate and manage activities related to the campaign, such as all campaign meetings, solicitation lunches and dinners, and campaign events, including a Campaign Kick-Off event (for public phase).
Develop and implement strategies to identify and incorporate new donors in the campaign to enlarge the donor base.
Supervise the maintenance of the campaign database and gift processing including production of financial campaign reports, pledge billing, and donor follow-up.
Responsible for all donor communication related to the campaign such as acknowledgement letters for all pledges and tax receipts for gifts received.
Institutional Advancement:
Design, develop and implement development programs to generate donations to the church and academy.
Work with chairs of key annual fundraisers to promote the events, coordinate the logistics of and solicit volunteers to work the events, and evaluate and report on event outcomes.
Promote development initiatives and events, fundraising campaigns through the church and academy’s website, news mediums, and social media.
Promote church and academy brand/identity and logos.
Develop and write summaries that serve as scripts for communicating a compelling case to support the development efforts of the academy.
Research and develop relationships with foundations to identify prospective grants for programming as well as operations.
Create and/or cultivate alumni association for the purpose of brand identification and developing a committed donor base.
Publish and maintain current calendar of fundraising events.
Report on post-event outcomes to the pastor, principal, parishioners and school community.
Coordinate communications with prospective donors, including parishioners and school alumni.
Create, organize and maintain development database for school alumni and individual donors.
Subject line should read: Director of Development – St. Agnes Catholic Church and Academy.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Director of Music – Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church
Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic Church located in Miami, Florida is looking for someone who will help to ignite the hearts of parishioners with the fire of Christ's love through the gift of music. The parish has an immediate opening for a Parish Director of Music. This key member of the ministry team will inspire the congregation to sing as part of the new evangelization. A solid knowledge of the Catholic faith and the liturgy is a must. This position requires a mastery of traditional church music as well as more contemporary forms of praise and worship. The Parish Director of Music performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: 35 hours per week, including weekends and evenings; requires occasional flexibility to accommodate liturgical season and celebration of the sacraments.
Primary Responsibilities:
Responsible for all music associated with liturgy including choir(s), direction as accompanist, cantor and/or choir director.
Coordinate and schedule musicians, cantors, accompanists, for all Parish liturgies including (but not limited to) Advent and Christmas services, Holy Week services, and any other liturgical (and para-liturgical) services as needed. Such services may include parish secular feasts but not limited to, holy days of obligation, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, All Souls Day, Passing On Ceremony, Friday Stations of the Cross (English and Spanish), etc., as well as communal celebrations of Confirmation, Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, Benediction, Reconciliation and First Communion.
Liturgical preparation through music selection using appropriate musical, pastoral and liturgical judgment for all choirs (adult, youth and children).
Responsible for having choir rehearsals for each choir twice weekly.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent. Master’s degree in Music preferred.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience.
Knowledge of the Roman Catholic liturgy and ability to integrate into the music.
Thorough understanding of applied music, music theory and the history of music, most often achieved through an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in music.
Mastery of a keyboard instrument used in liturgical celebration and voice/choral performance experience.
Knowledge of keyboard technique, liturgical service-playing techniques, group vocal techniques and choral conducting.
Some knowledge of acoustics, especially pertaining to the parish worship space.
St. Stephen is a growing, vibrant Catholic Parish and School with over 5,000 registered families. We are located in the Tampa suburb of Riverview, Florida.
Duties will include:
The planning, coordination and execution of music for parish liturgies.
This will mainly include the parish choir, developing a children’s choir, and growing the cantor program.
The candidate must be proficient in playing the organ, piano and choral conducting, and must demonstrate a well-founded understanding of Catholic liturgy.
Along with excellent musical skills, this position requires a person of lively Catholic faith with a pastoral and a collaborative spirit. Excellent communication skills are a necessity. We are seeking someone who is honest, faithful, kind and joyful in their ministry. As this is a ministry leadership position, the acceptable candidate will also be a Catholic role model for the adults and children entrusted to their musical and spiritual care.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and relocation assistance is available.
Must pass a Level II FBI Background check and complete CMG Safe Environment training.
To apply:
Tom Doyle, Parish Manager at [email protected] or (813) 689-4900
Director of Planned Giving – Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation
The Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation has an immediate opening for Director of Planned Giving. This position works under the President of the Development Corporation to design, implement, and coordinate an Archdiocesan-wide comprehensive planned giving program that strategically promotes planned giving vehicles; and is responsible for seeking out opportunities and developing and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects to ensure a strong base of ongoing planned giving support. The position is also responsible for establishing all planned giving policies and priorities as well as developing and managing a Planned Giving Advisory Council. The ideal candidate would be a collaborative, energetic self-starter with an ability to clearly articulate the link to the mission.
Qualifications:
Master's degree and three (3) years’ experience or Bachelor’s degree and (6) years’ experience in development/non-profit environment required.
Juries Doctorate degree or Certified Public Accounting license and five (5) years’ experience in estate and gift planning preferred.
Experience in planned giving is strongly preferred.
Experience in a Roman Catholic environment is preferred.
Knowledge of the basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
Skilled in presentations and group facilitation.
Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge is strongly preferred.
Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate the World Wide Web.
Type at least 60 wpm.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Excellent customer service skills required.
Knowledge of fundamentals of project management required.
Good time management skills including ability to manage several projects at the same time is required.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills is a must.
Good Spanish-language spoken and written communication skills strongly preferred.
Good Haitian Creole-language spoken and written communication skills is a plus.
Subject line should read: Director of Planned Giving.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Early Childhood School Teacher – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School in Palmetto Bay, Florida is seeking a full-time Early Childhood School Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The Applicant must be a nurturing, creative, and dedicated professional with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, designing instructions to motivate and engage all learners, and the ability to develop thematic units. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education. Master’s degree in Early Childhood preferred.
Florida Department of Education certification in Prekindergarten/Primary Education required, temporary or professional.
One year of experience.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must be able to work collaboratively with peers to promote age-appropriate best practices in early childhood education.
Must have the ability to provide a hands-on approach enabling children to discover, learn, and critically solve problems about the world.
Excellent communications skills including written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies and adapt appropriately in a ministerial environment.
Ability to collaborate in professional learning communities to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction to result in high levels of student achievement.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of the Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Elementary Grade Teacher – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – St. Richard Catholic School in Palmetto Bay, Florida has an opening for an Elementary Grade(s) School teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The candidate must be professional, enthusiastic, dedicated, creative and able to work cooperatively as a team member. The Elementary Grade(s) School Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Elementary Education.
Florida Department of Education certification in Elementary Educations Grades K-5 is required, temporary or professional.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English& Spanish -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to, via email: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Elementary Math and Algebra Teacher – St. Patrick Catholic School
St. Patrick Catholic School, located in beautiful Miami Beach, Florida, is looking for a creative, innovative Math Teacher with particular strength in Algebra. The ideal candidate is a certified teacher who can plan and deliver grade-level lessons (grades 6-8) in math, fostering a fearless, inquisitive disposition in young math learners. The Middle School Math Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and/or Mathematics.
Florida Department of Education certification in Mathematics 5-9 or 6-12.
Excellent classroom management.
Experience working with educational computer software including digital gradebooks.
Must be of good moral character and supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send cover letter, resume, supporting documentation to: Bertha Moro [email protected]
Subject line should read: Elementary School Math Teacher – St. Patrick Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Elementary School Teacher - St. Ambrose Catholic School
St. Ambrose Catholic School in Deer field Beach, Florida. has an immediate opening for a qualified Elementary School teacher (grades K-5) for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for all elementary school grade levels K-5. The Elementary School Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Elementary Education.
Must have Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education.
Must be experienced.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English - language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Elementary School Teacher – St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Miami Shores, Florida has an opening for a qualified Elementary School Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for elementary grades K-5. The Elementary School teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or related field.
Must be working towards a Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. Professional certification in K-6th grade preferred.
Excellent classroom management.
Minimum of one year teaching experience preferred.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Elementary School Teacher – St. Bernadette Catholic School
St. Bernadette Catholic School in Hollywood, Florida has an opening for a qualified Elementary School teacher (grades K-5) for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for all elementary school grade levels K-5. The Elementary School Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Elementary Education.
Must have Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education.
Must be Catechist certified.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Elementary School Teacher - St. Mark Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida has an opening for a qualified Elementary School teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This candidate can help students learn, apply higher order thinking skills, and is qualified to teach elementary school. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for an elementary schoolteacher and performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Elementary Education.
Florida department of Education Elementary K-5 teaching certificate, temporary or professional required.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English - language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency with Apple technologies just as iPad and proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
English / Yearbook Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida. has an opening for a Full-time English / Yearbook Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for grades 6-12 English. Also, this person will be leading student to develop and produce a school yearbook. This person must be supportive and respectful of the mission, vision, and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, as a Catholic, Jesuit school is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society.
The school seeks to hire and retain employees who are skilled in their field, involved participants in the community, active in their faith, and dedicated to carrying out the mission of the school. Applicants should have the ability to relate to and work well with others, possess excellent writing, communication, organizational and leadership skills, and be proficient in the use of computers and technology. A working knowledge of the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education is desirable. Salary is commensurate with degrees and experience.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English or related field. Master’s degree in English or related field preferred.
Florida DOE certification in English 6-12 required.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Basic PC skills, including ability to navigate the Windows OS, enter data into system and perform e-mail functions.
Good English-language communication skills, Spanish-language spoken communication skills a plus.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional and pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Experienced teachers who have demonstrated a command of teaching techniques that highly motivate students are preferred. Qualified candidates should send a letter of inquiry and a resume to [email protected] and application
belenjesuit.myschoolapp.com
Subject line should read: English / Yearbook Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
English Teacher - Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory located in Hollywood, Florida is seeking to hire a full-time English Teacher. As part of the teaching faculty, this position requires thorough unit planning utilizing the Understanding by Design model, making full use of the 75-minute teaching period (every other day rotation), teaching six periods of coursework, and close collaboration with colleagues. Posting to the CANVAS learning management system and regular contact with parents regarding student progress is emphasized. Various extra-curricular opportunities are also available. The English Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic/Marianist character of the school.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English. Master’s degree in English preferred.
Florida Department of Education State certification in English 6-12 or eligibility to obtain within two years.
Minimum of two years’ experience in teaching at a high school level.
Candidate should be familiar with iPad Applications and have a willingness to work with such technology.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as MS Word, PowerPoint, and digital gradebooks.
Must be flexible in assigned courses to teach within the department.
Excellent oral and written English-language communications skills, including clear speaking voice. Good spelling and grammar required.
Must have excellent classroom management.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send resume and cover letter to: Raiza Echemendia, Assistant Head of School [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Executive Director – Hope Outreach Center Inc.
Hope Outreach Center Inc. located in Davie, Florida, seeks dynamic and energetic applicants for the position of Executive Director. Founded in 1995, and a not-for-profit human services organization, Hope Outreach offers an immediate 'hand up' to people residing primarily in southwestern Broward County, who find themselves suddenly unable to make ends meet due to: job loss, disability, health crisis, and/or some other emergency circumstance. By providing emergent financial support, food and other educational, social and community services; HOPE Outreach Center often serves as the financial and emotional bridge that allows families in crisis to return to self-reliance and independence quickly and comfortably. The organization is funded mostly through private individual donations, complemented by corporate event sponsorships and grants, and relies on the hard work of a dedicated Board of Directors, small staff of 5 employees, and more than 150 active volunteers. The Center operates on an annual budget of just over $1 million in cash contributions and in-kind donations.
Position Overview
The Executive Director oversees the development and implementation of the organization’s Strategic Plan in accordance to its mission and vision, directs all internal and external operations, and is accountable for the implementation of the strategic plan, financial management, fundraising activities, human resources, risk management, and program design & management.
This position reports to the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities:
Outreach and Advocacy:
Advance HOPE Outreach Center through public speaking, and community outreach initiatives
Engage with decision-makers at local, county and state levels
Build relationships and collaborations with partners in alliances and coalitions
Leadership and Management:
Direct the organization in keeping with the vision and mission as outlined by the Board of Directors
Oversee programs and conduct on-going program evaluations to measure success
Recommend time-lines and resources needed to achieve the organization’s strategic goals
Actively engage with and energize the organization’s internal and external stakeholders
Lead, coach, develop, train, evaluate, and retain qualified staff
Oversee the effective use and maintenance of analytic donor, volunteer and client tracking software
Oversee marketing functions, business communication systems and social media for the organization
Provide timely and accurate information and reports to the Board of Directors for evaluation and decision making
Financial Planning and Management:
Work closely with the Finance Committee of the Board to prepare annual budgets, financial and investment reports to assist the Board in making informed decisions regarding the organization’s finances and sustainability
Oversee the financial status of the organization including development of long and short-range financial plans, monitor the budget, and ensure sound financial controls are in place and in compliance with local, state and federal regulations
Set financial priorities to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of the programs constituents
Development and Fundraising:
Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
Oversee and actively participate in fundraising activities
Develop and oversee the Annual Funding Plan
Implement new funding strategies and approaches recommended by the Board of Directors
Oversee the grant-writing program in support of the organization’s programs and activities
Qualifications:
Ideally an earned (MSW) Master of Social Work degree (or a closely related discipline) from a regionally accredited university or college or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fields
Five or more years of senior non-profit management experience either as Executive Director, Assistant Director or Fundraising Director
Strong leadership skills and organizational abilities
Ability to interface and engage a diverse volunteer force
Fiscal management and keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills, which support and enable sound decision making
Excellent coalition-building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus amongst differing opinions
Outstanding presentation, written and oral communication skills
Experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder, and fundraiser
Strong commitment to the professional development of staff; successful track record of recruiting and retaining a diverse team
Strong ability to organize effectively, delegate responsibility, solve problems quickly and communicate clearly
Advanced skills in, analytical donor, volunteer and client software, MS Office and professional accounting software
Advanced skills in Social Media Communications
Fluency in English, and proficiency in Spanish a plus.
Subject line should read: Executive Director - Hope Outreach Center Inc.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Fitness Coach (Part-Time) – Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco
Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco in East Little Havana, Florida is accepting applications for a qualified Part Time Fitness Coach for this school year. This candidate must be passionate about health and fitness and can help students learn and understand physical education. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for all grades physical education.The Fitness Coach must be Christ-centered, well organized, dedicated, creative, experienced and have a professional demeanor. This position performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.
Previous coaching experience preferred.
Must have knowledge of team or individual sports and playing rules.
Must demonstrate competitive coaching skills in sports.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Groundskeeper / Gardener - Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery
Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami, Florida has an opening for a Groundskeeper/Gardener. This position is responsible for landscape and maintenance duties including lawn mowing, edging and trimming, plants installation, and lawn fertilization. The Groundskeeper/Gardener performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
High-school diploma or G.E.D required.
Experience in landscaping and lawn maintenance a plus.
Two years of experience required.
Must be able to endure frequent exposure to all weather conditions.
Must be able to work around dust and high levels of noise and vibration.
Good English-language communication skills, Spanish-language and/or Haitian-Creole or French-language spoken communication skills preferred.
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the lawn maintenance and landscaping.
Must be able to bend, climb stairs, lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to Esther Rodriguez at 305-592-6938, or email : [email protected] you may also call 305-592-0521 ext. 225
Subject line should read: Groundskeeper/Gardener – Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Guidance Counselor – Cardinal Gibbons High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is looking for a Guidance Counselor. The ideal candidate is a Certified Guidance Counselor with previous experience working with college-bound high school students. This position will be responsible for overseeing academic counseling, personal counseling, scheduling, standardized testing, and presentation planning as well as some college placement and letter writing. The Guidance Counselor performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling or related field.
Certification in K-12 Guidance Counseling.
Must be fully committed and supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church and demonstrate this in the exercise of duties.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time and should be able to meet multiple deadlines.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Good professional and phone conversation skills.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time and should be able to meet multiple deadlines.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, family members, visitors, and the general public.
Must possess the ability to prudently make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information learned in this position.
To apply: Please send Cover Letter, sample letters of recommendation, and resume along with Certifications and references to; [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Guidance Counselor - Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School located in Hollywood, Florida is looking for a Guidance Counselor. This person will work to implement the support function for students and parents as they relate to academic, personal, and post-secondary educational planning. This position is also responsible for the successful execution of the annual standardized testing program. The Guidance Counselor performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic/Marianist character of the school.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling.
School counseling experience, three years preferred.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Good time management, including ability to multi-task time and meet multiple deadlines.
Willingness to take on extracurricular duties as requested by the Head of School.
Proficiency in Technology, especially the Microsoft Office suite.
Experience with Naviance software preferred.
Experience with Administrator’s Plus software preferred.
Ability to work cooperatively.
Self-motivated.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, certifications, and references to: Raiza Echemendia, Assistant Head of School
[email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Head Football Coach - Immaculata-La Salle Catholic High School
Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami (Coconut Grove), Florida is looking to hire a qualified and experienced Head Football Coach that is passionate about athletics. The Head Football coach will schedule and provide students an opportunity to participate in play in football games and different football activities that foster physical skills, a sense of worth and competence, a knowledge and understanding of the pleasures of sport, and the principles of fair play. The Head Football Coach performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS/BA Degree preferred with administrative and/or coaching experience.
Possess and maintain a moral character that is in congruence with the expectations of the Archdiocese of Miami and the Mission of Immaculata-LaSalle High School.
Minimum of 4 years’ experience as an Athletic Coach.
Possess a first-rate knowledge of the sport assigned including but not limited to, knowledge of training and conditioning techniques and the ability to diagnose player deficiencies and prescribe corrective activities to close skill gap.
Possess a superior ability to communicate with parents and students.
Experienced in applying first aid, including the ability to address situations dealing with blood, bodily fluids, and tissues. Must be CPR certified.
Demonstrated professionalism and ability to foster positive work environment.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Skilled at managing individual, group, and organizational interactions.
Ability to lead with consistency and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
Skilled at resolving conflict and coaching others to work out conflicts.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter Nick Fernandez at [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School American History / World History Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, FL (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School American History/World History. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School American History/World History. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Required: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in History or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Social Science grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School AP U.S. Government Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School AP U.S. Government. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program that is aligned with the College Board for High School AP U.S. Government. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in U.S. Government or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Social Science grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School AP U.S. History Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School AP U.S. History. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program that is aligned with the College Board for High School AP U.S. History. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in American History or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Social Science grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Band Teacher - St. Brendan High School
St. Brendan High School in Miami is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced part time High School Band teacher. This teacher is expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Band. The Band teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, Instrumental Performance or related field.
Florida Department of Education Music Certification in grades 9-12, temporary or professional preferred.
A minimum of three or more years of experience in related area with a demonstrated knowledge in music theory, instrument-specific teaching methods and conducting, preferred.
Excellent written / oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational and planning skills.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Interested and qualified candidates are asked to electronically submit a letter of introduction addressing the requirements/skills listed above, a resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references to [email protected]. Please indicate position desired in the e-mail subject line. Review of applications taking place in March 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.
Subject line should read: High School Band Teacher – St. Brendan High School.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Biology Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School Biology. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Biology. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Biology grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Economics Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School Economics. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Economics. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Social Science grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School English Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a creative and innovative high school English teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school English. The high school English teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English or related field. Master’s degree in English or related field preferred.
Florida Department of Education State certification in English 9-12 required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as interactive projectors and TV’s and digital gradebooks.
Excellent oral and written English-language communications skills, including clear speaking voice. Good spelling and grammar required.
Candidate should be prepared to provide leadership in the fields of reading and writing.
Must have excellent classroom management.
Maintaining accurate records to demonstrate student growth.
Working collaboratively with colleagues to offer knowledge and suggestions for best practices in reading and writing.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School English Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School English. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School English. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in English or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in English grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School English Teacher - St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a creative and innovative high school English teacher. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school English. The high school English teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in English or related field.
Florida Department of Education State certification in English 9-12 required; Reading Specialist preferred.
Candidate should be familiar with Chrome Applications and have a willingness to work with educational technology.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as interactive projectors and TV’s and digital gradebooks.
Excellent oral and written English-language communications skills, including clear speaking voice. Good spelling and grammar required.
Candidate should be prepared to provide leadership in the fields of reading and writing.
Must have excellent classroom management.
Maintaining accurate records to demonstrate student growth.
Working collaboratively with colleagues to offer knowledge and suggestions for best practices in reading and writing.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School English Teacher - Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a full-time teacher for high school English (Grades 9-12) for the 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school English. The High School English teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in English. Master’s degree in English preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in English, grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Must have a minimum of one-year experience.
Must have knowledge of English for all grade levels.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Guidance Counselor - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is looking for a Guidance Counselor to assist students with personal, family, educational, and emotional issues. The Guidance Counselor helps the students with career decisions and gives them advice to help students plan for college. The Guidance Counselor must be familiar with the ADOM Employee Handbook, parent-student handbook, Code of Ethics and support the Catholic Identity, mission, philosophy and objective of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. The High School Guidance Counselor performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling or related field required.
Certification in Guidance Counseling.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Three years of experience.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time and should be able to meet multiple deadlines.
Willingness to take on extracurricular duties as requested by the Principal.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Good professional and phone conversation skills.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, family members, visitors, and the general public.
Must possess the ability to prudently make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.v
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information learned in this position.
To apply: Please send Cover Letter, Resume along with Certifications and references to;
[email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Math Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School Math. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Math. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level.
Must provide at time of resume, a copy of your Florida Department of Education Teaching Certification in Mathematics grades 6-12.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Mathematics Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a teacher for High School Mathematics (Grades 9 through 12) Algebra, Geometry, Calculus for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school mathematics. The High School Mathematics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Mathematics, grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience preferred.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Science Teacher - St. Brendan Catholic High School
St. Brendan High School in Miami, Florida is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced full time Science teacher. This teacher is expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Science. The Science teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in any Science or related field.
Florida Department of Education Certification in the subject area, temporary or professional preferred.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, respectful, and supportive of the mission and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
To apply: Interested and qualified candidates are asked to electronically submit a letter of introduction addressing the requirements/skills listed above, a resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references to [email protected]. Please indicate position desired in the e-mail subject line. Review of applications taking place in February 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.
Subject line should read: Science Teacher – St. Brendan High School.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Science Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced Science Teacher for Biology, Chemistry, Physics for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This person will be expected to plan, organize, and implement and appropriate instructional program for high school Science. The High School Science Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida DOE Teaching Certification 6-12 required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience with excellent classroom management, planning, organizing and implementing interactive classroom technology skills.
Must have experience working with a digital gradebook.
Must have knowledge of tenets of Catholic Church.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent presentation skills.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and copy of certification to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Social Studies Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a creative, and innovative high school Social Studies teacher for History and Economics for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school Social Studies. The high school Social Studies teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Social Sciences grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology, and digital gradebooks.
Must have knowledge of the basic tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communications skills, including clear speaking voice. Good spelling and grammar required.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Theology Teacher – Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School
Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School located in Southwest Ranches, Florida (Broward County) is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for High School Theology. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Theology. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Theology or related field with experience in teaching at a high school level, or show evidence working towards a master’s degree.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads in the classroom.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar forms is a plus.
Excellent presentation skills with use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and a copy of certification, to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
High School Theology Teacher - St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for its Theology Department for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year who is passionate about education in the Catholic faith. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Theology grades 9-12. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and tenets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Theology or Religious Studies or enrolled in required Graduate courses.
Catechist certified preferred.
Three years’ experience in teaching at a high school level.
Excellent classroom management.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
History Teacher - Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a full-time teacher for High School History (Grades 9-12) for the 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school History. This teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in History. Master’s degree in History preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Social Studies, grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Must have a minimum of one-year experience.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Internal Auditor - Diocese of Palm Beach
Be Part of Our Mission:
To responsibly sustain and grow the work of the Church in caring for God’s
people in the five counties that comprise the Diocese of Palm Beach in Southeastern Florida.
From Sebastian to Boca Raton and from Palm Beach to Okeechobee, we are united as a family of
faith, In Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties, the 225,749 Catholics
of the Diocese of Palm Beach span the economic and cultural spectrum of the area and contribute to
a rich and vibrant faith experience in our 50 parishes, 17 schools, 3 missions and a cemetery.
Be Part of Our Team.
The Diocese of Palm Beach Pastoral Center is in search of an Internal Auditor who possesses the
following job abilities and qualifications:
Provide comprehensive accounting and financial reporting assistance to parishes and schools
as assigned.
Responsible for conducting financial, operational and compliance review following AUP
engagements due to compliance deficiencies by the entity.
Provides on-site training to staff and assistance to pastors regarding internal controls, operating
efficiency and compliance changes.
Provide computer support to entities utilizing Sage 50 financial software and software support
tools (i.e.: helpdesk & remote desktop support).
Design training manuals by identifying and describing information needs; submitting initial
versions for review; revising and editing final copy.
Organize and present training material for parish and school finance personnel at various
diocesan meetings, workshops and electronically utilizing available software and support tools.
Bilingual Preferred Spanish/English.
Advanced Degree in Accounting or Finance.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in successful leadership positions in accounting or finance with
multiple responsibilities.
3+ years of Church/School financial experience preferred.
Reliable insured vehicle.
To apply: For a full description of the Internal Auditor position and how to apply, please visit the Diocese of
Palm Beach Employment website
www.diocesepb.org
Irrigation Technician (Full Time) – Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery
Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami, Florida has an opening for a Full-time Irrigation Technician. This position is responsible for maintaining our irrigation systems components and underground components such as pipes, valves and fitting. This person will also be responsible for performing installations, inspections, and repairs. Order parts and supplies. The Irrigation Technician performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
High-school diploma or G.E.D required.
Experience in full irrigation systems.
2 years of experience required.
Must be able to endure frequent exposure to all weather conditions.
Good English-language communication, reading and writing skills.
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the lawn maintenance and landscaping.
Must be able to bend, climb stairs, lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter to Sara Martinez at 305-592-6938, or email [email protected]
Subject line should read: Irrigation Technician – Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery
K-5 Elementary Teacher – Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
Mary Help of Christians Catholic School in Parkland, Florida is accepting applications for a qualified K-5 Elementary Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for grade levels K-5. The K-5 Elementary School teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or Elementary Education.
Florida department of Education certificate in Elementary Education Grades K-6, temporary or professional required.
Minimum of one year teaching experience preferred.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
K-5 grade Elementary Teacher / St. Helen Catholic School
St. Helen Catholic School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has an opening for a K-5 grade Elementary School teacher. The candidate must be professional, dedicated, creative, experienced, and Christ-centered. The candidate should be familiar with STREAM curriculum and supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Our ideal candidate would utilize differentiated instruction, be knowledgeable about ELL students, incorporate technology, have excellent classroom management skills, and work cooperatively as a team member.
Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor's Degree in Education.
Florida Teacher Certification is required, temporary or professional.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint is a plus.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send cover letter, resume, supporting documentation and 3 letters of reference to Mrs. Annettte Buscemi, Principal via email: [email protected]
Subject line should read: K-5 grade Elementary Teacher St. Helen Catholic School.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Math Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida. has an opening for a Full-time Math Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for grades 6-12Mathematics.This person must be supportive and respectful of the mission, vision, and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, as a Catholic, Jesuit school is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society.
The school seeks to hire and retain employees who are skilled in their field, involved participants in the community, active in their faith, and dedicated to carrying out the mission of the school. Applicants should have the ability to relate to and work well with others, possess excellent writing, communication, organizational and leadership skills, and be proficient in the use of computers and technology. A working knowledge of the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education is desirable. Salary is commensurate with degrees and experience.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Math or related field. Master’s degree in Math or related field preferred.
Florida DOE certification in Math 6-12 required.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Basic PC skills, including ability to navigate the Windows OS, enter data into system and perform e-mail functions.
Good English-language communication skills, Spanish-language spoken communication skills a plus.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional and pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Experienced teachers who have demonstrated a command of teaching techniques that highly motivate students are preferred. Qualified candidates should send a letter of inquiry and a resume to [email protected] and application
belenjesuit.myschoolapp.com
Subject line should read: MathTeacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Math Teacher – St. Brendan Catholic High School
St. Brendan Catholic High School in Miami, Florida is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced full time Math teacher. This teacher is expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for High School Math. The Math teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Math or related field, preferred.
Florida Department of Education Math certificate in grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications, email addresses of three professional references and resume to: [email protected].
Subject line should read: Math Teacher
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Mathematics High School Teacher – Immaculate- La Salle High School
Immaculate- La Salle High School is looking to hire a qualified and experienced Mathematics educator for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year that is passionate about math, can help students learn and apply higher mathematical concepts and is qualified to teach all levels of high school mathematics from Algebra I to Pre-Calculus. This candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Mathematical Science, Mathematics Education, or Engineering.
Florida Department of Education certificate, Mathematics 6-12 certification preferred temporary or professional required.
Knowledge with IPad Applications and have a willingness to work with such technology.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Must be familiar with iPad applications and have a willingness to work with such technology.
Proficiency in MS Office, online gradebooks, and SmartBoard and must have a willingness to work with such technology.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to Monica Orelle: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Mathematics Teacher – Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a teacher for high school Mathematics (Grades 9 through 12) for the upcoming of the 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for high school mathematics. The High School Mathematics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Mathematics, grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Experience teaching Higher Level Mathematics including Algebra, Geometry and Calculus preferred.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Middle School Drama/Broadcasting Teacher - St. Mark Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida has an opening for a qualified Middle School Drama/Broadcasting Teacher for the upcoming 2019/20 school year. This candidate can help students learn, apply higher order thinking skills, and is qualified to teach all levels of Middle School Drama and Broadcasting. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school. The Middle School Drama/Broadcasting teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education, Drama or Communications.
Florida department of Education 6-8 teaching certificate for Drama or Communications.
Experience in teaching Middle School and/or High School Drama and/or Broadcasting.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of innovative instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency with interactive boards, MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Math Teacher - St. Mark Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida has an opening for a qualified Middle Math teacher (6-8 grade) for the 2019-2020 school year. Candidates must be passionate about Math, can help students learn, apply higher order thinking skills, and is qualified to teach all levels of Middle School Math. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school Math. The Middle School Math teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or Math.
Florida department of Education 6-8 teaching certificate for Math.
Experience in teaching Middle School and/or High School in Math.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of innovative instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency with interactive boards, MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Proficiency with Apple technologies just as iPad and proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Math Teacher - St. David Catholic School
St. David Catholic School in Davie, Florida is looking to hire a qualified and experienced middle school Mathematics teacher that is passionate about math, who can help students learn and apply mathematical concepts, and is qualified to teach all levels of middle school mathematics (6th to 8th grade) for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school mathematics. The Middle School Mathematics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Math Education, Master’s degree in Mathematics or Math Education preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Mathematics 5-9 and/or 6-12, temporary or professional required.
Must be able to collaborate in a professional learning community to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction to result in high levels of student achievement.
Must be knowledgeable in levels of middle school math.
Excellent classroom management and program organizational skills, excellent attendance ethics, and high level of professionalism.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and morals.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Database, and Spreadsheet management, and digital gradebooks.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Must have knowledge of tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Middle School Math/Science Teacher - St. Ambrose Catholic School
St. Ambrose Catholic School in Deer field Beach, Florida is seeking for a qualified Middle School Math/Science teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The Applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, designing instruction to motivate and engage all learners, and the ability to develop cross-curricular units. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or Mathematics or Science.
Must have Teaching Certificate in Math grades 5-9 and/or Science 5-9 temporary or professional required.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English - language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Mathematics Teacher - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Miami-Dade, Florida is looking to hire a qualified and experienced Middle School Mathematics teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year that is passionate about math, who can help students learn and apply mathematical concepts, and is qualified to teach middle school Algebra and general mathematics. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school mathematics for grades 6-8. The Middle School Mathematics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Math Education, Master’s degree in Mathematics preferred.
Florida Department of Education certificate in Mathematics 5-9 and/or 6-12, temporary or professional required.
Must be knowledgeable in levels of middle school math.
Excellent classroom management and program organizational skills, excellent attendance ethics, and high level of professionalism.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Database, and Spreadsheet management, and digital gradebooks.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Must have knowledge of tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Middle School Mathematics Teacher - St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Miami Shores, Florida is looking to hire a Middle School Mathematics teacher that is passionate about math, who can help students learn and apply mathematical concepts, and is qualified to teach all levels of middle school mathematics (6th to 8th grade) for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school mathematics for grades 6-8. The Middle School Mathematics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Math Education, Master’s degree in Mathematics or Math Education preferred.
Must be working towards Florida Department of Education certificate in Mathematics 5-9, temporary or professional.
Must be knowledgeable in levels of middle school math.
Excellent classroom management and program organizational skills, excellent attendance ethics, and high level of professionalism.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books, interactive classroom technology such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Database, and Spreadsheet management, and digital gradebooks.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Must have knowledge of tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Middle School Science Teacher – St. John Neumann Catholic School
St. John Neumann Catholic School in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida seeks a full-time Middle School Science Teacher. The applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, enhance an understanding of scientific methodology and incorporate effective lab practices. The Middle School Science teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science education; Master’s degree preferred.
State of Florida Department of Education certification in Science grades 5-9.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology as well as integrate technology into the subject.
Must employ a variety of teaching methods to engage different learning styles and ability levels in the classroom.
Must have knowledge of all subject areas in science (Life, Earth, and Physical).
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must have excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman
Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Must be a team player, able to collaborate with colleagues for the benefit of the students.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Science Teacher – Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
Mary Help of Christians Catholic School in Parkland, Florida has an opening for a Middle School Science teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The Applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, designing instruction to motivate and engage all learners, and the ability to develop cross-curricular units. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or Science.
Florida Department of Education certification in Science 5-9 is required, temporary or professional.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must be flexible in assessing needs and strategies and adapt appropriately in a ministerial environment.
Must be able to collaborate in a professional learning community to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction to result in high levels of student achievement.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Science Teacher – Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
Mary Help of Christians Catholic School in Parkland, Florida has an opening for a Middle School Science teacher for the upcoming 2018-2019school year. The Applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, designing instruction to motivate and engage all learners, and the ability to develop cross-curricular units. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education or Science.
Florida Department of Education certification in Science 5-9 is required, temporary or professional.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must be flexible in assessing needs and strategies and adapt appropriately in a ministerial environment.
Must be able to collaborate in a professional learning community to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction to result in high levels of student achievement.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Science Teacher - St. David Catholic School
St. David Catholic School in Davie, Florida seeks a full-time Middle School Science Teacher for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year. Applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, enhance an understanding of scientific methodology and incorporate effective lab practices. The Middle School Science teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Science education; Master’s degree preferred.
Required: State of Florida Department of Education certification in Science grades 5-9.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Must have knowledge of all subject areas in science (Life, Earth, and Physical).
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must have excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a plus.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Middle School Social Studies Teacher – St. Jerome Catholic School
St. Jerome Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has an opening for a Middle School Social Studies teacher for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for Social Studies grades 6-8.The Middle School Social Studies teacher must be supportive and respectful of the mission, vision, and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Social Studies Education or related field.
Florida Department of Education certification in Social Sciences (History) 5-9 or Social Sciences 6-12 is required, temporary or professional.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Middle School Social Studies Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida. has an opening for a Full-time Middle School Social Studies Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for grades 6-8Social Studies. This person must be supportive and respectful of the mission, vision, and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, as a Catholic, Jesuit school is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society.
The school seeks to hire and retain employees who are skilled in their field, involved participants in the community, active in their faith, and dedicated to carrying out the mission of the school. Applicants should have the ability to relate to and work well with others, possess excellent writing, communication, organizational and leadership skills, and be proficient in the use of computers and technology. A working knowledge of the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education is desirable. Salary is commensurate with degrees and experience.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies or related field. Master’s degree in Social Studies or related field preferred.
Florida DOE certification in Social Science6-12 required.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Basic PC skills, including ability to navigate the Windows OS, enter data into system and perform e-mail functions.
Good English-language communication skills, Spanish-language spoken communication skills a plus.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional and pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Experienced teachers who have demonstrated a command of teaching techniques that highly motivate students are preferred. Qualified candidates should send a letter of inquiry and a resume to [email protected] and application
belenjesuit.myschoolapp.com
Subject line should read: Middle School Social Studies Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Middle School Social Studies Teacher - St. Agatha Catholic School
St. Agatha Catholic School in Miami, Florida has an opening for a qualified Middle School Social Studies teacher for the upcoming 2019/2020 school year. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for Middle School Social Studies (Grades 6 – 8). The Middle School Social Studies teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS/BA Degree in Education or Social Studies.
Florida Department of Education Social Sciences 6-8 teaching certificate, temporary or professional required.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent oral and written English language communication skills.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Professional demeanor.
Collaborative skills with administration and colleagues.
St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, FL has an opening for a qualified Middle School Science Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This candidate can help students learn, apply higher order thinking skills, and is qualified to teach all levels of Middle School. This teacher will be required to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for middle school. The Middle School Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Education orScience.
Florida department of Education 6-8 teaching certificate for Science.
Experience in teaching Middle School and/or High School in Science.
Excellent classroom management.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of innovative instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency with interactive boards, MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Music teacher – Immaculata-La Salle Catholic High School
Immaculata-La Salle Catholic High School in Miami (Coconut Grove) Florida is looking to hire a full time qualified and experienced Music Teacher for the 2019-20 school year.
Candidate should be passionate about the subject matter and able to demonstrate proficiency in research-based pedagogy and instructional and classroom management strategies. This individual will prepare and implement lesson plans to teach students music applications both in theory and in practice. This teacher would be responsible for teaching Chorus, Sound Engineering, and Key Boarding. Other responsibilities include coordinating and preparing Liturgical music for various school Masses, organizing a yearly Christmas Concert performance with students, participating in two musical theatre productions per year, assisting students with musical performances and partaking in choral competitions. This would be completed with anticipation of growing the musical program at Immaculata La Salle High School. The Music Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Music. Music instrument knowledge a plus.
State of Florida Department of Education Teacher Certificate, Temporary or Professional required.
Must have ADOM Catechist Certification.
Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing with considerable knowledge and familiarity of the Roman Catholic liturgy and an ability to integrate the liturgy with musical skills so that the liturgical music component of worship can be celebrated.
Ability to communicate musical concepts and instruction with oral and written communications skills.
Possess performance proficiency in a keyboard instrument used in liturgical celebration and voice/choral performance experience.
Knowledge of keyboard technique, liturgical service-playing techniques, group vocal techniques and experience in choral conducting.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice; Spanish required.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Music Teacher – Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
Mary Help of Christians Catholic School in Parkland, Florida (Broward) has an opening for a Music Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year. We are seeking a qualified candidate to introduce students to the world through music and instruments. This teacher will be expected to instruct elementary students in performance and theory. The Music Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Music Education or related field.
Must be working towards a Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. Professional certification in Music (Grades K-12) preferred.
Must have experience with voice, piano, and conducting skills.
Minimum of one-year teaching experience.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent oral and written Spanish-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send cover letter, resume and list of references to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Music Teacher (Part-Time) - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School in Palmetto Bay, Florida. is seeking to hire a Part-time Music Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. As part of the teaching faculty, this position requires lesson planning for all grades levels (K-8), and supervising of Church choir performances. The Music Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic character of the school.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Music. Master’s degree in Music preferred. Music instrument knowledge a plus.
State of Florida Department of Education Teacher Certificate, Temporary or Professional required.
One year of experience.
Ability to communicate musical concepts and instruction.
Experience with teaching primary, elementary, and middle school age children both Choral and instrumental music preferred.
Knowledge of keyboard technique, liturgical service-playing techniques, group vocal techniques and experience in choral conducting.
Familiarity with the vast repertoire of sacred music available today, both contemporary and treasured.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Parish Office Manager (Full-Time) – St. Augustine Catholic Church
St. Augustine Catholic Church in South Miami, FL. has an immediate opening for a Full-time Parish Office Manager who will responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the parish office, providing administrative support for the pastor, and assisting in the planning and logistics coordination of the ministerial activities of the parish. The St. Augustine Parish Office Manager performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami and is a person of high-level discretion and confidentiality.
Schedule: 40 hours per week, requires occasional flexibility to attend night meetings.
Qualifications:
College degree in Business or related field, with 5 years of professional-level experience and some supervisory experience.
Experience in a Roman Catholic environment strongly preferred.
Good oral and written Spanish and English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice, required.
Knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Knowledge of principles and skilled at practices of supervision and personnel administration.
Proficiency in email communications and calendar function are required.
Proficiency in MS Word. Basic skills with MS Excel.
Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
Skilled at building and maintaining good, collaborative relationships and working through conflicts.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
Subject line should read: Parish Office Manager - St. Augustine Catholic Church
Part-time Housekeeper - Morningstar Renewal Center
Morningstar Renewal Center has an immediate opening for a Part-time Housekeeper. This individual will be responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. The Part-time Housekeeper performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: Friday and Saturday / 8 hours a day
Responsibilities:
Clean rooms, hallways, bathrooms.
Clean area rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and/or draperies, using vacuum cleaners and/or shampooers.
Sweep and mop tile floors.
Empty wastebaskets and transport to outside trash cans.
Dust and polish furniture.
Keep storage areas / linen closets/ kitchen pantry clean and tidy.
Dust window blinds, ceiling fans and woodwork as necessary.
Wash windows as needed.
Wash dishes, clean kitchen including any cooking utensils and silverware as well as the refrigerator and microwave.
Take care of watering the indoor and outdoor plants.
Other assignments as directed by supervisor.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
High-school diploma or G.E.D.; some experience with cleaning professionally is helpful but not necessary.
Valid FL driver license and personal automobile insurance.
Basic oral and written English- and Spanish-language communication skills necessary.
The Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami has an opening for two Part-time Ultrasound Technicians. One technician
opening is for the Pregnancy Help Center in Miami Dade and the other is for the Fort Lauderdale center in Broward. The technicians
will perform limited ultrasounds for the purpose of pregnancy verification as well perform maintenance for all ultrasound
equipment, order ultrasound supplies, and remove any hazardous waste materials. The Ultrasound Technician must be trained
and licensed to limited scanning and shall work under the direction of the medical director and Respect Life Ministry director.
The Ultrasound Technician performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the
Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Must be a licensed ultrasound technician
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church
To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] or Respect Life Ministry Attn: Joan Crown
4747 Hollywood Blvd. Suite #103
Hollywood, Fl. 33021
Subject line should read: Respect Life Ministry Ultrasound Technician
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Physics Teacher – Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced full time Physics teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher is expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for Physics. The Physics teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, and/or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida DOE Teaching Certification in Physics 6-12 preferred.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads, in the classroom.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent presentation skills.
Must have good classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, references and copy of certification to: [email protected]
Subject line should read: Physics Teacher – Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Pre-K Teacher – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – St. Richard Catholic School
Holy Rosary - St. Richard Catholic School in Cutler Bay, Florida has an opening starting in February for a PK Teacher for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for PK students. The PK teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Early Childhood education.
Florida Department of Education Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education K-5, temporary or professional required.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English and Spanish language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Christopher Columbus High School seeks a dynamic leader to serve as President of the Catholic college preparatory school for young men founded in 1958 by the Marist Brothers. We proudly incorporate the Marist Mission into all we do: “To make Jesus known and loved.” The school, inspired by the spirit of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, seeks to emulate the role of Mary through the nurturing of youth by a caring faculty and in the showing of a special concern for the less fortunate.
Position Summary:
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of Columbus High School, appointed by the Board of Directors and approved by the Provincial of the Marist Brothers, Province of the United States. The President has final responsibility for the religious and educational programs of the school, long-range planning, as well as all aspects of the school’s general operations, financial management and institutional advancement. Columbus currently enrolls approximately 1,700 students, supported by approximately 129 professional staff.
The ideal candidate demonstrates the following qualities and capabilities:
An accomplished educator, administrator, preferably with administrative experience in academic positions, or a business leader who is a practicing Catholic with a passion for Catholic education and is willing to embrace the Marist tradition. Experience with a Marist Brothers Schools is preferred and experience with other Catholic Schools is valued in a candidate.
A collaborative, engaging leadership style with the ability to inspire and motivate the school community. The President is the “face of Columbus” and responsible for developing relationships within the school and the surrounding community at large. The President will be the “front and center” with media, donors, business community and other non-profits to increase funding and awareness.
The successful candidate will possess exemplary communication skills with a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and integrity.
A strategic thinker who is committed to excellence and can lead the school into the future.
Proven financial management, development, and philanthropic skills.
Fluent with current technology and leveraging data.
A tireless work ethic.
An advanced degree in a relevant discipline, along with demonstrated senior leadership experience.
Essential Responsibilities:
Exercises final responsibility for the quality and effectiveness of the school’s complete religious and educational program in accordance with Columbus High School’s mission and the educational mission of the Marist Brothers, bearing particular responsibility for developing the spiritual life of the school.
Assists and facilitates the work of the Board of Directors, implements Board decisions and serves as an ex-officio member of the Board.
Leads and facilitates effective communication between and among Columbus High School, the Provincial Council of the Marist Brothers, the Board of Directors, alumni, parents, community groups and the public.
Manages long-range planning for the school including institutional advancement, capital funding and plant, facilities and institutional resources.
Prepares a business plan for review by the Executive Committee and presents it to the Board of Directors.
Assumes final responsibility for the hiring of all personnel and signs all contracts.
Appoints the Principal with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Supervises and evaluates the work of the Principal including the review and approval of the Principal’s appointment of Administrators.
Supervises and evaluates the work of the Director of Technology, Director of Buildings and Grounds and the President’s Administrative Assistant.
Supervises and evaluates the work of the Development Director and assists with fundraising for Columbus High School.
Supervises and evaluates the work of the Business Manager including:
o The planning and management of the annual school budget in concert with the Principal and the Board of Directors.
o The effective maintenance of the plant in concert with the Principal and the Director of Buildings and Grounds.
Supervises and evaluates the work of the Director of Admissions including recruitment, admissions, scholarships and financial aid.
Serves as the primary liaison of Columbus to the Archdiocese of Miami.
Assumes any additional duty required by the school.
About the School:
Christopher Columbus High School is a Catholic, college preparatory, all-male secondary school open to all students without regard to race, religion, or national origin. Established in 1958, the school fosters three distinct traditions: the pursuit of academic excellence, the heritage of Catholic education, and the unique spirit and mission of the Marist Brothers which aims to nurture the growth of the whole student in heart, mind, and body.
Set on a beautifully landscaped 19-acre campus in Miami, Florida, Columbus High School features seamless integration of cutting edge technology in the learning process facilitated by a one-to-one student iPad program, campus-wide Wi-Fi, Smart and Clear Touch technology software in all classrooms, fully-equipped science and computer labs, a media center and TV production studio. and a comprehensive up-to-date digital-based library.
Outstanding athletic facilities include a fully equipped wellness and fitness center, a football/soccer field, a baseball complex, gymnasium, and state-of-the-art athletic training and conditioning areas. As the largest Catholic all-boys high school in Florida competing in sports at the 9A level, Columbus High School has a long history of winning championships.
An essential component of our school mission is also fostering a family spirit among all who have a stake in the success of the school and promoting opportunities for them to work as a community of learners. Educational best practices and love of learning start with sustained, purposeful and practical professional development opportunities for our staff. Our strong and active alumni and parent associations also contribute generously with their time, talent and treasure to the success of the school, providing mentorship programs, lecture series, development support, scholarships, and a vibrant network beyond the high school years.
Columbus students come from all areas of Miami-Dade County Total student enrollment is about 1,700 with 391 in the 2018 graduating class.
To apply:
Candidates are asked to submit resume, cover letter and references to [email protected].
Additional information, including official transcripts may be requested.
All applications are to be made by email; resumes received by mail will not be considered.
The deadline for applications will be November 23, 2018.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Principal – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – St. Richard Catholic School
The Archdiocese of Miami is searching for a vibrant and visionary Principal for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard School in Cutler Bay, Florida. The new principal must infuse the Catholic social teachings into the Florida State Standards as well as embrace technology as a learning tool for student engagement.
The applicant must be a member in good standing of the Catholic faith. The applicant must have a minimum of seven years of teaching preferably in a Catholic school and have experience as a building principal. The candidate must have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Florida administrative credential or be eligible for an Educational Leadership credential. A candidate with a strong background may be considered if s/he begins the licensing process this summer. The starting date is July 1, 2018.
Interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit electronically a letter of introduction addressing the requirements/skills listed above, a resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references to Kim Pryzbylski, Ph.D. at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Principal – Our Lady of the Lakes School
The Archdiocese of Miami is searching for a vibrant and visionary Principal for Our Lady of the Lakes School in Miami Lakes, Florida. The new principal must infuse the Catholic social teachings into the Florida State Standards as well as embrace technology as a learning tool for student engagement.
Qualifications:
The applicant must be a member in good standing of the Catholic faith.
The applicant must have a minimum of seven years of teaching preferably in a Catholic school and have experience as a building principal.
The candidate must have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Florida administrative credential or be eligible for an Educational Leadership credential.
A candidate with a strong background may be considered if s/he begins the licensing process this summer.
The starting date is July 1, 2018.
To apply: Interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit electronically a letter of introduction addressing the requirements/skills listed above, a resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references to Kim Pryzbylski, Ph.D. at [email protected].
Review of applications will begin March 27, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.
Program Associate (Thriving in Ministry Grant) (Part-Time) – St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida is seeking a Part-time Program Associate for a new and exciting program at the university called Thriving in Ministry. The program’s main objective is to identify and form pastors in pastoral leadership. The program associate will be responsible for site details for monthly cohort gatherings, both onsite at the university and in three regional sites, as well as responsibilities assigned by the program director over a five-year period (January 2019 – August 2023). This person will also be responsible for assisting the program director with executing all aspects of the grant, including but not limited to, the creation of the Council of Elders, inviting speakers annually for the Grand Seminar, budgeting, organizing materials, assisting in recruiting and creating annual cohorts of pastors, assisting with Campus Ministry at the university, and assisting with creating and executing facilitator trainings. The ideal candidate positively and energetically represents the best of St. Thomas University and its programs in the community and should be rooted in a local Christian faith community.
Schedule: 3 or 4 days per week, 20 hours per week.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Theology or Pastoral Ministry.
Must be of good moral character and an authentic witness to the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and one letter of recommendation by March 8, 2019 to: [email protected]
Subject line should read: Program Assistant, Thriving in Ministry – STU.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Program Coordinator – Respect Life Ministry
The Archdiocese of Miami Respect Life Ministries has an opening for a full-time Program Coordinator at the pregnancy center in Miami Gardens. The Coordinator is responsible for overseeing, planning, organizing and coordinating the activities of the center. This position also prepares and analyzes budgets for the pregnancy center and the outreach programs that fall under its direction. Working under the archdiocesan Executive Director and the administrative offices, the Program Coordinator also engages in extensive outreach to local parishes to solicit volunteer involvement and funding, with a goal of growing the visibility of the ministry in the community. This position also facilitates training for employees, volunteers, and program recipients and performs administrative duties and tasks as well. The Pregnancy Center Program Coordinator performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Respect Life Office and Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Responsibilities:
Supervise the activities and evaluate the work of the staff and volunteers of the pregnancy care center, ensuring that they remain updated on the policies and procedures of the respective pregnancy center. This includes both direct and indirect supervision of approximately 25 volunteers.
Direct, plan and coordinate all direct service activities, operations, and funding of the pregnancy center. This includes establishing and overseeing administrative procedures to meet objectives set by the Executive Director, the local board of directors and Respect Life office.
Resolve problems and issues escalated from the coordinators or volunteers who provide direct service and counseling support to clients. Apprise director of issues that present as trends and provide input on determining and/or modifying policies and procedures and selecting training interventions.
Oversee parish participation in the volunteer activities of the pregnancy centers, including supervision of parish coordinators, administering evaluations from parish representatives, building and maintaining an active parish representative list, implementation of fundraising initiatives for the fifth pregnancy center; and volunteer recruitment. Act as liaison between parish coordinators and volunteers.
Facilitate parenting classes twice weekly for the service recipients of the fifth pregnancy center.
Manage job performance of employees of pregnancy center, recommending appropriate action to Director Respect Life Office as needed, including training recommendations.
Build relationships with referral agencies and services, maintaining a pipeline of providers of direct services of which clients are unable to obtain at the pregnancy center.
Assist with other Respect Life Office tasks as needed with empathy, confidentiality and discretion, demonstrating excellent internal and external customer service.
Plan and coordinate logistics of Respect Life events for and throughout the entire Archdiocese such as Chastity Day, Parish Education Day, Walk for Life, Respect Sunday, Catholic Days at the Capitol and annual fundraising luncheon. This includes preparing mailings, marketing, recording participation, and accounting for financial returns.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in human services or related area and two years’ experience in the administration of social service programs.
Experience in providing direct social services required; clinical experience a plus.
One year experience in operations management required.
Some accounting or bookkeeping experience required.
Fundraising or other revenue-generating experience preferred.
Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good Spanish-language and/or Haitian Creole spoken communication skills a plus.
Must have valid Florida driver license with good driving record and automobile insurance.
Knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church and parish structures.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church on the life issues (Catechism, Evangelium Vitae)
Excellent personal interaction skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging and crisis situations, both in person and by phone.
Skilled in needs analysis and problem resolution; ability to actively listen to concerns, make quick assessments and lead people in crisis to solutions.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources.
Good computer application skills, including word processing and proficiency in spreadsheets.
Good written communication skills, including spelling and grammar required.
Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Program Coordinator – Respect Life Ministry
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Psychology Teacher - Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking to hire a qualified and experienced full time Psychology teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This person must be a dedicated professional who is able to instruct high school students and cultivate higher learning thinking. This teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and/or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida DOE Teaching Certification in Psychology 9-12 preferred.
Must have excellent classroom management.
Must be knowledgeable in areas of; learning, memory, emotion, psychological disorders, therapy, cognitive processes, and social psychology.
Must have a minimum of one-year experience.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads, in the classroom.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent presentation skills.
Must have good classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter, resume, references and copy of certification to [email protected]
Subject line should read: Psychology Teacher – Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant – St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Pompano Beach, Florida has an immediate opening for a Part-time Receptionist / Administrative Assistant, providing first point of contact customer service for general inquiries and visitors to the parish office, maintaining a welcoming environment to the parish. Primary duties are: operating the main switchboard and greeting visitors and callers, assessing their needs, and directing them to the appropriate parties. Stationed at the front desk, the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant receives and directs both walk-in and scheduled visitors. As a member of the parish administration office, this employee assists in other clerical and/or administrative tasks of the office as needed, particularly in the area of composing correspondence, entering and maintaining sacramental and other records, answering requests for information, coordinating calendar events, and other office administrative tasks. The Parish Receptionist / Administrative Assistant performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
High School diploma or GED equivalent and at least 2 years of office experience.
Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice required.
Good oral and written Creole-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice required.
Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning files and sensitive information.
Must demonstrate a positive, welcoming and service-oriented disposition.
Knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; Web editing software and Adobe PDFMaker a plus.
Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate search engines effectively in order to locate information for callers.
Type at least 60 wpm with 90% accuracy.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: St. Elizabeth of Hungary– P/T Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Reporter Photographer / Digital Production Coordinator - Diocese of Palm Beach
To responsibly sustain and grow the work of the Catholic Church in caring for God’s
people in the five counties that comprise the Diocese of Palm Beach in Southeastern Florida.
From Sebastian to Boca Raton and from Palm Beach to Okeechobee, we are united as a family of faith. In
Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties, the 225,749 Catholics of the Diocese of Palm Beach span the economic and cultural spectrum of the area and contribute to a rich and vibrant faith experience in our 50 parishes, 17 schools, 3 missions and one cemetery.
Qualifications:
Reporting/Writing stories on behalf of the Diocese of Palm Beach for the Florida Catholic, Palm Beach
Edition.
Collaborating with the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Social Media and the Chancellor on
communications matters which involve Diocesan events and activities.
Researching Diocesan events and activities, covering news events, taking photos/video, and writing
stories for the Palm Beach Edition of The Florida Catholic, various media outlets, and Diocesan
communication outlets.
Working with the Office of Communications on a depository of photographs for use by the Diocese and
its entities.
Utilizing articles, photos, and videos to post content to Diocesan social media sites and the website in a timely manner.
Collaborating with the Office of Communications regarding creating content for and distributing a
Diocesan e-newsletter
Maintaining contacts within the Diocese of Palm Beach, including parishes, schools, missions, etc.
Editing and maintaining Diocese event calendar online.
Developing weekly Parish Profile segments.
Flexibility to work nights/weekends when required to cover at Diocesan events, and manage multiple
deadlines concurrently to meet deadlines.
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or related field
Demonstrated successful work experience with above matters.
Superb writing skills. Typing speed of at least 40 wpm.
Reliable insured vehicle and valid driver’s license
Ability to travel within counties constituting Diocese of Palm Beach. Ability to travel internationally as needed.
Proficient in digital technology and social media
Proficiency in MAC and MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet.
To apply: For a full description of the Internal Auditor position and how to apply, please visit the Diocese of
Palm Beach Employment website
www.diocesepb.org
Science 3-8 Grade Teacher – All Saints Church & School
All Saints Catholic Church and School in Sunrise, Florida. is searching for a Full time Science 3-8 Grade Teacher for the upcoming school 2019-2020 school year. This candidate will be responsible for developing lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills and enhance an understanding of scientific methodology for grades 3-8. The Science 3-8 grade teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Science or Education.
Florida Department of Education certification in Science grades K-8.
Must have knowledge of all subject areas in science (Life, Earth, and Physical).
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Science 3-8 Grade Teacher – All Saints Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Science 3-8 Grade Teacher – All Saints Church & School
All Saints Catholic Church and School in Sunrise, Florida. is searching for a Full time Science 3-8 Grade Teacher for the upcoming school 2019-2020 school year. This candidate will be responsible for developing lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills and enhance an understanding of scientific methodology for grades 3-8. The Science 3-8 grade teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Science or Education.
Florida Department of Education certification in Science grades K-8.
Must have knowledge of all subject areas in science (Life, Earth, and Physical).
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subject line should read: Science 3-8 Grade Teacher – All Saints Catholic School
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Social Studies Teacher - Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, an Archdiocesan high school in South Miami-Dade, Florida and educating girls for over 50 years (http://olla.org/), has an opening for a Full-time Social Studies teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This candidate will be expected to plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program for all levels of Social Studies. The High School Social Studies teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies or related field/Master’s preferred.
Florida DOE Teaching Certification in Social Studies or related field for grades 9-12.
Knowledge and skill in use of instructional technology, including iPads, in the classroom.
Candidate should be familiar with MS Office, online gradebooks and Smart Board; he/she should have a willingness to work with such technology.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission, teachings and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English - language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Excellent presentation skills.
Must have good classroom management and demonstrated ability to engage students.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida. has an opening for a Full-time Spanish Teacher for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. This teacher will be expected to plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program for grades 6-12Spanish.This person must be supportive and respectful of the mission, vision, and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, as a Catholic, Jesuit school is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society.
The school seeks to hire and retain employees who are skilled in their field, involved participants in the community, active in their faith, and dedicated to carrying out the mission of the school. Applicants should have the ability to relate to and work well with others, possess excellent writing, communication, organizational and leadership skills, and be proficient in the use of computers and technology. A working knowledge of the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education is desirable. Salary is commensurate with degrees and experience.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Spanish or related field. Master’s degree in Spanish or related field preferred.
Florida DOE certification in Spanish 6-12 required.
Must have complete mastery of the written and spoken Spanish language.
Must have knowledge of the cultures, heritage and rich diversity of the countries that make up the Spanish-speaking world.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Basic PC skills, including ability to navigate the Windows OS, enter data into system and perform e-mail functions.
Good English-language communication skills, Spanish-language spoken communication skills a plus.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must have a professional and pleasant, service-oriented demeanor.
To apply: Experienced teachers who have demonstrated a command of teaching techniques that highly motivate students are preferred. Qualified candidates should send a letter of inquiry and a resume to [email protected] and application
belenjesuit.myschoolapp.com
Subject line should read: Spanish Teacher – Belen Jesuit Preparatory
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Spanish Teacher – Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a full-time teacher for high school Spanish (Grades 9-12) for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. Applicants should be able to develop lesson plans, assignments and assessing class work closely with school leaders and collaborate with team members. In addition, the teacher should have strong classroom management skills. The Spanish Teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Master’s degree preferred.
Florida Department of Education Spanish certificate in grades 9-12, temporary or professional required.
Must have knowledge on Spanish language and culture.
Minimum of 1-year experience.
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology.
Excellent classroom management skills.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Must conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the tenets of the Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications, resume and references to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Teacher Assistant (Ful-Time) – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School in Palmetto Bay, Florida has an opening for a Full-Time Teacher Assistant for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The applicant must be nurturing, creative and a dedicated professional with the ability to support the learning environment, cultivate critical thinking skills, work collaboratively as part of a team and lead small group lessons. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
Must have an Associated degree. Bachelor’s degree in Education preferred.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Subject line should read: Teacher Assistant – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Teacher Assistant (Part-Time) - Mother of Christ Catholic School
Mother of Christ Catholic School in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida has an opening for a Part-Time Teacher Assistant for the remainder of the school year. The applicant must be nurturing, creative and a dedicated professional with the ability to support the learning environment, cultivate critical thinking skills, work collaboratively as part of a team and lead small group lessons. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church
Qualifications:
Associate’s degree. BS / BA Degree in Education preferred.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Teacher’s Assistant (Part Time) – Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco
Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco in East Little Havana, Florida, has an opening for a Part-time Teacher’s Assistant. This position is responsible for providing intensive and wide-ranging tutorial services to students under the supervision of a Certified Teacher. The applicant must be nurturing, creative and a dedicated professional with the ability to support the learning environment, cultivate critical thinking skills, work collaboratively as part of a team and lead small group lessons. The Part-Time Teacher’s Assistant performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent or CDA, Child Development Associate, certificate within one year.
Must have a minimum of one-year experience, training in the care of children, or assisting in teaching in a school setting
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Must be able to supervise individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills, such as learning to listen to instructions, playing with others and using play equipment, good health habits and other self-help activities.
Must have a pleasant, service-oriented demeanor and demonstrated professionalism.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience in a Roman Catholic environment required.
Subject line should read: PT Teacher’s Assistant – LLC.
Position open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Technology Director - St. Mark Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida has an opening for a qualified Technology Director for the upcoming 2019/2020 school year. Provides IT support, guidance, and direction for the use of technology in the school, understands how all the hardware, software, policies, and procedures fit together in the school’s technology implementation, troubleshoots, helps teachers, staff, administrators and students use technology more effectively. Performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
BS / BA Degree in Technology
Management/Technical Tasks:
Manages all technological equipment in the school including: iPads, servers, workstations, software, printers, copiers, security systems, CCTV, access control gates, burglary systems, telephones, internet, network infrastructure, digital security, and digital record keeping.
Configures all wireless devices to be managed remotely and ensure they adhere to school policies.
Manages all vlans, ports, and firewalls.
Maintain inventory of hardware and related peripherals.
Ensures all equipment is used correctly and in accordance with school policy.
Provides five-year plan on equipment replacement, software upgrades, and improvements to the infrastructure.
Assists the principal in the implementation of the school’s technology plan.
Reviews and negotiates contract information with current and future vendors and ensures contracts are honored and school resources optimized.
Coordinate and oversee the development and maintenance of network procedures to ensure regular system backups on a timely basis.
Maintain software library and necessary documentation to include, but not to be limited to, network wiring, hardware and software.
Ensure software in the school is properly licensed and maintains related record.
Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures relative to the technological needs of the school and reports any issues arising from school policy.
Coordinate and oversee the technology team in the installation of routines necessary to network school microcomputers to mainframe computers.
Facilitate staff participation in the evaluation and selections of new software, hardware, and materials to support instructional objectives.
Oversee the maintenance of the school database system (AdminPlus Rediker system).
Ensures guidelines and standards are met for security and records retention needs.
Communicate with parents, employees, administrators and outside organizations for the purpose of providing administrative support, enhancing program awareness and assisting with program implementation and conflict resolution.
Oversee the maintenance and update of the school's social media and web pages.
Teaching/Learning Tasks:
Provide training in the use of technology to all staff and faculty.
Provide teachers with strategies of how technology can be used to achieve school, Diocesan, and state expectations.
Encourage student development of skills in the use of instructional technology resources.
Model effective use of technology in the classroom for teachers and students.
Coordinate use of technology with all school personnel.
Research and investigate the latest trends and developments in academic software and hardware used for education, including emerging technologies and technology-related pedagogy.
General Tasks:
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Maintain current information concerning student access.
Assists, when needed, any general parish technology support.
Uses physical exertion as necessary to perform required duties.
Excellent presentation skills with proficiency in use of instructional technologies.
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint and Apple Technologies.
Temporary Graphic Design Teacher – Immaculate- La Salle High School
Immaculate - La Salle High School, a private Catholic school in Miami, is looking to fill a temporary position for a full time qualified and experienced Graphics Design Teacher for the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. The candidate should be passionate about subject matter and able to demonstrate proficiency in research-based pedagogy and instructional and classroom management strategies. This teacher will design lesson plans and teach students graphic design applications both in theory and in practice while following the scope and sequence provided. This teacher will also be responsible for teaching Graphics 1 and 2 Courses, Graphics Portfolio Class, and a possible 3D Animation class. This position would be filled with anticipation of continuing the already existing Graphics program at Immaculate La Salle High School. The Temporary Graphic Design teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field.
Certifications in Graphic Design and/or Adobe Suite preferred.
ADOM Catechist certification preferred.
Proficiency in the use of Apple hardware/software, iPad, MS office suite, Abode suite (In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator), and MAYA 3D Animation software.
Candidate should be familiar with iPad Applications and have a willingness to work with such technology.
Candidate should be familiar with MSOffice, online gradebooks and SmartBoard; he/she should have a willingness to work with such technology.
Maintaining accurate records to demonstrate student growth.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
To apply: Please send cover letter, copies of certifications and resume to: [email protected]
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Temporary Middle School Science Teacher - Mother of Christ Catholic School
Mother of Christ Catholic School in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida seeks a Temporary Middle School Science Teacher. The applicant must be a dynamic and innovative educator with the ability to develop lessons that cultivate critical thinking skills, enhance an understanding of scientific methodology and incorporate effective lab practices. The Temporary Middle School Science teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science education; Master’s degree preferred.
State of Florida Department of Education certification in Science grades 5-9.
Must be able to demonstrate the technology skills needed to use digital books and interactive classroom technology as well as integrate technology into the subject.
Must employ a variety of teaching methods to engage different learning styles and ability levels in the classroom.
Must have knowledge of all subject areas in science (Life, Earth, and Physical).
Must have clear and concise communications with students and parents.
Must have excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Must have excellent classroom management skills.
Must be a team player, able to collaborate with colleagues for the benefit of the students.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a plus.
St. Brendan High School in Miami is looking to hire a qualified and experienced educator for its Theology Department that is passionate about education in the Catholic faith. The High School Theology teacher performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Qualifications:
Required: Master’s Degree in Theology or Religious Studies or in the process of completing a master’s degree; Catechist certified preferred.
Three years’ experience in teaching at a high school level preferred.
Excellent classroom management.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Roman Catholic Church teachings in faith and moral.
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Must have a professional demeanor.
Must be supportive of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] indicating position sought in the subject line.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
VPK School Teacher – The Guardian Angel Preschool
The Guardian Angel Preschool at St. Joachim Catholic Church in South Miami Heights, Florida, has an opening for a candidate who is qualified to teach VPK to join our talented, professional, teaching team. Our VPK teacher creates and implements interactive lessons plans aligned with the state standards; completes VPK assessments; maintains a fun and interactive classroom that is clean and organized; and is professional, caring, compassionate, and dedicated to the well-being of our students. Direct communication with parents, and fostering good rapport, is a necessity to our students’ development. The VPK teacher is expected to be knowledgeable in and ensure compliance with all licensing guidelines, along with those set forth by the Archdiocese of Miami. This candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.
Qualifications:
A.A. degree or higher in ECE/Child Development, or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or elementary level preferred.
Florida Teacher Certification is preferred, temporary or professional.
2 years’ experience working in a VPK classroom preferred.
State certified 45 hours’ child care training with Department of Children and Families is required.
Literacy for the VPK instructor class completed, as well as, VPK standards and training required.
Experience with curriculum development and implementation
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Experience or familiarity with Creative Curriculum, a plus.
Experience or familiarity with ABeka Curriculum, a plus.
Must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church; experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
Must have knowledge of basic tenets of Catholic Church.
Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of instructional technologies
Excellent classroom management skills
Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Spanish-language communication skills, preferred.
Good spelling and grammar required.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
Must have a professional demeanor.
To apply: Send cover letter, resume, supporting documentation to: [email protected]
Subject line should read: VPK Teacher – The Guardian Angel Preschool
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Part-time Group Home Caregiver – Schott Communities
Schott Communities, a private, not-for-profit agency located in Cooper City, Florida, has an immediate opening for a Part-time Group Home Caregiver. Founded to address the needs of persons who are deaf or disabled in South Florida, the agency is an extension of the ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami for persons who are deaf or disabled. The Part-time Group Home Caregiver supports the spiritual, social and educational ministry of Schott Communities and performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: Approximately 24 hours a week
Responsibilities:
Provide residential habilitation training in daily living skills, including personal hygiene, grooming, laundry, nutritional management, household cleaniness, personal wellness, socialization, and use of leisure time.
Be responsible, with other staff members and residents, for cleaning care, and maintenance of the group home.
Coordinate, with the Director of Residences, resident accounts and household receipts.
Accompany residents to educational, social, and recreational activities at Schott Center and in the community.
Encourage participation in religious activities and services at the Schott Center and in the local community.
Plan and coordinate the monthly activity calendar.
Coordinate family weekends.
Report safety issues in writing to the Director of Residences.
Document daily appropriate items and resident progress in log books, medical records, and resident files.
Qualifications:
High School diploma or G.E.D. bachelor’s degree preferred.
General knowledge of residential care giving.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience preferred.
Practicing Catholic in good standing who fully adheres to and models the Church’s teachings in faith and morals
Must be fully committed, supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church
Excellent oral and written English -language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
Good Spanish -language spoken communication skills a plus.
Must be a self-starter, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Miami 's ninth auxiliary bishop is Irish by birth but Floridian by choice. He cooks dinners for his fellow priests every Sunday afternoon. He is a jokester who likes playing pranks on people.
Friends and co-workers also describe Bishop John Noonan as a "priest's priest," a wise man with strong principles, gentle ways and total dedication to service.
"There's no guile in him," said Father Bob Vallee, who teaches philosophy at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami , where Bishop Noonan served as rector since 1996. "His whole life is characterized by great, great gentleness. Even when he's mad, he's gentle."
Father Vallee and Bishop Noonan have worked together for eight years. "He's the best boss I've ever worked for.
He's a very wise man. He has strong principles," Father Vallee said.
"He's a man dedicated to service. He's always serving," said Father Sean O'Sullivan, a retired archdiocesan priest whose family is friends with the Noonans in Ireland .
One illustration of Bishop Noonan's dedication to service, according to Father O'Sullivan, are the Sunday dinners he hosts for his fellow priests. The dinners are held at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Miami Shores and are open to any priest who wants to drop by. Bishop Noonan often does the cooking.
It would be easy to connect those meals with Bishop Noonan's role as director of the Ministry to Priests in the archdiocese. But the fact is the meals began long before he took on the role. His mother started the tradition around the time he was ordained in 1983.
"My mother said that priests should enjoy themselves Sunday nights" after they're done for the weekend,
Bishop Noonan explained. She also thought they should do so in a casual atmosphere, not in a restaurant.
When she died in 1995, Bishop Noonan carried on. At the seminary, he began a similar tradition, cooking Monday nights for the faculty.
"He's approachable, caring and a hard worker, which we really need now," said Father Bob Tywoniak, pastor of
Blessed Sacrament Parish in Fort Lauderdale and a classmate of the bishop. He remembers Bishop Noonan as a rather fun-loving seminarian.
According to Father Vallee, Bishop Noonan is still "very energetic, very spirited. He loves pranks and jokes."
"Therefore no seminarians can put one over on him," said Father Tywoniak.
"He has an Irish sense of humor and they get him back," said Barbara Reitberg, academic dean at St. John Vianney, recounting how the seminarians literally filled Bishop Noonan's room with balloons on his last birthday.
"He's the heart of the seminary," she said. "He's wonderful. The seminarians have great respect for him.
He's fatherly. He's fair. He's really interested in their welfare as priests in formation. He's a real gentleman."
Bishop Noonan compared his role at the seminary to that of a parent.
"They (seminarians) have challenged me. They are like my children. If you know what it's like to have teenagers, you know how that can be," he said, adding that being seminary rector has been his favorite assignment as a priest.
"I didn't plan my life to become a bishop. I was having too much fun enjoying my priesthood," he said after his appointment was announced June 21, 2005 .
He then recalled something his mother told him soon after he was ordained: "'If you want to be a good priest, you better take care of the people.' I kind of live my life that way."
Archbishop John C. Favalora appointed Bishop Noonan as executive director of the Ministry to Persons, which includes priests, deacons, religious, vocations, associations of Christian faithful, and ministries to professional groups such as attorneys, doctors and policemen. Under the leadership of Archbishop Thomas Wenski Bishop Noonan was appointed Vicar General along with Bishop Estevez. He remained in that position until assuming his new role as Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando on December 16, 2010.
Biography
Auxiliary Bishop John Noonan
Bishop Noonan Biography (08:14) September 5, 2005
Born:
Limerick , Ireland , Feb. 26, 1951
Father: John Noonan (deceased April 1, 1962 )
Mother: Margaret Purcell (deceased Oct. 13, 1995 )
Ordained:
To the priesthood, Sept. 23, 1983, for the Archdiocese of Miami, at St. Paul of the Cross Church, North Palm Beach
Appointed chaplain to His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, Oct. 22, 2001
Named Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, June 21, 2005
Ordained to the episcopacy, Aug. 24, 2005, Cathedral of St. Mary, Miami
Appointed Bishop of Orlando, October 23, 2010
Installed as Bishop of Orlando, December 16, 2010
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, St. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami (1977-1979)
Master of Divinity, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Fla. (1979-1983)
Master of Education, Boston College, Boston, Mass. (1993-1996)
Languages spoken, understood: Spanish
Priestly Ministry:
Parochial vicar, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pompano Beach (1983-1989)
Chaplain, Youth Ministry, Broward County (1985-1987)
Dean of Men, St. John Vianney College Seminary (1989-1993)
In residence, St. Rose of Lima, Miami Shores (1993-1994)
Supervising principal, Msgr. Edward Pace High School, Miami Gardens (1993-1994)
Supervising principal, St. Brendan High School, Miami (1994-1996)
Rector/President, St. John Vianney College Seminary (1996- 2005)
Director, Priestly Life and Ministry (2001-2010)
Archdiocesan Appointments:
Vocation Board (1985-1987)
Archdiocesan Pre Cana Committee (1990-1992)
Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Board (1990-1992)
La Voz Católica was the Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami from 1958 to April 2009. It resumed
publication with a limited distribution to predominantly Spanish-speaking parishes in September 2013. See links to
recent editions below.
La Voz began as two-pages in Spanish within the English-language "The Voice," expanded to four pages, and in 1982 was
launched as a stand-alone newspaper, distributed monthly in the parishes, in Hispanic markets and storefronts, and
by subscription.
At one point, from 2003-2005, it also was inserted every first Sunday in El Nuevo Herald. Its circulation reached
160,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. La Voz Católica ceased publication in April 2009 due to
archdiocesan budget cuts but many of its issues have been preserved in the archives of St. Thomas University. La Voz
is currently distributed to parishes and institutions throughout the archdiocese and reaches 30,000 readers in
Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The Agrupación Católica Universitaria (ACU) is a Marian Sodality within the Jesuit Christian Life Communities. The ACU is composed of professional Catholic men, fomed within the molds of the Society of Jesus, whose goal is to live a life in Christ based on the principles established in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignacious of Loyola.
Apostolate of the Divine Mercy/ Apostolado de la Divina Misericordia
The Apostolate of the Divine Mercy (Apostolado de la Divina Misericordia) is dedicated to promoting the message of Jesus, Divine Mercy of the Father. The essence of the message is trust in God and the works of mercy. Prayer groups dedicated to deepening their understanding of the message of our Lord to Saint Faustina are promoted throughout the Archdiocese of Miami.
El Apostolado de la Divina Misericordia se dedica a propagar y promover el mensaje de Jesús, Divina Misericordia del Padre. La esencia del mensaje es la Confianza en Dios y las Obras de Misericordia. Nuestra misión incluye promover la creación de grupos en la Casa de Oración y en las parroquiasque se dediquen a profundizar su entendimiento del mensaje de Jesús a Santa Faustina.
Men who love and respect the moral and Christian traditions of the Catholic faith. They assist parishes through their volunteer work helping the Pastor in his pastoral efforts.
The mission of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is to foster the dynamic grace of baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) which empowered the members of the early Church at Pentecost. This mission is accomplished by offering Life in the Spirit seminars, and proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father as manifested and experienced in the power and charisms of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to foster a renewal of the grace and culture of Pentecost and encourage the awareness and the experience of the full role of the Holy Spirit among Catholic Charismatic Renewal groups and ministries.
The Christian Life Movement in an International Private Association of the Faithful by Pontifical Right. Its members are clergy, people in newly consecrated forms and the laity in general. Men and women, singly or organized in communities, or other forms of association are part of the Christian Life Movement. They all have the aim of living and developing Christian life in their lives, the society, the world.
CONTACT INFO
Spiritual Director
Father Marcelino Garcia, SSJ
Coordinator
Ady Viera
Villa Javier
12725 SW 6th St Miami, FL 33184
Comunidad de Vida Cristiana Regina Mundi (CVX)
It is an Ignatian community of apostolic life. Their patron is St. Francis Xavier. Its members are lay men and women who desire to follow Christ closely and work in the construction of His kingdom. The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius are the specific fountain and instrument of their spirituality.
The Cursillo Movement is a movement of the Roman Catholic Church ministering worldwide and having the same apostolic purpose as the Church herself, evangelization.
The Cursillo, by means of its own method, makes it possible for Catholic people to live what is fundamental for being a Christian, and to live it in community.
It helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations and it promotes the creation of core groups of Christians in all walks of life.
They, in turn, leaven their environments with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fulfilling their baptismal responsibility.
Parish retreats for both men and women separately. This is a retreat for all those who wish to experience God, renew and deepen their relationship with the Lord; this is a time for personal growth.
The retreat is based on the Gospel passage of Luke 24: 13-35 (the apparition of Jesus to the Disciple of Emmaus.)
The Fundacion Ramon Pane takes its name in honor of the first evangelizer of the American continent, a young person who made a new evangelization.
We are a multilingual (Spanish, English, Portuguese and Italian) international team of Catholic Christians, who faithfully follow the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our work responds to the mandates of our Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church. We respect the Apostolic succession and the guidelines given by our Bishops.
Our purpose is to assist the different Episcopal Conferences, Dioceses and their respective ecclesial movements and groups in their evangelizing, missionary and spiritual formation.
La Fundación Ramón Pané toma su nombre en honor al primer evangelizador del continente americano - un jóven que hizo nueva evangelización.
Somos un equipo internacional (Español, Inglés, Portugués e Italiano) de Cristianos Católicos, que sigue con fidelidad el Evangelio de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Nuestro trabajo responde a los mandatos de nuestra Iglesia Católica, Apostólica y Romana. Respetamos la sucesión Apostólica y las pautas dadas por nuestros Obispos.
Nuestro propósito es ayudar a las diferentes Conferencias Episcopales, Diócesis y sus respectivos movimientos y grupos eclesiales, en su formación evangelizadora, misionera y espiritual.
The Florida Center for Peace is an organization dedicated to the propogation of the evangelical message of love, good will, prayer and conversion through two ministires: evangelization and prayer groups of adults and children. These incorporate a special devotion to Our Lady, the Queen of Peace.
The message of the Focolare is not a complicated one; its spirituality is drawn straight from the Gospel. For 2,000 years, Jesus has asked his followers to give God the first place in their lives. He desires the fulfillment of His New Commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13:34 ). It is not great works that characterize Christians, nor knowledge, miracles or mystical phenomena. If we love one another, then the world will believe. (Chiara Lubich, Founder).
Heralds of the Gospel is an International Private Association of Christ's Faithful of Pontifical Right, approved by Pope Saint John Paul II, through a decree issued by the Pontifical Council of the Laity on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, February 22, 2001. It was founded by Monsignor João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, E.P., an honorary canon of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. Active in over seventy countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia, the Heralds are committed to the New Evangelization. This broad apostolate includes disseminating the call for conversion and penance asked by Our Lady at Fatima and promoting devotion to the Most Holy Rosary. They can frequently be seen in churches, schools, homes and other public and private venues carrying out ceremonial crownings of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Two societies of apostolic life have arisen from within the Heralds of the Gospel. The Clerical Society of Apostolic Life Virgo Flos Carmeli (Virgin Flower of Carmel) is composed of male members who have answered the call to the priesthood. Though primarily ministering to the members of the association, the priests of Virgo Flos Carmeli have also taken on parochial assignments and other duties when requested by diocesan bishops. The second is the Society of Apostolic Life Regina Virginum (Queen of Virgins), which is composed of female members of Heralds of the Gospel who have professed the evangelical counsels and live as religious in community. Both the masculine and feminine branches are characterized by their life in separate communities in which they seek to 'follow Christ with greater freedom and imitate Him more closely' (Perfectae Caritatis 1) in order to better devote their lives to the service of the Church.
From a desire expressed by so many individuals in different places throughout the world, another institution arose within the Heralds of the Gospel. The "Companions" consists of married or single individuals, living in the secular world, who, while faithfully fulfilling the obligations and duties proper to their vocation and state in life, undertake to live in conformity with the charism and spirituality of the association by dedicating their free time to carrying on its apostolate and assuming certain spiritual obligations.
Hermandad El Señor de los Milagros/ The Lord of Miracles
Peruvians and faithful from other nationalities residing in the Archdiocese of Miami have brought this tradition to our local Church and the different parishes where the spirituality and devotion to the Lord continues with the celebration of Masses and processions.
Knights of Columbus – Caballeros de Colón "The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families.
Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine and South Korea.
La Nueva Jerusalén Covenant Community is a private association of the faithful since 1987. As a "community of disciples on mission" they proclaim the good news of Christ through direct evangelization and develop and support strong family life and values.
The Legion of Mary is a movement of lay Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces, serve the Church and their neighbor, on a voluntary basis, in about 190 countries. Members of the Legion of Mary become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service in a family atmosphere. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, visitation of the sick or aged, Catholic education, visiting the newly baptized, visiting families, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community.
The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who: Faithfully practice their religion; are animated by the desire to fulfill their role in the Catholic Church's apostolate of bringing Christ to the world; are prepared to fulfill each and every duty which active membership of the Legion involves. For more information on Legion Duties
click here
Matrimonios en Victoria es un movimiento laico católico internacional y un apostolado en la Arquidiócesis de Miami para el enriquecimiento matrimonial. A través de la combinación de retiros en español y en inglés y asambleas semanales de crecimiento espiritual en sus diferentes comunidades, el movimiento busca fortalecer el compromiso de los esposos a medida que descubren el plan de Dios para su matrimonio, ofreciéndoles herramientas a nivel práctico y espiritual. Su principal objetivo es la santificación del matrimonio, célula fundamental de la familia, la Iglesia y la sociedad. La evangelización, la oración y el servicio están en el corazón de MEV/MIV y sus ministerios. Entre estos se encuentra "Niños en Victoria", ofreciéndole formación y crecimiento en la fe a los niños mientras sus padres asisten a las asambleas en su comunidad. También el ministerio de "Mamás en Victoria", mediante conferencias-desayunos mensuales, les brinda a todas las mamás de la Arquidiócesis la educación y herramientas necesarias para cumplir su labor de madres por medio de la Palabra de Dios y la enseñanza de la Iglesia Católica. La pastoral del movimiento también cuenta con el programa radial en vivo, "Hombre y Mujer los Creó", semanalmente a través de la emisora de Radio Paz.
Matrimonios en Victoria/Marriages in Victory is a lay Catholic international movement and an apostolate in the Archdiocese of Miami with emphasis on marriage enrichment. Through a combination of retreats both in Spanish and English, and weekly follow-up meetings at its various communities, the movement strives to strengthen the married couple's commitment to growing in their faith and marriage relationship as they discover God's unique plan for their marriage, and to receiving the necessary spiritual and practical tools to achieve this. Its main objective is the sanctification of marriage as the fundamental cell of the family, the Church and society. Evangelization, prayer and service are at the heart of all MEV/MIV its various ministries. Among these, the ministry of "Niños en Victoria" offers faith formation and growth to the children while their parents attend their community meetings. There's also the ministry of "Mamás en Victoria," open to all mothers in the Archdiocese; it provides faith formation and the necessary tools to accomplish their motherhood with the help of the Word of God and Church teachings. The movement also has a weekly radio program, "Hombre y Mujer los Creó," which is aired live by Radio Paz .
The goal of the Miami Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (MACCW) is to unite all the Catholic women's organizations of the archdiocese in purpose, direction and action in religious, educational, social and economic fields; to stimulate these organizations to greater efficiency and usefulness in meeting the needs of the times; and to give full support to the statements and programs of the United States Bishops Conference and to render them assistance in these efforts.
The MACCW is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women, which acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The national council's programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the church and society in the modern world.
Parents filled with the love of God and for the family that have come together through the Eucharist, in a ministry of prayer and intercession for their sons and daughters.
Since the early years of Christianity, the catechumenate has been the means through which the Church enabled people to acquire an adult faith so that they could receive baptism. The Neocatechumenal Way is an instrument approved by the Holy See that helps baptized people to rediscover the greatness and gifts of their baptism in the midst of a secularized society.
This takes place through an itinerary, that by means of the preaching of the Kerygma and the tripod of Christian Life "Word of God-Liturgy-Community", leads people to fraternal communion and mature faith. In 1990, Pope John Paul II recognized the Neocatechumenal Way as "an itinerary of catholic formation valid for our society and for our times," encouraging bishops and priests to "value and support this work for the New Evangelization."
At different times and in different ways, also Benedict XVI has addressed the Neocatechumenal Way in order to stress the abundant fruits of Gospel lived in the daily life and the extraordinary missionary zeal that it brings to the life of the lay faithful, to families, to parish communities, and the wealth of vocations it inspires to the priestly and religious life.
Nueva Vida (New Life) is a movement to help those who have been affected by substance abuse (addiction) and to help them and their families to heal. The movement holds spiritual retreats for both the family members and the addict. They hold weekly meetings to follow up on their recovery as support groups.
CONTACT INFO
Director
Msgr. Oscar F. Castañeda
(305) 635-1331
Opus Caritatis
Opus Caritatis is presently involved in ministry to the homeless, the elderly and those who need substance abuse recovery. They are committed to work with those suffering from alcohol and drug dependency.
Praying for Our Children Ministry / Ministerio Orando por Nuestros Hijos
Praying for our Children is a worldwide ministry and Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Miami and West Palm Beach. It was born in 2007, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Coral Springs. Intercessory prayer and love are the heart of our ministry and the Holy Rosary is our main prayer tool which we use daily. Our main mission is constant and perseverant prayers for our children and the children of the whole world. Our activities include prayer nights in community, monthly prayers at the church in front of the Blessed Sacrament or in front of the Tabernacle, the Pilgrim Virgin, which is received and delivered to families and our Intercessory Prayer Group: A group of 40+ people who pray 24/7 to the Holy Spirit for the intention of the families and people of the whole world.
Somos un Apostolado en la Arquidiócesis de Miami y un Ministerio Católico Internacional. Nos iniciamos en el ano 2007 en la Iglesia St. Andrew de Coral Springs. El amor y la intercesión son el corazón de este ministerio. El principal carisma es la oración de intercesión por las necesidades de los hijos del mundo entero. El Santo Rosario es nuestra principal herramienta de oración.
Nuestra actividades incluyen: Rezar el Santo Rosario por nuestros hijos en Comunidad, Oración Perpetua, peregrinación de la imagen de la Virgen María y evangelización a través de la Palabra de Dios.
Prayer and Life Workshops / Talleres de Oración Y Vida
Prayer and Life Workshops aim to help participants learn about prayer and deepen their prayer life. They are taught how to enter into a personal relationship with the Lord, from the very first step until the heights of contemplation. The result is becoming a friend and disciple of Christ.
Talleres de Oración y Vida es un servicio para aprender y profundizar en el arte de orar. Se aprende a entrar en la relación personal con el Señor, desde los primeros pasos hasta las alturas de la contemplación. El resultado es llegar a ser amigos y discípulos del Señor.
CONTACT INFO
Delegate / Delegada
Sr. Teresa Rodriguez, FMA Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco / Hermanas Salesianas de San Juan Bosco
The Salesian Cooperators are a Public Ecclesiastical Association of the Faithful founded by St. John Bosco, better known as Don Bosco, with guidelines and regulations approved by Pius IX in 1876. The Salesian Cooperators are Catholics who, while living their faith within the framework of their own secular condition, draw their inspiration from Don Bosco's apostolic project, to contribute to the salvation of the young, "that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise. The lay cooperators fulfill their commitment and live the Salesian spirit in the normal situations of their life and work, according to their lay state, and spread their values in their environment.
Los Cooperadores Salesianos son una Asociación Eclesial Pública de Fieles fundada por San Juan Bosco, comúnmente conocido como Don Bosco, con su propio reglamento, aprobado por Pío IX en 1876. El Cooperador Salesiano es un católico que vive su fe inspirándose, desde su realidad secular, en el proyecto apostólico de Don Bosco, para contribuir a la salvación de la juventud, "la porción más delicada y preciosa de la sociedad humana". Los laicos Cooperadores cumplen con su compromiso y viven el espíritu salesiano en las situaciones normales de la vida y el trabajo, en función de su estado laical, y difunden sus valores en su entorno.
Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement - Movimiento Schoenstatt
Schoenstatt is a Marian movement founded in Germany on October 18, 1914. It was among the first of the lay communities that emerged in the 20th century in the Catholic Church. The movement emphasizes family life, and has branches to support individuals in their specific stage in life. For example, there are hundreds of Schoenstatt youth groups around the world.
The Spanish language movement in Miami offers groups for married couples, women, mothers, children and youths. Casa Schoenstatt also hosts weekly rosaries, Mass, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday mornings. El Circulo de Sión, or Zion's Circle, meets every first Thursday of the month to pray for vocations.
Serra is a volunteer association of Catholic lay people from around the world, men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, who are dedicated to promoting and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Formed in 1935 by a small group of lay people in Seattle, Serra is formally recognized by the Holy See as the global lay apostolate for vocations in the Catholic Church. Our patron is the great saint and missionary Father Junipero Serra.
Nuestro carisma es llevar el amor de Jesucristo a las personas más necesitadas, especialmente a los habitantes de la calle, y nuestra espiritualidad es ser fieles a la Santísima Trinidad por medio de nuestra Iglesia Católica.
An international private lay association dedicated to human development and social transformation through education and culture in the light of the Gospel message.
The March for Life is an annual pro-life rally protesting abortion, held in Washington D.C. on the anniversary of the January 22, 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Roe v. Wade case which legalized abortion for any reason throughout all nine months of pregnancy. The 2015 March for Life occurred on January 22, 2015. Organizers estimated 500,000 attendees. EWTN, the global Catholic television network, broadcasts live from the March for Life every year.
The Archdiocese of Miami organizes a trip to the March for Life each year for high school students with their schools, youth groups and/or young adults. The three-day itinerary includes attending the March for Life Mass and rally in Washington, D.C. the morning of the March, visits with elected officials (schedules permitting), visit to the Holocaust Museum, private Mass celebrated by Fr. Manny Alvarez at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and a nighttime tour of the capitol and monuments and more!
Marriage preparation was often referred to as “pre-Cana” because the first miracle of Jesus was at a wedding in the town of Cana. Mary, his mother, was also present and noticed the wedding party had run out of wine. She then asked Jesus to help the newlyweds. Changing the water into wine was the first public miracle of Jesus. This miracle reveals both Mary’s loving intercession for married couples and Jesus’ presence and care for our needs. Therefore “Pre-Cana” refers to preparing for a marriage in which Jesus is invited to the wedding and into the marriage that follows.
Couples often ask how quickly they can get married in the Catholic Church. Due to the importance of the different elements, it is recommended that you allow at least nine months to complete all of your preparation. This is a reasonable timeframe to engage in the elements both practically and thoughtfully.
As you anticipate the joy of your wedding and marriage, we invite you to enter into this marriage preparation process in the Catholic Church as an opportunity to grow individually and as a couple rather than as a checklist of things you “have to do”. Preparing for marriage is so important that every diocese has required elements.
Steps to Receive the Sacrament of Marriage
Step 1: Parish Connection
As soon as you get engaged (and prior to making any other wedding plans such as reserving the reception hall, caterer, etc.) please contact your parish. If you are not actively engaged in a parish community, contact the parish closest to the residence of the bride or the groom.
Your parish will welcome you and set up a meeting for you with the pastor, priest, or deacon. This will allow you:
To get to know one another better,
To review these elements of preparation,
And to discuss the necessary paperwork required by the Church and by the State.
The priest or deacon officiating at your wedding ceremony is responsible for your preparation and will journey with you throughout your preparation. He may delegate aspects to others however you should continuously be checking in with him regarding your experiences and completion of these elements
Step 2: Marriage Formation
Fully Engaged Inventory & Discussion
Fully Engaged is an inventory designed to help you identify and discuss your expectations for your future together in a number of areas (children, careers, roles, faith, finances, etc.). You will take the inventory at the parish when you first meet with the pastor, priest, or deacon. Afterward, you will meet with a trained facilitator (priest, deacon, or married mentor couple) at least three times to discuss your answers and expectations with each other.
Marriage Preparation Group Program (either Transformed in Love or Camino)
These are group programs, led by teams of married couples and clergy, that cover topics such as self-knowledge, communication, expectations, finances, Sacramental Marriage, marital sexuality, marital spirituality, etc. The priest or deacon overseeing your preparation will recommend one of the above for you. After you attend the group program you will want to follow up with the pastor, priest or deacon overseeing your marriage preparation process to present your certificate and discuss your experience together.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the general title for scientific, natural, and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancies with just reasons. Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life- giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God’s design for married love. The Marriage Preparation Group Program will introduce you to what NFP is and why the Church supports it. These classes will teach you signs to recognize your own fertility. You can choose a live in-person class, a live online class, or a self- paced online class. Depending upon the method you choose, it will take 3-6 months to complete this element of your preparation.
We invite you to actively participate in a parish, attend Sunday Mass, and to make the sacraments and the Christian faith a foundation of your future together. Experience reveals, and research confirms, that “the rate of satisfaction in marriage is higher for husbands and wives when both regularly maintain religious attendance and feel that God is the center of their marriage.” 1
If you are Catholic and not yet Confirmed, then it is best to talk with your priest so you can start to get involved in a parish RCIA program (that you may begin but may not be completed until after your wedding date). The lack of the Sacrament of Confirmation is not an impediment to marriage.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also recommended prior to your wedding. Your pastor will discuss options for receiving this sacrament. Remember that there is no sin that God is not eager to forgive. Participation in this sacrament can become a significant moment of grace in your preparation to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony fruitfully.
Step 4: Liturgical Formation
When you have completed the other elements of your preparation, the pastor will review your experience with you and complete all the correct paperwork for the Church and the State. Having completed the elements, he will also discuss your readiness to enter into marriage and will confirm the date and details.
The various elements of your preparation thus far will have provided you with a greater understanding of the promises you will make to one another in the Celebration of Matrimony. You will also learn the options you have for making your Celebration of Matrimony unique to you as a couple (such as the readings and music you have, the people you have involved, etc.). If you have not already done so, this will be the time to thoughtfully and prayerfully prepare for the actual liturgical celebration.
Step 5: Marriage Enrichment
We encourage you to also be intentional in constantly enriching your relationship after your wedding day. Investing in your marital relationship is extremely important and should not end at your wedding.
Please continue to be active members of your parish by attending Sunday Mass and participating in the sacraments and parish life. Check your parish bulletin and the Archdiocesan website for a variety of marriage enrichment opportunities.
Marriage Preparation Guide and Checklist
Click here to download the content from this page in the PDF Guide, also including a checklist to help with your marriage preparation.
1www.ForYourMarriage.org/factsfigures/ as accessed on September 1, 2016. See also W. Bradford Wilcox, University of Virginia National Marriage Project, The State of Our Unions: Marriage in America 2011 (December, 2011), no. 31f.
Masses in English & Spanish
For Masses in English and Spanish, please search for a church near you by clicking on "Parishes" on the top bar above, and check
their Mass schedules.
The seminarians sponsored by the Archdiocese of Miami study at St. John Vianney College Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary, and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.
Please pray for the seminarians and those who are discerning a call to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in service to the Church in the Archdiocese of Miami.
If you want to add your child's information into this memorial, click on the blue button below to fill out the form providing information about you and your unborn child. We will not publish your personal information on the website. We may need it only in case we need to contact you or verify authenticity of your request.
Once the form is submitted, it will be reviewed by our office and published on the website.
The Metropolitan Tribunal handles those issues relating to marriage, i.e., dispensations and annulments, as well as providing advocates to assist those going through the annulment process.
The Metropolitan Tribunal has an ongoing program at St. Thomas University to train future advocates to assist those in need in all matters concerning the application and practice of Canon Law in a Declaration of Nullity.
The Judicial Vicar is the Presiding Judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Court of Law, and is assisted in case management and judicial processes by the judges, advocates, notaries, and other professionals of the court.
The Judicial Vicar is a consultant to the Archbishop and coordinates all aspects of Archdiocesan Administration and services which are concerned with the application and practice of canon law throughout the Archdiocese of Miami.
Second Instance Tribunal
The Tribunal of Second Instance is the appellate tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami serving the Dioceses of the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami which include: The Diocese of St. Augustine, the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Diocese of Orlando, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, the Diocese of Palm Beach, and the Diocese of Venice.
Appeals made in cases which have been adjudicated by the ordinary tribunals of First Instance in the Dioceses of the Province of Miami are ordinarily brought before the Tribunal of Second Instance of the Archdiocese of Miami and are heard by a college of judges. Appeals may also be made to the Roman Rota.
The Tribunal of Second Instance for the hearing appeals of cases resolved on the First Instance Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Ministry to Priests Office stresses the fundamental importance of support, ongoing education and formation in the life of the priest in a time of rapid change and transition within the life of the Church.
Ministry to Priests seeks to provide a holistic approach toward the challenge of ongoing formation and education for the priests in the Archdiocese of Miami. Retreat programs, days of prayer, counseling, educational events, sabbaticals, and other types of gatherings more social in nature describe the major thrust of the Ministry to Priests Office in the Archdiocese. Ministry to Priests encourages the priests to have a spiritual director and also encourages support groups.
Priests are encouraged to take advantage of the sabbaticals offered by the Archdiocese for enrichment in spirituality and pastoral skills.
In order to respond to the needs of the priests & the requirements for fruitful ministry, programs for the continuing education of priests ministering in the Archdiocese shall continue to be offered. (S. 467)
1. Definition
A sabbatical is an extended renewal period, not for the purpose
of meeting a specific need of the Archdiocese, but to promote the personal renewal of the priest and foster the development of his ministerial effectiveness. It is not primarily intended as a time of continuing education, although frequently it will include time to update ministerial skills. The ultimate purpose of the sabbatical is to provide the individual priest with renewed motivation for serving the People
of God.
A sabbatical is thought of not primarily as time away from ministry, but time invested in an enhanced ministry.
A sabbatical should not, therefore, be confused with sick leave, vacation, retreat, archdiocesan-assigned further study, or leave of absence. Mindful of Jesus’ own declaration that “man was not made for the Sabbath, but rather the Sabbath for man”, the Archdiocese of Miami affirms that the priest who has faithfully borne the heat of the day and its pressures is entitled to sufficient time for personal renewal, or his own “Sabbath.”
2. Allocation of Time
The Archdiocese of Miami is committed to providing short term sabbaticals for priests. A short term sabbatical is understood to be a period of three or four months. A long term sabbatical is understood to be a period of five months or one year. The long term sabbatical is not considered normative, although the request of an individual priest will be considered.
3. To Whom is a Sabbatical Available?
Since a sabbatical is to be conceived as a positive affirmation and support of the priest as well as recognition
for services rendered to the Church, primary consideration will be given to those who have greatest seniority.
A priest is eligible to apply for a sabbatical after seven years of priestly service in the Archdiocese of Miami. Seven years after his sabbatical, the priest may again apply. It is important to note that the special merit of the petition will also be taken into consideration.
While foremost consideration will be given to requests from incardinated priests of the Archdiocese of Miami, Religious and non-incardinated priests who staff parishes or institutions owned and operated by the Archdiocese may also apply when a comparable program is not available to them.
The goal of the Archdiocesan Sabbatical Program is to have a maximum of ten priests taking advantage of the program four times each year.
4. Application Procedure
The priest who desires a sabbatical should discuss it with his priest-counsellor or the Director of Continuing Education for the Clergy. At that time, the decision will be reached concerning the type of program which would be of most benefit to the priest. At the time application is made to the Archbishop, a letter of recommendation from the priest-counsellor or Director of Continuing Education for the Clergy should be included along with a description of the program. This application, including the specific plan, should
be submitted no less than one year before the proposed sabbatical leave.
5. Funding
Expenses (tuition, required books, room and board, and transportation) are shared 50 percent by the Archdiocese, 25 percent by the parish or institution to which the priest is assigned, and 25 percent by the priest. The portion of expenses paid by the priest is seen as a valuable expression of the seriousness of his commitment. The monthly salary and Mass stipends are continued by the parish or institution to which the priest is assigned. In instances where a real hardship might be involved if a priest had to provide 25 percent of the total cost, the Archdiocese of Miami will work out a suitable financial arrangement with the individual.
In instances where paying the expenses of the sabbatical plus a continued salary would severely limit a poor parish, other provisions may need to be made by the Archdiocese.
6. Replacements
Should it be necessary to provide a replacement for a priest on a sabbatical, the responsibility for so doing lies primarily with the priest who will be away. This must be done in consultation with the Moderator of the Curia.The cost of the replacement is to be paid by the parish or institution.
The ministry is named in honor of St. Gianna and her husband Pietro
Molla. They both experienced the pain of losing 2 children due to miscarriages. They felt the exact ache your
heart is feeling now; they grieved the loss of their 2 little ones.
She offers profound words of wisdom and consolation, saying:
“Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without
suffering, and we cannot suffer without love” - St. Gianna
Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy less than 20 weeks gestation.
Catholics believe the death of a baby through miscarriage is the death of a full human person.
After a miscarriage, you as the parents may need time to recover spiritually, physically as well as
emotionally. Even so, you may feel alone and carry your grief in silence.
That is why the Archdiocese of Miami has created this ministry: to let you know that you are not alone in
your grief.
Click on the brochure below for more information and resources on how to cope with this loss.
Florida law also states that following a spontaneous fetal demise after a gestation period of less than 20
completed weeks, the mother has the option to arrange for the burial or cremation of the fetal remains.
Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Miami will help with the proper services and
burial for your baby.
The Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa arrived in the archdiocese in 1980 to care for the "poorest of the poor" in Miami's inner city. They currently operate a shelter for homeless women and children near Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The Mission Cooperative Plan of the Archdiocese of Miami is a program in which missionary dioceses, religious congregations and lay mission groups are invited to send representatives to preach at the weekend Masses in our parishes.
The program helps to raise awareness in our community of the richness of missionary work across the world, and inspires us all to live the missionary call in our daily lives. The offerings collected in each parish during these Mission Cooperative Plan weekends are sent to the mission organizations represented by these visiting missionaries.
The Mission Network of the Archdiocese of Miami is an association of missionary organizations, parishes, groups, and individuals united in a common vision to support each other in responding to our baptismal call to mission. We seek to promote mission by sharing resources, missionary experiences and activities, formation, and advocacy for justice and peace.
The goal of the Mission Office is to promote awareness and enthusiasm for our common call to mission, and to be a bridge of support for missionaries and missionary activities locally and throughout the world.
The office brings together the Summer Missionary Cooperative Plan, the work of the Propagation of the Faith in the annual World Mission Sunday celebration and the Mission Network of the Archdiocese of Miami, an association that gathers mission groups and parish representatives to grow in missionary understanding.
Castos Por Amor es un movimiento apostólico de la Arquidiócesis de Miami que comunica la Buena Noticia en una nueva evangelización de auténtico compromiso apostólico "proclamando el evangelio de la castidad". Aporta una pastoral sobre la sexualidad humana basada en el Magisterio de la Santa Madre Iglesia a través de apostolados de educación, prevención y recuperación.
Da herramientas y educación para llevar la castidad como virtud en todos los estados de vida, solteros, consagrados y casados. Las enseñanzas y catequesis incluyen pero no limita a: programa radial "Creciendo en el Amor", talleres, misiones parroquiales, congresos y el retiro Libres Para Amar, basado en la Teología del Cuerpo de S. Juan Pablo II, para mayores de 18 años, hombres, mujeres, solteros y casados.
La prevención y recuperación se realiza a través de la consejería clínica cristiana católica de su apostolado Centro San José CCC para vivir y recuperar la sexualidad integrada.
The goal of the CFM is the development of couples, their families and others in their personal relationships through social consciousness and involvement. This development is built through three cornerstones: (a) a prayerful relationship with God; (b) the community achieved in the CFM group; and (c) the ability of each CFM group to make considered judgments and act upon them through the use of social inquiry method in our meetings. (In English)
The Couples for Christ (CFC) is a Private International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right. This movement is intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life, with its global membership committed to the Lord and to one another, so that they may grow in maturity as men and women of God and fulfill their primary vocation of raising up families under the leadership of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God. Couples for Christ are families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth.
The Covenant Experience is a parish based weekend program to enrich and stabilize marriages. The objective is to enrich marriages by providing a conversion experience on the weekend and a support community of like-minded couples in the follow-up.
Español:
Matrimonios en Victoria es un movimiento laico católico internacional y un apostolado en la Arquidiócesis de Miami para el enriquecimiento matrimonial. A través de la combinación de retiros en español y en inglés y asambleas semanales de crecimiento espiritual en sus diferentes comunidades, el movimiento busca fortalecer el compromiso de los esposos a medida que descubren el plan de Dios para su matrimonio, ofreciéndoles herramientas a nivel práctico y espiritual.
Su principal objetivo es la santificación del matrimonio, célula fundamental de la familia, la Iglesia y la sociedad. La evangelización, la oración y el servicio están en el corazón de MEV/MIV y sus ministerios. Entre estos se encuentra "Niños en Victoria", ofreciéndole formación y crecimiento en la fe a los niños mientras sus padres asisten a las asambleas en su comunidad.
También el ministerio de "Mamás en Victoria", mediante conferencias-desayunos mensuales, les brinda a todas las mamás de la Arquidiócesis la educación y herramientas necesarias para cumplir su labor de madres por medio de la Palabra de Dios y la enseñanza de la Iglesia Católica. La pastoral del movimiento también cuenta con el programa radial en vivo, "Hombre y Mujer los Creó", semanalmente a través de la emisora de Radio Paz.
English:
Matrimonios en Victoria/Marriages in Victory is a lay Catholic international movement and an apostolate in the Archdiocese of Miami with emphasis on marriage enrichment. Through a combination of retreats both in Spanish and English, and weekly follow-up meetings at its various communities, the movement strives to strengthen the married couple's commitment to growing in their faith and marriage relationship as they discover God's unique plan for their marriage, and to receiving the necessary spiritual and practical tools to achieve this.
Its main objective is the sanctification of marriage as the fundamental cell of the family, the Church and society. Evangelization, prayer and service are at the heart of all MEV/MIV its various ministries. Among these, the ministry of "Niños en Victoria" offers faith formation and growth to the children while their parents attend their community meetings.
There's also the ministry of "Mamás en Victoria," open to all mothers in the Archdiocese; it provides faith formation and the necessary tools to accomplish their motherhood with the help of the Word of God and Church teachings. The movement also has a weekly radio program, "Hombre y Mujer los Creó," which is aired live by Radio Paz .
The Christian Family Movement was founded by the late Father Angel Villaronga, O.F.M. Spiritual retreats are offered to young, middle age or older couples that want to enhance their marriage relationship or those who are having difficulties in their marriage.
Rediscovery/Retrouvaille is a lifeline of hope and healing for struggling marriages.
In our society, with the pressures of work, family life, and other conflicting demands, marriage relationships are often taken for granted. Without attention and care, marriages wither and couples slowly and quietly drift apart or are often torn apart by hurtful actions. Far too many couples live in misery and do not know the joy of a loving relationship.
The Retrouvaille Program is a three-phase program that begins with a weekend experience, followed by post-weekend presentations, and monthly small group support meetings. We are a Catholic peer ministry of couples helping couples with the support of caring clergy members. The primary focus is on improving communication and building a stronger marriage, so couples may rediscover the love they have for each other. The non-profit program is available in communities worldwide.
Thousands of marriages have been restored with the simple concept of couples helping couples with the spiritual guidance from caring clergy members. Retrouvaille presenters are not trained counselors, but couples that share their personal stories of their marital struggles and the tools they utilized to rediscover their love for each other.
Transformed in Love is a marriage preparation program that uses a "house building" metaphor to illustrate the concepts of establishing, building, and nurturing marriage and family life. It uses a holistic approach -body, soul, intellect and will- to prepare couples for sacramental grace.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter's mission of renewal in the Church and change in the world is to assist couples and priests to live fully intimate and responsible relationships by providing them with a Catholic 'experience' and ongoing community support for such a lifestyle.
Instrumental Selections
En la fiesta de la Caridad
En Lourdes
Raíces polacas
Recordando al Cardenal Ortega
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What is the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)?
The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerful, biennial, three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperones. More than 23,000 young people and their chaperones attended 2013 NCYC in Indianapolis. The 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference is November 19-21, back in Indianapolis, with the theme Here I Am Lord/Aquí Estoy Señor.
What Happens During NCYC?
The program includes keynote presentations, prayer, workshops, Mass, and opportunities to participate in reconciliation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as recreational activities, concerts, and exhibits. A key component of NCYC is the thematic park which is a blend of traditional exhibit booths with interactive areas featuring service projects, games, recreation, live musical performances, arts, and sports.
Who Can Attend NCYC?
To participate in NCYC, students should be in high school in the Fall of 2015. Chaperones must be over the age of 21 and in compliance with the Archdiocese's youth protection/safe environment policies. Two adult chaperones are required for every parish group (for up to ten youth), with one additional chaperone for each additional ten youth.
How Much Does it Cost?
The event registration fee is $215 (if you stay at an NCYC block hotel; if you stay at a non-block hotel, add $40). This does not include travel to and from Indianapolis, lodging, ground transportation or meals. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is putting together travel package options; that information will be available in mid-February.
I am interested in attending-what should I do?
The first step is to notify Rosemarie at the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry that you plan to attend. You will then register your own group at pipregistration.eventsair.com. As soon as we know which parishes are attending and how many total travelers we have, we will book the hotel as a group. We will also try to coordinate our air travel.
A Record of the Deaths of the Priests who have served the Archdiocese of Miami
Archbishop's Prayer
O Lord, to whom no one is a stranger and from whose help no one is ever distant, look with compassion on all your people and especially refugees and exiles, on segregated persons and on lost children; restore them we pray to a homeland, and give us a kind heart for the needy and for strangers.
Continue to guide us as you have shown your Church the joys and hopes, the grief's and anxieties of the followers of Christ through the Vatican Council which we now renew with hope. May the venerable intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin manifest in Our Lady of Charity, come to our aid, O Lord, and free us from every danger, so that we may rejoice in your peace.
For your priests and bishops, open to them the gates of Paradise, that they may return to that homeland where there is no death, where eternal joy endures.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thomas Gerard Wenski Fourth Archbishop of Miami
Necrology of 2024
CLICK HERE or on the image below to download the priest´s necrology.
Cath·o·hól·ic
Need to praise God
June 11, 2020
Of course, then, believers also feel the need to praise God. The Gospels offer us the jubilant exclamation that gushes forth from Jesus’ heart, full of wonder, grateful to the Father (cf. Mt 11:25-27).
The first Christians even felt the need to add a doxology to the text of the Lord’s Prayer (cf. Mt 11:25-27): “for thine is the power and the glory forever” (Didache, 8:2).
But none of us is obliged to embrace the theory that someone advanced in the past, namely, that the prayer of supplication may be a weak form of faith, while the more authentic prayer would be pure praise, that which seeks God without the burden of any request. No, this is not true. The prayer of supplication is authentic; it is spontaneous; it is an act of faith in God who is Father, who is good, who is almighty. It is an act of faith in me, who am small, sinful, needy. And for this reason, prayer, in order to ask for something, is quite noble. God is the Father who has immense compassion for us and wants his children to speak to him without fear, directly calling him “Father”; or amid difficulties saying: “Lord, what have you done to me?” For this reason we can tell him everything, even the things that are distorted and
incomprehensible in our life. And he promised us that he would be with us forever, until the last day we shall spend on this earth. Let us pray the “Our Father,” beginning this way, simply: “Father,” or “Dad.” And he understands us and loves us very much.
Source: Pope Francis’ catecheses on the Lord’s Prayer, given during general audiences between Dec. 5, 2018 and May 22, 2019.
Today we celebrate meeng the person of Jesus
in Word, Sacrament and Each Other.
Who
could have guessed the meeng would look like it
does today?
Each Other is taking on an incredible
meaning.
Somewhere I recall hearing an old Chinese
curse that says, “May you live in interesng mes.”
I’m not sure about the accuracy of the origin, but
you’ve got to admit, these are interesng mes.
While everyone else was dealing with COVID-
19, I was encountering hypotension. The one great
aspect of said encounter is that I can use all the salt
I want. There is a God.
I know humor may not seem appropriate right
now, so don’t let my aempts betray the hearelt
pain I feel watching what our world is suffering.
For myself, humor helps me hope. I am hopeful.
I do believe we will somehow come out of all
this. I do believe that there is light at the end of
the tunnel, and no, it is not on the front of a moving
locomove.
I believe the freeze that COVID-19 put on our
lives created a vacuum that forced us to face ingrained
racial prejudice and injusce. If people
took to the streets in peaceful demonstraons -
and they were largely peaceful – consider the possibility
that the Holy Spirit provided the leadership
we sorely need.
Whatever the cause, we are facing something
in our society with roots deeper than we are willing
to imagine. Albert Einstein said, “It is harder to
crack prejudice than an atom.”
I’ve been using “we” in the foregoing. Forgive
me. I can only speak about “me”. If you had asked
six months ago, I would have said, or at least implied,
that I didn’t have a prejudiced bone in my
body. And I really would have believed it.
Shutdown offered me the chance to stop and look at
myself and really try to be honest. My prejudices lie
in my avoidances. After a while, you don’t even realize
what you may be avoiding.
So, I’ll ask the Lord to help. In case you haven’t
said it recently, maybe you can join me praying with
St. Francs of Assisi.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.
News articles refer to events that have taken place recently, preferably within the last week. (To announce future events, use the request to publish your event link.)
News articles that will be considered for publication on the archdiocesan website consist of:
News events regarding parishes
News events regarding Catholic schools
News events regarding archdiocesan and parish approved ministries and organizations
All articles submitted are subject to editing by the editor. If your article is declined, you will receive an email explaining why. Your article also will be edited for content and style, and in some cases, you might receive an email from the editor explaining why it has been edited. Up to three pictures can be submitted with each article; include information for each picture caption (i.e. names of all those in the photo from left to right with brief explanation of what taking place in the picture; relevant identifications, such as pastor, associate pastor, principal, seventh-grader, etc.).
Try to avoid pictures of large groups; look for action photos rather than photos of people standing and looking straight at the camera.
Use this guide to make sure your story or caption have all the information required.
Submitting an Event:
Events must be sponsored or hosted by an archdiocesan church, school, or agency, or a Catholic organization that has permission to function in the Archdiocese of Miami. We do not announce pilgrimages, raffles or games of chance and we only announce events that are open to the general public.
Visit the My Account page. If you do not already have an account, please open an account. It is free. Simply use your email and a password and fill in the information requested.
Log on and click on "My Events" on the right hand side of the page and follow the instructions. You may post a PDF or DOC of the flyer, as well as a JPG/PNG image (logo, photo, etc.) that is 1080 pixels wide by 1080 pixels deep, to illustrate the nature of the event.
Click Submit and your event will be sent to the archdiocese for approval. You will be notified via e-mail if more information is needed.
Promoting an Event:
Once an event is approved it is posted on the Events Calendar page, and possibly featured on the home page on the week leading to the event.
Once an event is approved it is received by the Miami editor of the Florida Catholic newspaper, which comes out monthly and is distributed free in the parishes. If it is in time for the next edition, the announcement will appear in print as well, either in the Around Your Community section or as a News Brief, depending on the scale of the event.
Keep in mind that the newspaper usually comes out the third weekend of the month; the deadline for submitting events is the first week of the month BEFORE the event takes place; that means an April event has to be in our offices the first week of March to make sure it is announced in time. Earlier is always better: As soon as the time and place of an event are fixed, feel free to submit it. It will be posted online that much longer so more people can see it, and it will certainly be in time for print publication.
Request for Lay Speakers, Religious Sisters Or Brothers:
Archdiocesan policy requires that any speaker - clergy, religious or lay - coming from outside the archdiocese be approved by the chancellor's office. No event can be publicized in the archdiocesan newspaper or website unless the speaker has received this approval. Please click here to read the archdiocesan policy and obtain the forms that need to be filled out.
Disclaimer
The Archdiocese reserves the right to deny posting any information on the Archdiocesan website that does not adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Insults, use of ethnic slurs or personal insults, obscenities or any conduct that would not be acceptable to the Archdiocese of Miami or the Catholic Church in general will not be accepted.
Minors should seek parental permission before submitting an article.
All articles and events will be reviewed and approved by staff of the Communications Office before going live on the website.
You agree that you are responsible for any postings you make, and for any consequences thereof. You agree that all postings will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, rule and regulations. The Archdiocese takes no responsibility for third-party content nor does it have any obligation to monitor such third-party content. By submitting or posting content ("Content") you grant the Archdiocese a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and distribute such Content. You represent and warrant that you have all the rights, power and authority necessary to grant the rights granted herein to any Content.
You agree that the article submitted was written by yourself and no information was copied without permission.
Always identify your source or interviewee by their full name (First name, Last name) followed by who they are. (i.e. Father Joseph Carney, pastor, Blessed Trinity Parish)
Titles before names: Abbreviate Msgr. and Rev. (although Catholic priests are always referred to as Father). All other religious titles spell out.
Indicate when and where the event took place within the body of the article.
Pictures can be submitted with each article; include information for each picture caption (i.e. names of all those in the photo from left to right with brief explanation of what taking place in the picture; relevant identifications, such as pastor, associate pastor, principal, seventh-grader, etc.).
Submission deadlines for Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica in 2026
In parishes Jan. 24; deadline: Jan. 9
In parishes Feb. 21; deadline: Feb. 6
In parishes March 21; deadline: March 6
In parishes April 18; deadline: April 3
In parishes May 16; deadline: May 8
In parishes June 20; deadline: June 5
Publication: July 18; deadline: July 3 | Florida Catholic: Digital only edition in July
In parishes Aug. 22; deadline: Aug. 7 | La Voz Católica: Digital only edition in August
The Archdiocese of Miami supports 65 schools and 3 stand-alone preschools serving over 37,000 students. Our schools provide a rigorous education rooted in our Catholic faith. Catholic schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties are ready to serve students from infancy through 12th grade.
We invite all families interested in a Catholic education to find out more information, tour one of our schools, and join our Catholic school family.
I am very pleased to welcome you to the website for the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Miami. We are very proud of the quality of education and faith formation found in each of our Catholic schools.
Our schools have a long and well-deserved history of providing a strong education that prepares children for college and success in life. A Catholic school education is rooted in the love and compassion of our Catholic faith, and enables each student to be welcomed, valued, and validated.
We take seriously our partnership with each of our school families. I invite you to look at our website in more detail and learn about our schools. You are also encouraged to visit each school’s local website and schedule a visit. I know you will enjoy your experiences with our Catholic schools!
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Miami
Why Catholic Schools?
Catholic schools provide a top-notch education rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic faith. For generations, our Catholic schools have successfully prepared young people for college, careers, and success in life.
Each student in a Catholic school is surrounded in an environment of welcoming and compassion. Our schools offer a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum taught by teachers of exceptional skill and dedication. Students in our schools consistently outperform other local schools on nearly every academic measure.
Catholic school graduates can be found in positions of leadership and prominence throughout the world. Numerous studies have shown that Catholic school graduates are more likely to participate in community service, more likely to attend church regularly, and more likely to vote and participate in civic life. Catholic school graduates are 8 times more likely to attend Mass as adults and 3 times more likely to discern a religious or priestly vocation.
Our Catholic schools offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares each child for success in college and beyond. Instructional standards are defined for each grade level, indicating what students need to know by the time they leave that grade. Standards in non-religion subjects are based upon the Florida State Standards and adapted to our unique Catholic setting.
The Archdiocese has developed specific standards for Religion, which support the teaching of religion as well as the integration of our Catholic faith into non-religion subjects.
Students in grades 3-8 participate in the TerraNova3 annual assessment, which provides achievement, growth, and predictive growth data for each child. High school students take the ACT and pre-ACT assessments.
Office of Catholic Schools
The Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) is dedicated to providing leadership, oversight, and support of the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese. In achieving its mission, the OCS works closely with other offices and departments of the Archdiocese, Catholic and non-Catholic university partners, and other partners to strengthen the mission, quality, and vitality of Catholic education.
We want to help every family afford a Catholic school education. Families have various ways of receiving financial support. In addition to the programs below, we encourage every family to discuss their financial needs with their local principal or pastor. A key part of our mission is to allow families of all backgrounds to have access to our schools.
Scholarships for Private Schools provide an average of $7,000 per year per child for K-12 private schools. Families can qualify based upon either their income level or the diagnosis of a defined special need.
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, Family Empowerment Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (formerly Gardiner): Provide families a choice of financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees. Beginning in the 2021/22 school year, siblings of participants in the Family Empowerment Scholarship based on a special need are also eligible, as are children placed in foster homes or whose parents are actively enrolled in the US armed services.
Provides scholarships to students with defined special needs (in addition to the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities). Scholarships can be applied to tuition, fees, and educational services.
For more information, see the McKay Scholarship Website: McKay Scholarship
Voluntary Pre Kindergarten (VPK)
Students 4 years of age as of September 1st can attend the four-year-old preschool at the school of their choice through the VPK program. Schools must be formally recognized as VPK providers by the state and meet certain operational and academic standards.
Offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and child care. Can be used to pay for Catholic PreK programs and other services.
Do not use all caps in the headline or sub- title.
Always identify your source or interviewee by their full name (First name, Last name) followed by who they are. (i.e. Father Joseph Carney, pastor, Blessed Trinity Parish)
Titles before names: Abbreviate Msgr. and Rev. (although Catholic priests are always referred to as Father). All other religious titles spell out.
Indicate when and where the event took place within the body of the article.
Pictures can be submitted with each article; include information for each picture�s caption (i.e. names of all those in the photo from left to right with brief explanation of what�s taking place in the picture; relevant identifications, such as �pastor�, �associate pastor�, principal, seventh-grader, etc.).
Submission deadlines for Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica
This new interactive feature will allow you, the general public, to submit news articles for posting on the archdiocesan website. News articles refer to events that have taken place recently, preferably within the last week. (To announce future events, use the request to publish your event link.) News articles that will be considered for publication on the archdiocesan website consist of:
News events regarding parishes
News events regarding Catholic schools
News events regarding archdiocesan and parish approved ministries and organizations
All articles submitted are subject to editing by our editor. If your article is declined, you will receive an email explaining why. Your article also will be edited for content and style, and in some cases, you might receive an email from the editor explaining why it has been edited. Up to three pictures can be submitted with each article; include information for each picture caption (i.e. names of all those in the photo from left to right with brief explanation of what taking place in the picture; relevant identifications, such as pastor, associate pastor, principal, seventh-grader, etc.).
HINT: Try to avoid pictures of large groups; look for action photos rather than photos of people standing and looking straight at the camera.
Once an article has been submitted and edited by our editor you, the user, can no longer make changes to the article.
Submitting an Event
Events must be sponsored or hosted by an archdiocesan church, school, or agency, or a Catholic organization that has permission to function in the Archdiocese of Miami. We do not announce raffles or games of chance and we only announce events that are open to the general public.
1)Visit the My Account page. If you do not already have an account, please open an account. It is free. Simply use your email and a password and fill in the information requested.
2)Log on and click on "My Events" on the left hand side of the page and follow the instructions. You may post a PDF or DOC of the flyer, or a JPG image (logo, photo, etc.) that is 130 pixels wide by 90 pixels deep, to illustrate the nature of the event.
3) Click Submit and your event will be sent to the archdiocese for approval. You will be notified via e-mail if more information is needed.
Promoting an Event
1) Once an event is approved it is posted on the Events Calendar page, and possibly featured on the home page on the week leading to the event.
2)Once an event is approved it is received by the Miami editor of the Florida Catholic newspaper, which comes out monthly and is distributed free in the parishes. If it is in time for the next edition, the announcement will appear in print as well, either in the Around Your Community section or as a News Brief,depending on the scale of the event. Keep in mind that the newspaper usually comes out the third weekend of the month; the deadline for submitting events is the first week of the month BEFORE the event takes place that means an April event has to be in our offices the first week of March to make sure it is announced in time. Earlier is always better: As soon as the time and place of an event are fixed, feel free to submit it. It will be posted online that much longer so more people can see it, and it will certainly be in time for print publication.
Request for Lay Speakers, Religious Sisters Or Brothers
Archdiocesan policy requires that any speaker - clergy, religious or lay - coming from outside the archdiocese be approved by the chancellor's office. No event can be publicized in the archdiocesan newspaper or website unless the speaker has received this approval. Please click here to read the archdiocesan policy and obtain the forms that need to be filled out.
Disclaimer
The Archdiocese reserves the right to deny posting any information on the Archdiocesan website that does not adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Insults, use of ethnic slurs or personal insults, obscenities or any conduct that would not be acceptable to the Archdiocese of Miami or the Catholic Church in general will not be accepted.
Minors should seek parental permission before submitting an article.
All articles will be reviewed and approved by the Communications department before going live on the website.
You agree that you are responsible for any postings you make, and for any consequences thereof. You agree that all postings will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, rule and regulations. The Archdiocese takes no responsibility for third-party content nor does it have any obligation to monitor such third-party content. By submitting or posting content ("Content") you grant the Archdiocese a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and distribute such Content. You represent and warrant that you have all the rights, power and authority necessary to grant the rights granted herein to any Content.
You agree that the article submitted was written by yourself and no information was copied without permission.
The Archdiocese of Miami supports 62 Catholic schools and 3 stand-alone
preschools serving nearly 35,000 students. Our schools provide a rigorous
education rooted in our Catholic faith. Catholic schools in Miami-Dade,
Broward, and Monroe counties are ready to serve students from infancy through
12th grade.
We invite all families interested in a Catholic education to find out more
information, tour one of our schools, and join our Catholic school family.
I am very pleased to welcome you to the website for the Catholic schools
of the Archdiocese of Miami. We are very proud of the quality of
education and faith formation found in each of our Catholic schools.
Our schools have a long and well-deserved history of providing a strong
education that prepares children for college and success in life. A
Catholic school education is rooted in the love and compassion of our
Catholic faith, and enables each student to be welcomed, valued, and
validated.
We take seriously our partnership with each of our school families. I
invite you to look at our website in more detail and learn about our
schools. You are also encouraged to visit each school’s local website
and schedule a visit. I know you will enjoy your experiences with our
Catholic schools!
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Miami
Why Catholic Schools?
Catholic schools provide a top-notch education rooted in the Gospel
values of the Catholic faith. For generations, our Catholic schools have
successfully prepared young people for college, careers, and success in
life.
Each student in a Catholic school is surrounded in an environment of
welcoming and compassion. Our schools offer a rigorous, well-rounded
curriculum taught by teachers of exceptional skill and dedication.
Students in our schools consistently outperform other local schools on
nearly every academic measure.
Catholic school graduates can be found in positions of leadership and
prominence throughout the world. Numerous studies have shown that
Catholic school graduates are more likely to participate in community
service, more likely to attend church regularly, and more likely to vote
and participate in civic life. Catholic school graduates are 8 times
more likely to attend Mass as adults and 3 times more likely to discern
a religious or priestly vocation.
The Pastoral Juvenil Hispana is a Young Adult Ministry Council composed of Hispanic young adults serving the Catholic Church as leaders in their diverse parish groups and movements of the Archdiocese of Miami. They serve as a connecting point between Young Adult groups to share events, information and resources, promoting unity and collaboration among young adults in our Archdiocese.
The mission of this Council is to encourage and promote evangelization processes which will allow Hispanic young adults in the Archdiocese of Miami to encounter Christ and lead them to an integral development, through formation, training, and living and celebrating our faith in a spirituality of communion and apostolic commitment. The PJH also hosts various events throughout the year such as an annual young adult group leaders’ retreat, their anniversary gala celebration, and PASCUA JOVEN … and much more.
PAX Catholic Communications is a service of the Archdiocese of Miami with the unique mission of evangelizing and proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the media. We are committed to utilizing the latest technologies in bringing a message of faith, hope and love to today's world.
Under the umbrella of PaxCC you will find our flagship Radio Paz WACC 830 AM and 96.1 FM, which is 24 hours/7 days a week of Catholic radio programming in Spanish, including daily news, Gospel, catechism, family-oriented programming and a wide variety of other spiritual enrichment programs.
Our very diverse audience actively participates in the daily prayer of the Angelus, the Holy Mass, the Rosary, Divine Mercy and other devotions. We work closely with Vatican Radio to bring our listeners the most current information from the Pope and his Council of Cardinals.
The station is an active voice in the community transmitting from our parishes, schools and other archdiocesan entities.
You can follow us through Facebook and Instagram @radiopaz830am and listen to our podcast through SoundCloud at Radio Paz 830am Miami.
Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a given parish unite in adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament (in most cases, exposed), both during the day and throughout the night, seven days a week.
Priesthood? As a young man, Peter Baldacchino was adamant. "I wouldn't touch the priesthood with a 10-foot pole."
But God obviously had other plans for Miami's 10th auxiliary bishop, and they began to take shape at the 1989 World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
"When I arrived there, the first thing I heard we were late in arriving was the voice of Pope John Paul II saying, 'Do not be afraid to be holy.' And I thought, 'Well, I better take my bag and go back home because this is not for me.'
"I didn't understand what it means to be holy," said Bishop Baldacchino, 53, a Malta native who laughs easily including at himself. He often repeats St. Teresa of Avila's adage "un santo triste es un triste santo," which roughly translated means, "A saint who is sad is a sad saint."
No surprise then, at the motto he chose for his episcopacy: "Ubi Dominus, ibidem laetitia" where God is, there is joy.
Bishop Baldacchino is approachable, warm and disarming, a man who worked with his hands and vacuumed his own church in the Turks and Caicos, where he was sent as a missionary from the Archdiocese of Newark. He is a priest not prone to quoting vague theology but one who makes deep points with clear examples a man, in fact, very much in the style of Pope Francis.
He speaks his native Maltese a mixture of Arabic and Sicilian as well as English, the country's other official language. In Newark, he learned Spanish, and in the Turks and Caicos he learned Creole.
He also attended a Redemptoris Mater seminary where his fellow students came from all over the world.
"My accent is no longer mine," he said. "It's not Maltese. It's not English. It's not Italian. It's a mixture of all. My niece says, 'Uncle Pete, you speak funny.'"
As for the priesthood, don't get him wrong. He grew up in a family of practicing Catholics. His father served on the parish council. The family joined the Neocatechumenal Way when Peter was 13. Theirs was the first Neocatechumenal community in the whole of Malta.
Moreover, Peter's father, Rinaldo known by everyone as Rene had studied for the priesthood with the Salesians in England for 11 years. His two younger brothers, John and Robert, also had entered the seminary and left. Both are now married with children.
Peter had never been inclined in that direction. He studied chemistry and science at the University of Malta and worked as technical manager for the Canada Dry bottling plant, where he was, by his own admission, "a workaholic."
He was 28 when he attended World Youth Day.
"I didn't understand what it means to be holy. I had this impression that to be holy means to walk with a slanted head," he recalled. "Later I discovered that to be holy means the holiness of God. It's that he lets the rain fall on the good and the bad alike and he lets the sun shine on the good and the bad alike. You and I, we don't do this. Somebody harms us and we don't show the sun of our face anymore. We don't look at them. Somebody harms us and we don't speak to them anymore. I realized that I did not have this (holiness)."
But he knew where to find it.
"If you want fruit and you don't have it, you go to buy it. I realized that the place to get these things was the Church," he recalled. "Concretely, for me, it came through the experience of the Neocatechumenal Way in my parish."
After a "brief but intensive discernment process," he was sent on a two-by-two mission during which he discovered a lot about himself, including "that I did not even recognize the poor that were around me. I did not see their needs. I was blind, completely blind."
That is when he felt the Lord calling him to the priesthood. But he did not respond right away.
"I had too many things on my mind," he said. "But then in a very concrete and historical way, the Lord started to move things from my path."
Not only did he feel a calling to priesthood, he felt a calling to mission.
"I showed a disposition to serve the Church anywhere," he said. "I fell in love with the missionary aspect of the Church. It was like falling in love. And the Lord took it from there. Everything else was easy."
He wound up in Newark literally at random. Someone picked his name out of one hat, and matched it with the name of a Redemptoris Mater seminary in another hat. At the time, there were 12 such seminaries, operated by the Neocatechumenal Way, around the world. Today there are 100, including one in Miami which opened in December 2011.
"I could have gone anywhere," Bishop Baldacchino said. "The question was: Are you willing to serve the Church wherever? I had no choice. I did not choose."
And that's a good thing.
"There's always a danger to choose the place," he said. "Because I think that is a big trap. The moment in your mind you think you should be somewhere, in that moment, wherever you are, is not the right place… To refuse to answer that question has been a great liberation for me. It means God is here. And if God is here, I'm staying. If he's not, I'm the first one to leave."
As for coming to Miami, he remembers the first words that came to mind when he was told of his appointment: "Do you love me? Because 'mi ami' in Italian means 'you love me.' Do you love me? Feed my flock. Do you love me? Tend my sheep. Do you love me? Miami. Christ is asking, 'Do you love me? Then help me. We've got work to do.'"
Biography
Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldacchino
Born:
Sliema, Malta, Dec. 5, 1960; second oldest of four children, one girl and three boys
Father: Rinaldo (Rene) Baldacchino
Mother: Leonilda (Hilda) Baldacchino (deceased September 2001 )
Ordained:
To the priesthood, May 25, 1996, for the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J.
Appointed chaplain to His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, 2009
Named Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, and Titular Bishop of Vatarba, Feb. 20, 2014
Ordained to the episcopacy, March 19, 2014, Cathedral of St. Mary, Miami
Appointed bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico, May 15, 2019
Installed as bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico, July 23, 2019
Education:
Studied science and chemistry at the University of Malta
Attended Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Kearny, N.J., 1990-1996
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees, Seton Hall University, 1996
Languages spoken, understood: Maltese, English, Italian, Creole, Spanish
Priestly Ministry:
Parochial vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood, N.J., 1996-1999
Member, Presbyteral Council, Archdiocese of Newark, 1997-1998
Chancellor, Our Lady of Divine Providence Mission, Turks and Caicos, 1999; this is a missio sui iuris (independent mission) for which the Archdiocese of Newark is responsible.
Pastor, Our Lady of Divine Providence Church, Turks and Caicos, 2002-2014
Pastor, St. Kieran, Miami, June 2014-July 2019
Episcopal Motto:
"Ubi Dominus, ibidem laetitia" (Where God is, there is joy)
All priests and deacons who have faculties in the Archdiocese are required to be fingerprinted and screened, to complete the initial VIRTUS training and the monthly bulletins.
Religious Brothers and Sisters
Religious brothers and sisters who are regularly involved in ministry on behalf of an entity controlled or operated by the Archdiocese, like clergy and lay employees, are required to be fingerprinted and screened, to complete the initial VIRTUS training and the monthly bulletins.
Seminarians
Those men enrolled in a seminary as seminarians of the Archdiocese of Miami or who are regularly involved in ministry at an entity controlled or operated by the Archdiocese are required, like clergy and lay employees, to be fingerprinted and screened, to complete the initial VIRTUS training and the monthly bulletins.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
Fingerprinting, in order to complete background screening, is required for all employees, clergy, volunteers depending on their role and any vendors who have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Check with principal, pastor or Director.
Fingerprinting services are accessed through Fieldprint.
Directions to register with Fieldprint and schedule a fingerprinting appointment is provided to the employee by the supervisor or safe environment coordinator at the entity where the individual is employed.
Written notice of clearance of the employee is provided to the entity by the ADOM.
Fingerprinting and clearance to be employed must be completed before beginning employment.
All SCHOOL employees must have fingerprinting processed through the State of Florida Clearinghouse database according to the direction of the FL Department of Education (FLDOE). The school Principal or designee submits the employee’s information to the ADOM Fingerprint Office for a profile to be entered into Clearinghouse that then generates the registration code for fingerprinting. Once cleared by the FLDOE, written clearance from the ADOM is forwarded to the school.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
Any lay individual who is employed by the Archdiocese of Miami, or engaged in ministry, who is given payment for services rendered (any form of compensation) in which the obligation to withhold for payroll tax (FICA, Medicare and/or withholding) exists, whether part-time or full-time is considered an employee. This definition shall include all such persons whether employed by the Archdiocese, parish, school, early childhood center, nursing home, group home, or other Archdiocesan entity that is controlled by or operated by the Archbishop of Miami, or for which he serves as Member.
This definition does not include independent contractors, consultants, vendors or other persons who are not subject to the supervision of the Archdiocese and for whom no such duty to withhold payroll taxes exists.
Independent contractor
Any non-employed lay individual who is hired or engaged to perform services (for any form of compensation, whether monetary or otherwise) on behalf of the Archdiocese including any parish, school, early childhood center, nursing home, group home or other archdiocesan entity that is controlled by or operated by the Archdiocese.
EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS MUST FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
The Archdiocese of Miami recognizes International Associations and Movements approved by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life (Vatican) in order that they may operate within the Archdiocese to support the evangelization of the people of God within its boundaries. Movements, whether international in structure and governance or are only recognized within the Archdiocese to operate solely within its boundaries; such recognition does not imply ownership, operation or administrative oversight by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese does not assume responsibility for their activities, ministry programs or management.
The leader of the International Association or Movement (President, Chair, Responsible, etc.), who is the senior most member of the Organization responsible to the ADOM for on-going operations of the Organization must individually fulfill the safe environment requirements of the ADOM for leaders. That is, the Organization’s leader (an individual) must be fingerprinted and background screened, complete the initial Virtus training module (approximately 90 minutes, on-line) and monthly read and respond to the Virtus bulletins. Fingerprints must be renewed every five (5) years; bulletins must be read monthly with a maximum one (1) pending as the standard to meet compliance.
Please click here to refer to Movements for additional information.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami’s Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
The Archdiocese of Miami utilizes Virtus programs as the educational component of the Safe Environment Policy: Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children and Vulnerable Adults. The initial Virtus program, Protecting God's Children® for Adults is an online training course addressing awareness, prevention, and response to child sexual abuse and abuse of the vulnerable.
The training is an overview of the nature of child sexual abuse and the nature of predators, including the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse. These same methods apply to all types of abuse including of the elderly and the vulnerable. Participants are instructed in five easy tangible steps they can apply to prevent abuse.
The training also incorporates policies and procedures in place addressing abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy. The initial training takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Then training continues for some depending on their role, in the form of monthly bulletins. The bulletins take about 3 to 5 minutes to read and are a great way to provide information that is timely and topical, which can be essential especially when talking about internet and social media safety, which changes so frequently.
Employees, clergy and vendors are required to complete the initial training and read the monthly bulletins within the month the bulletin is delivered. Volunteers are required to participate in VIRTUS training and bulletins depending on their role as outlined in the ADOM Policy.
The bulletins also keep the reader at the forefront of best practices, tools, techniques and tips for maintaining safe environments for children and vulnerable adults. For an informative look at the benefit of reading the monthly bulletins, please see the website at www.miamiarch.org under Protecting God’s Children and Virtus Training. Look to the picture of the lighthouse and click, “Watch the Video.”
The ADOM also utilizes Virtus programs for children in grades K-12 called Teaching Boundary Safety. It is a safety program that defines, informs, and empowers children to keep them safe from abuse. Much like fire safety and pedestrian/traffic safety these lessons are another type of safety program. Lesson plans are age appropriate and created by leaders in the fields of child abuse, protection, and education. For more information speak to your school’s principal and ask for the Teaching Boundary Safety Guidebook.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
Covered Volunteer means any unpaid person who is engaged in or involved in any Archdiocesan institution or parish activity, and who is entrusted with the care or supervision of children or vulnerable adults; or has unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults; or serves in a role that is defined by this policy to have safe environment requirements in order to serve as a volunteer.
Not all volunteers are Covered Volunteers. As such, some volunteers if they do not have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults or are not entrusted with the care of supervision of children or vulnerable adults may not be subject to the same screening requirements. Examples below.
Some Volunteer Roles DO NOT Require Fingerprinting or VIRTUS training
Sacristan duties, unless accessible to altar servers who are minors
Altar dressers; persons responsible for washing and maintaining altar linens
Lectors, unless also serving in other roles, such as ushering
Adult choir member, unless practicing and/or performing with minors (children's choir); cantor
Extraordinary Minister of Eucharist (if at Masses only).
Bereavement Group Leader
Ladies' Guild, Council of Catholic Women, Bible Study Groups, Ministry groups that do not have unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults
Some Volunteer Roles Require Fingerprinting but not VIRTUS
Members of Finance Council; Chair also requires Virtus
Money counters, volunteers at festivals, food pantry, ushers
Some Volunteer Roles Require Fingerprinting, initial VIRTUS, but not monthly bulletins
Extraordinary Minister of Eucharist who visits homes, hospital
Parent volunteer assisting in religious education or in school but without unsupervised access to children
School Advisory Board members, High School Board of Directors, Parish Council, Home and School Council
Some Volunteer Roles Require Fingerprinting, initial VIRTUS, and monthly bulletins
Chair/leader of parish ministry, board, Council
Home room parent, chaperone for school trips, day or overnight
Religious Education catechist, coaches
Volunteer in youth ministry, Scout leader
Camp Erin, Centro Mater or Catholic Hospice volunteers
The Pastor, Principal or supervisor for the volunteer can advise the specific safe environment requirements based on the volunteer’s role as per the ADOM policy.
Please refer to the Archdiocese of Miami's Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment Policy for additional information. The definitions included on this webpage are limited to this policy only and do not confer employment status or otherwise have legal significance outside of this policy
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
For purposes of this policy only, Church Personnel includes all individuals who minister, work, or volunteer in any school, parish, or ministry of the Archdiocese whose compliance with this policy is sought.
Church Personnel shall mean all of the following:
Clergy:
All priests and deacons who have faculties in the Archdiocese
Employee:
Any lay individual who is employed by, or engaged in, ministry who is given payment for services (any form of compensation, whether monetary or otherwise) rendered in which the obligation to withhold for payroll tax (FICA, Medicare and withholding) exists, whether part-time or full-time. This definition shall include all such persons whether employed by the Archdiocese, parish, school, early childhood center, nursing home, group home, or other Archdiocesan entity that is controlled by or operated by the Archbishop. This definition does not include independent contractors, consultants, vendors or other persons who are not subject to the supervision of the Archdiocese and for whom no such duty to withhold payroll taxes exists.
Religious Brothers and Sisters:
Religious brothers and sisters who are regularly involved in ministry on behalf of an entity controlled or operated by the Archdiocese.
Seminarians:
Those men enrolled in a seminary as seminarians of the Archdiocese of Miami or who are regularly involved in ministry at an entity controlled or operated by the Archdiocese.
Covered volunteer:
Any unpaid person who is engaged in or involved in any archdiocesan institution or parish activity, and who is entrusted with the care or supervision of children or vulnerable adults; or has access to children or vulnerable adults.
Independent contractor:
Any non-employed lay individual who is hired or engaged to perform services (for any form of compensation, whether monetary or otherwise) on behalf of the Archdiocese including any parish, school, early childhood center, nursing home, group home or other archdiocesan entity that is controlled by or operated by the Archdiocese.
The following is the Safe Environment Policy of the Archdiocese of Miami.
All Church Personnel, ages 18 and older, including applicants offered a position, independent contractors and volunteers working with Vulnerable Persons will be required to:
Complete the appropriate criminal background process and receive clearance from the Office of Safe Environment.
Complete the Pledge to Promote Safe Environment and Virtus training.
Covered Volunteers are required to complete the Pledge to Promote Safe Environment and Virtus training.
There is no cost to the individual for any of these requirements, as long as the person is affiliated with an Archdiocesan entity.
Safe Environment Program
The following is the Safe Environment Policy of the Archdiocese of Miami.
All Church Personnel, ages 18 and older, including applicants offered a position, independent contractors and volunteers working with Vulnerable Persons will be required to:
Complete the appropriate criminal background process and receive clearance from the Office of Safe Environment.
Complete the Pledge to Promote Safe Environment and Virtus training.
Covered Volunteers are required to complete the Pledge to Promote Safe Environment and Virtus training.
There is no cost to the individual for any of these requirements, as long as the person is affiliated with an Archdiocesan entity.
Covered Volunteer means any unpaid person who is engaged in or involved in any Archdiocesan institution or parish activity, and who is entrusted with the care or supervision of children or vulnerable adults; or has access or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
If duties are assigned to any volunteer that include the care or supervision of children or vulnerable adults or otherwise involve access or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, the volunteer is then classified as a Covered Volunteer and fingerprinting, background screening and training are required.
Not all volunteers need to be screened for a criminal history. Those volunteers that do not have access or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults and those volunteers who are not entrusted with the care or supervision of children or vulnerable adults need not be screened for a criminal history.
Some examples of volunteers who do not need to be screened for a criminal history are:
Volunteer Parish Roles Not Requiring Fingerprinting (VIRTUS Training is Optional)
Sacristan duties, unless accessible to altar servers who are minors
Altar dressers; persons responsible for washing and maintaining altar linens
Lectors, unless also serving in other roles, such as ushering
Extraordinary Minister of Eucharist (if at Masses only). All those serving in hospitals and the homebound must comply.
Bereavement Group Leader
Parish Council members; Finance Council members
Ladies' Guild, Council of Catholic Women, Bible Study Groups, Ministry groups that do not have unsupervised or regular contact with children and/or vulnerable adults
Men's and Women's adult organizations that do not have unsupervised or regular contact with children and/or vulnerable adults
Volunteer or Vendor School Roles Not Requiring Screening: (if accompanied by an Employee or Covered Volunteer at all times)
Presenter at meeting or event
Career Day type events (participant or person staffing a booth)
Repair person
It is anticipated that the above-listed volunteers' duties will not involve the supervision or care of children or vulnerable adults and will not involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.
World Mission Sunday, organized by the Propagation of the Faith, is a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. Offerings collected every year from Catholics in the United States, on World Mission Sunday, are combined with offerings to the Propagation of the Faith worldwide to serve the needs of the Catholic Church in the Missions.
The World Mission Sunday is a time for each of us to remember and reflect upon our own baptismal call to mission and how we can live that in our daily lives, while we join is support of the urgent needs in the global mission.
A prayerful witness to end the atrocity of abortion in America. Our prayers are directed to the unborn, their mothers and fathers, all who promote and carry out abortion, and our nation who sanctions this holocaust.
Every Saturday
From 10 a.m.-noon, abortion site located at: 8603 S. Dixie Highway, Kendall 1 Plaza, Suite 102, Miami.
From 7-8 a.m., abortion site located at: Centro Calle 8 Shopping Center, 2742 S.W. 8 St., Miami.
First Saturday of the month
From 8:30-9:30 a.m., abortion site located at: 3829 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
From 8-9 a.m., abortion site located at: 6161 Miramar Parkway, Miramar.
Second Saturday of the month
From 8:45-10 a.m., abortion site located at: 7707 N. University Drive, Tamarac (Meet for 8 a.m. Mass at St. Malachy, 6200 John Horan Terrace, Tamarac).
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., abortion site located at: 3250 S. Dixie Highway, Miami.
Third Saturday of the month
From 9-10 a.m., abortion site located at: 263 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines
Fourth Saturday of the month
From 9 to 10:30 a.m., abortion site located at: 3600 N.W. 79 Ave., Doral.
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"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven,
it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
- CCC, no 2558, citing St. Therese of Liseux,
Manuscrits Autobiographiques, C 25r
Users are limited to submitting one request every three days; each request is limited to 150 characters. Due to privacy, please, do not use last names, use initials.
All requests are reviewed for content; when approved they will be posted on the website for the public to view. Prayer requests will remain active for 30 days.
The Archdiocese reserves the right to deny any posting on the Archdiocesan Prayer Request section that does not adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church at its sole discretion. Insults, use of ethnic slurs or personal insults, obscenities or any conduct that is objectionable to the Archdiocese of Miami or the Catholic Church in general are not acceptable.
Minors should seek parental permission before submitting a post.
All comments submitted will be reviewed and may be edited before being approved by the Communications department.
The following guidelines must be adhered to:
Do NOT use your or anyone's last names. We recommend using first name only or initials.
Do NOT post e-mail addresses, phone numbers, etc. in the body of your message/ prayer intention.
Requests with full names or other identifying information will not be posted.
This is not a chat room; please do not include notes to other petitioners.
Avoid making accusations about others' faults, sins, etc.
Avoid CAPITAL LETTERS. They are difficult to read.
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Links to external Web sites will not be posted.
You agree that you are responsible for any postings/ comments you make, and for any consequences thereof. You agree that all postings/ comments will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, rule and regulations. The Archdiocese takes no responsibility for third-party content nor does it have any obligation to monitor such third-party content. By submitting or posting content ("Content") you grant the Archdiocese a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and distribute such Content without further notice or compensation. You represent and warrant that you have all the rights, power and authority necessary to grant the rights granted herein to any Content and you will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Archdiocese from any liabilities, claims or damages arising as a result of your posting.
The Archdiocese collects but does not share your private information with third parties. For the complete terms of use, please click here.
Your Prayer will be submitted to the Archdiocese of Miami for approval and then published on the web site. While your First name will be published, telephone and email addresses are contact references that will only be used by the Archdiocese. They will not be shared with third parties.
The Catholic Medical Association is a national, physician-led community of healthcare professionals that informs, organizes, and inspires its members, in steadfast fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church, to uphold the principles of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine. Their goal is to inspire physicians to imitate Jesus Christ. The Miami Guild is open to medical professionals as well as medical students. Members meet every other month. One of their activities is an annual Hippocratic Oath Mass where all physicians and medical students present take the Catholic Hippocratic Oath.
An association of Catholic lawyers in Miami-Dade County dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and fellowship among Catholic lawyers, judges, law students and others involved in the legal profession; enhancing appreciation for and observance of high ethical standards in the practice of law; and encouraging attentiveness among legal practitioners to the weightier matters of the law justice, mercy and faith; so that their competence in secular disciplines may serve to promote human dignity and the common good, to the glory of God. Sponsors an annual Red Mass at Gesu Church, where members meet the third Friday of every month after the noon Mass.
An organization of Catholic lawyers in the South Florida community, founded in 1989, and dedicated to the advancement of the principles of St. Thomas More, the patron saint of lawyers and politicians. Each year the Society sponsors The Red Mass, a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony with a long and rich history, at St. Anthony Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as a reception and banquet following the Mass at a Fort Lauderdale hotel.
Aimee MacIver is a wife, mom, writer, artist, speaker, and pilgrimage leader.
She has authored several award-winning books about Theology of the Body, the sacraments, social justice, Scripture study, and Baptism preparation, as well as Reconciliation and Mass companions for children.
Aimee has frequently collaborated on projects with Fr Mike Schmitz, Jason Evert, The Vigil Project, and others, contributing dozens of articles, reflections, and other content to various Catholic outlets and apps.
Aimee is also a visual artist and creator of ThyShip.com, a daily Catholic newsletter about making any place a pilgrimage.
Native of Cuba, ordained May 11, 1985 for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Doctorate in moral theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
Doctorate in genetics, Purdue University, Indiana.
Florida Blue Endowed Chair in Bioethics and director, Institute for Bioethics, at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Chaplain, Catholic Medical Association, Miami Guild.
Former editor, Miami edition, Florida Catholic newspaper
Editor, Miami edition, the Florida Catholic from January 2002-March 2024; produced "Conversations with Archbishop Favalora", Radio Peace, from 1995-2010.
Began working for the Archdiocese of Miami as intern editor of La Voz Católica in summer 1979; returned to The Voice in 1980, becoming news editor in 1982; worked for The Voice and Florida Catholic as freelancer and part-timer from 1989-2001.
Graduate of Immaculate Conception School, Hialeah; Msgr. Edward Pace High School, Miami Gardens; and Barry University, Miami Shores.
Married, two children, member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Miami Lakes.
Born in Greenville, Michigan; ordained a priest in 1974 for the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee.
Came to Miami to work in the Metropolitan Tribunal in 1981, serving under Archbishops Edward McCarthy and John C. Favalora, and as Judicial Vicar from 1994 until 2010.
Taught comparative law and canon law at St. Thomas University and ran a summer program in El Escorial, Spain, for 25 years.
Now retired, and based at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Miami.
Freelance writer with the Florida Catholic since 2003
Involved in pro-life ministry since 1997
Mother of two adult children, member of St. Augustine Parish, Coral Gables
Favorite quote: “For thyself you have created us, oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.” – St. Augustine of Hippo
Anthony Pittelli
Anthony Pittelli is a former deputy sheriff and criminal investigator for the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a two-time lifesaving award recipient, and a former investigative sergeant at Dartmouth College. Anthony began his employment ministry with the Archdiocese of Miami in September of 2023.
Born in Havana, Cuba; has lived in New York, Puerto Rico and Miami.
Married to Niní, father and grandfather; member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Doral.
Worked in financial field; also possesses master's degree in Hispanic ministries from Barry University.
Lifetime involvement in the Catholic Church includes membership in Federación de Juventudes Cubanas (Catholic Youth Association) in Cuba; leadership of Unión de Cubanos en el Exilio youth group in New York; involvement in pre-marriage, marriage and family life programs in Puerto Rico.
Assisted in the celebration of the CELAM (Latin American bishops) conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1976.
Conducted workshops on liturgy and facilitates Lay Ministry groups for Archdiocese of Miami; facilitates online courses on religious studies for the University of Dayton.
Participant in both archdiocesan Synods.
Recipient of the archdiocese's Primum Regnum Dei Medal in 1998.
Florida Catholic / La Voz Católica correspondent
Fulltime wife and mother, freelance writer, member of St. Timothy Parish, Miami
Has a bachelor's degree in journalism and international relations from the University of Miami and a master's degree in theology from Boston College
Joined the staff of La Voz Católica in 2003 and served as reporter until 2007, when she left to become a stay-at-home mom; she and her husband are the proud parents of five children
Serves as leader in the Magis Retreat program, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and is a member of Christian Life Communities
Co-author of "The Infertility Companion for Catholics" (Ave Maria Press)
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
A native of Lake Worth and parishioner of Sacred Heart Church there, Archbishop Wenski entered St. John Vianney (then a high school seminary) in ninth grade and completed his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach 12 years later.
He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami in 1976 and served at Corpus Christi Parish in Miami until 1979; from 1979 to 1997, he served at Notre Dame d'Haiti and ministered to Haitians throughout south Florida.
He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Miami in 1997, and coadjutor bishop of Orlando in 2003.
He served as bishop of Orlando from 2004 until June 1, 2010, when he was installed as Miami's fourth archbishop.
Education Coordinator, Archdiocesan Respect Life Ministry
Began working for the Archdiocese of Miami as the Education Coordinator for the Respect Life Office in 1990.
Public speaker on the life issues, as well as establishing and coordinating a pro-life speakers bureau.
Hosted the radio program, “Life Matters,” on Radio Peace for 12 years.
Assists in the coordination and facilitation of Project Rachel, a diocesan post-abortion reconciliation program.
Born in Newark, New Jersey; ordained for the Archdiocese of Newark in 1970; ordained auxiliary bishop of Newark in 1996; appointed bishop of Camden, New Jersey, in 1999; installed as bishop of Brooklyn in October 2003, from where he retired Nov. 30, 2021.
Has a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University, and a doctorate in social work research and policy from Rutgers University.
Has spent over 40 years in ministry in the areas of immigration assistance and refugee resettlement services; has served as both an advocate for refugees and immigrant concerns in political forums, and as the initiator and administrator of programs to assist refugees and immigrants within the U.S. and throughout the world; also served as U.S. representative to the Global Commission on International Migration, a United Nations sponsored commission.
Currently serves as chairman of the board of the Center for Migration Studies; as member of the boards of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the USCCB Migration Committee and the Migration Policy Institute; and as member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.
Continues his research on undocumented migration in the United States.
This blog is taken from monthly articles, written by Bishop DiMarzio under the title "Walking with Migrants," which is being made available to diocesan publications through Catholic News Service.
Ordained to the priesthood July 5, 1959 for the Diocese of Matanzas, Cuba, he was expelled from his homeland by the communist regime on Sept. 17, 1961 along with 132 fellow priests and Havana's Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Boza Masvidal.
Ministered in the Diocese of Temuco, Chile from 1962 to 1996, when he came to south Florida, where in 1967 he was appointed rector of the yet-to-be constructed Shrine of Our Lady of Charity on Biscayne Bay.
Named auxiliary bishop of Miami March 24, 1979, becoming the first Cuban in 200 years to be appointed bishop in the U.S.
Retired from active ministry May 5, 2003, he continues to work as rector emeritus of what is now the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity.
St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center
Freelance news writer and blogger based in Miami; has written and photographed for the Florida Catholic since 2009.
Has a degree in religious studies from Florida International University as well as a certificate in Judaic studies.
Has worked and served in college and young adult ministry for several years, including Encuentros Juveniles.
When not writing, she enjoys photography, traveling, attending cultural events and a good conversation.
Worked for the Archdiocese of Miami in Radio Paz/Radio Peace and La Voz Católica until November 2003, when she moved to Georgia and worked for the Archdiocese of Atlanta's Office of AIDS Ministry.
Co-founder of the Southeastern Conference of Catholic AIDS Ministers (SECCAM), a non-profit organization that provides formation and spiritual enrichment opportunities to Catholic AIDS ministers.
Worked for an Atlanta-area organization that provides housing opportunities to persons living with HIV or AIDS who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Favorite quote: From the Missionaries of Charity: "God still entrusts us to one another."
Executive Director, Catholic Hospice
President and chief executive officer of Catholic Hospice since May 2007.
Has more than 10 years of experience in the hospice health care industry.
Received his bachelor of business administration with a focus on marketing from Texas Tech University and is a board certified clinical associate, member of the American Board of Certified Managed Care Providers.
Principal, Sts. Peter and Paul School, Miami
Obtained a bachelor's degree in education, a master's in secondary education and a doctorate in instructional leadership from the University of Miami, as well as certification in elementary education from Barry University.
Taught in archdiocesan Catholic schools since 1967; served as assistant principal of Sts. Peter and Paul School, Miami, from 1981 to 1990; principal of St. Agatha School, Miami, from 1990-2001; principal of Sts. Peter and Paul School since 2001.
Received the Papal Medal Benemerenti in 2008; named National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Principal in 2000.
An attorney who lives with her husband and four children in Miami; parishioner at Little Flower in Coral Gables.
Graduate of the University of Miami, with a bachelor’s in business, master’s in business administration and Juris Doctorate.
Member of the board of directors of the Couple to Couple League; Natural Family Planning instructor together with her husband. Also serves as a catechist, on Camino del Matrimonio, and Fully Engaged.
Co-author of “The Infertility Companion for Catholics: Spiritual and Practical Support for Couples”.
President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services since January 2012; she had served on its board of directors from 2004 to 2010.
Born and raised in Hong Kong; immigrated to the U.S. to attend Purdue University, where she earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
From 1997 to 2011, served as dean of the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business; previously served as associate executive vice president for academic affairs at Purdue University.
Married, two children; author of “Working for a Better World,” published in 2015 by Our Sunday Visitor
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S.
Catherine Addington is a novice with the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation of religious sisters consecrated for evangelization in the culture of communications. A former language teacher, she is a published journalist, essayist, playwright, poet, and translator, with a special love for telling the stories of saints whose lives can illumine the call to holiness in the modern world. She is the translator of Saint Rafael Arnaiz: The Collected Works (Cistercian Publications/Liturgical Press, 2022) and the co-author of Brother Rafael and the Rainy-Day Devils (Magnificat/Ignatius Press, 2023).
Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, she is now in formation at the provincial house in Boston, Massachusetts, where she is preparing for her first profession of vows in early 2026.
Cesar Baldelomar
Executive Director, Pax Romana Center for International Study of Catholic Social Teaching
Will start pursuing Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University in fall 2009
Theology teacher, Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School, Miami
2008 graduate, St. Thomas University, with majors in Global Leadership and Religious Studies and minors in Philosophy and History.
Cesar Baldelomar's Blog Archive
Works as an airline pilot; member of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Miami Beach, along with his wife, Jacque.
Attended Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes, where he was deeply involved in the English Emmaus ministry; this led to a desire to learn more about his Catholic faith.
Earned a Catholic Studies Certificate from the archdiocesan School of Lay Formation.
Earned a Master of Arts in Theology through St. Leo University’s online learning program.
Serves as a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and member of the parish council at St. Francis de Sales.
These reflections grew out of a blog, “Spiritual Thoughts and Musings,” that he began writing for the parish newsletter during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Served as director, Lay Ministry and Adult Faith Formation, from 2004 until 2012
Has been with the department for five years.
"This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow, we water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are the workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. May that future be filled with grace, peace, and hope."
— martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador
The Florida Catholic
Has worked as a reporter/photographer at the Florida Catholic, Miami, since spring 2014.
Earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and composition from Florida International University in 2013, and an Associate in Arts from Miami Dade College in 2010.
A parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Hialeah.
Favorite quote: “Not all those who wander are lost.”
Born and raised in Miami, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.
Member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Miami Lakes, married to Elisa, father of two.
Has participated in YAMI (Young Adult Ministry Institute), St. Brendan's Young Adult Group, Office of Lay Ministry's School of Ministry, Bible study at his parish, Catholic Scripture program at St. Thomas University and Amor en Acción (lay missionary group).
Creator of the "MassExplained" iPad app and founder of Ampersand Design Group and Agnus Gift Shop.
Father Daniel Martin
Born in Miami to Indian immigrants, raised in Coral Springs, a graduate of St. Andrew School there and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale
Graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor's degree in philosophy
Earned a pre-theology certificate from St. John Vianney College Seminary and a Master of Divinity from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach
Ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami in May 2013; now a lecturer in philosophy at St. John Vianney College Seminary while finishing a doctoral degree at The Catholic University of America
Freelance Photojournalist
Daniel Soñé is a freelance photojournalist based in Washington, D.C.
He grew up in Miami and graduated from Florida International University
He has written and reported for the Florida Catholic since 2004
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., studied architectural drafting and became a commercial kitchen designer after serving in the Navy; eventually started his own business.
Moved to North Miami in 1969 with his first wife, Yolanda, and their daughter; after Yolanda’s death, he married Charlotte. They have been married over 43 years, with five children (his, hers and ours), nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ordained a permanent deacon Nov. 20, 1999, at age 66, and assigned to his home parish, St. Mark in Southwest Ranches.
Author and presenter, from 2001 to 2009, of a three-day parish mission based on Divine Mercy, “Three Days with the Lord”
In 2009, started a prayer group called Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament (adorersoftheblessedsacrament.com), to encourage men, women and children to experience exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and believe.
In the real presence of Jesus. All St. Mark School and religious education students become members once they receive their first Communion.
Quote: “I was a poor to average student. The one thing that made a deep impression on me was being taught who Jesus Christ was. I knew that no matter what happened in my life He would always take care of me.”
Ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami in 2008.
Has a master’s in theology from The Augustine Institute, Denver, Colo.; is a Master Catechist with the archdiocese; and a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars.
Serves as coordinator of Adult Faith Formation at St. Bonaventure Parish in Davie.
Executive Director, Office for the Diaconate
Ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami Nov. 17, 2001
Became executive director of the archdiocesan Office for the Diaconate and Director of Formation in January, 2005
Obtained a licentiate in theology from the Angelicum, The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, in 2008
"The will of God will never take you where His grace will not protect you"
The Archdiocesan Office of Detention Ministry
Ordained to the permanent diaconate June 11, 2005, for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Member of Our Lady of Divine Providence Parish, Sweetwater.
Married for more than 40 years, father of one daughter and grandfather of three.
Former elementary school teacher and catechist in Argentina.
From St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, he obtained:
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, cum laude, May 2011.
Master of Divinity, cum laude, December 2014.
Currently a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology.
Deacon Farías is Director of Detention Ministry for the Archdiocese of Miami since 2006.
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9)
Dennis Rohan
Director of Religious Formation Schott Center, Fort Lauderdale
Joined Schott Communities in March 2008 after serving as Director of Religious Education at St. Bernadette Parish in Hollywood from 2000-2006.
Received a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Baruch College and has continued his education at Barry University in theology, spirituality and counseling; completed the two-year Graduate Advocate Program at St. Thomas University and two-year Lay Ministry Program of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Has expanded Schott’s religious education for children who were deaf or disabled, specifically to reach out to autistic children. This unique program prepares deaf, disabled or autistic children, sometimes with one-on-one teaching, for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Dennis Rohan's Blog Archive
Dolores Hanley McDiarmid received a master’s degree in visual disabilities from Florida State University in 1980. In 2009 she earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministries at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida.
From January 1981 to July 2017, she dedicated her professional life to teaching and ministering to people living with visual disabilities and blindness. In 2017 she published a book Moved by the Spirit A Call to Work with People Living with Visual Impairments and Blindness. It shares how she incorporated her faith into her career.
The beginning years of retirement were spent making personalized home-made cards for friends, journaling, reading spiritual books, writing, attending Mass and Eucharistic Adoration in order to discern God’s Will for the next chapter of her life, as well as spending more time with her husband, John, and their cat, Snoopy.
In 2021, after reading IN SINU JESU When Heart Speaks to Heart; The Journal of a Priest at Prayer and learning more about Blessed Carlo Acutis, who had a devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, she felt a deep calling to spend more time at Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to encourage others to spend more time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Dolores is an active parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She serves on the Social and Events Committee, is a Eucharistic Minister bringing Holy Communion to those who are sick or homebound and helps prepare the chapel for Eucharistic Adoration. Like the patron of her church, Saint Pius X, whose nickname was “Perpetuum Mobile,” she too is always on the move.
Favorite quote: “The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth.” St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Pediatric cardiologist with a master’s degree in bioethics; president of the Miami Guild of the Catholic Medical Association.
Currently affiliate associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and on the faculty of the Institute of Bioethics and Health Policy.
Graduate of Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia; residency in pediatrics at University Hospital, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus; training in pediatric cardiology at University Hospital, Puerto Rico, and Kings County Medical Center, New York University.
As active duty U.S. Air Force officer, held positions as chair of the Department of Pediatrics, program director of Pediatric Residency, and chief of the medical staff at major medical centers of the Department of Defense; was on the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; and was affiliate scholar at the Georgetown University Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, D.C.
Executive Director, Marian Center, since 2002
Licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Employed in both a clinical and administrative capacity with government, for-profit and non-profit organizations (including the Archdiocese of New York) for over
35 years.
"Every day is like Christmas for me"! (Juan, one of the adult students who has been attending the Marian Center daily for many years)
Born July 11, 1943 in Bayamo, Cuba; ordained June 24, 1972 for the Jesuit Province of the Antilles.
Began service in the Archdiocese of Miami in January 1998, as a member of the faculty at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School; taught there until 2006 and then again from 2008 to 2012.
Served at Gesu Church in downtown Miami and at St. Kieran Parish, Miami.
Received Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope) Cross, the highest honor awarded by the Vatican, in March 2013.
Frequent contributor to El Nuevo Herald and La Voz Católica.
Eleanor Bourg Nicholson
Scholar, award-winning novelist (A Bloody Habit, Ignatius Press, 2018; The Letters of Magdalen Montague, Chrism Press, 2021; and Brother Wolf, Chrism Press, 2021)
Victorian literature instructor for Homeschool Connections, Dominican tertiary, and homeschooling mother of five
Attends St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Charlottesville, Virginia
Born in Nicaragua; came to Miami at age 15; graduated from Miami Coral Park Senior High School and entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. He completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
He blogged about his journey as a seminarian before his ordination as a transitional deacon April 21, 2012. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 11, 2013. He served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kendall until June 2015, when he was appointed archdiocesan Vocations Director.
"When the evening of this life comes, we shall be judged on love" (St. John of the Cross) / "Al atardecer de nuestra vida, seremos juzgados en el amor." (San Juan de la Cruz)
Born in Camagüey, Cuba; obtained a doctorate in Spanish language and literature from the University of Havana, with special focus on the work of José Martí; and another doctorate in Spanish language from Florida International University.
Author of many books of poetry, including “Junto al Álamo de los Sinsontes,” which received the Premio Casa de las Américas in 1988, and “Sobre la Brevedad de la Ceniza,” which won the Eugenio Florit poetry prize in 2005.
Since arriving in Miami in 1991, he has worked as an editor and translator for El Nuevo Herald and La Voz Católica and professor of Spanish and English at Belen Jesuit Prep and Miami Dade College.
Editor of La Voz Católica since it resumed publication in 2013.
Emily Chaffins is a freelance writer and photographer whose work has been featured on Flipboard, EWTN News, Catholic Exchange and more. She curates the Archdiocese of Miami’s “Through the Catholic Lens” blog, which is devoted to rediscovering art and media through a Catholic worldview.
She is a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Miami. Find her on Instagram @the.smallest_things
Eric A. Clayton
Deputy director of communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.
Earned a BA in creative writing and international studies from Fairfield University and an MA in international media from American University.
Author of Story Scraps on Substack.
Author of “Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith” and “My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars,” which will be published Feb. 27, 2024.
Lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and two daughters
Born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to parents who immigrated from Kerala, India.
Lived in Miami since 1982, home parish is St. Louis in Pinecrest.
Graduate of Palmetto Senior High School and Florida International University.
Worked as a medical social worker at Baptist Hospital before entering St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami.
Ordained June 23, 2012.
Pastor of St. Pius X in Fort Lauderdale since September 2015.
Pastor, St. Sebastian Parish
Grew up in North Miami's Holy Family Parish and attended Archbishop Curley (now Curley Notre Dame) High School.
Entered the seminary as a high school senior and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1968.
Served as director of the Office of Worship from 1978-1984, and as pastor of St. Louis Church in Pinecrest from 1982 to September 2010, when he was appointed pastor of St. Sebastian in Fort Lauderdale.
Ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John C. Favalora on May 8, 2010 at the Cathedral of St. Mary
Has served at St. Agnes Parish, Key Biscayne; as director of campus ministry at St. Thomas University; and as parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Church in Kendall.
Currently pursuing higher studies in canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
"In the simplicity of my heart I have given you everything." — Ambrosian Liturgy
Father Richard J. Vigoa is a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami, currently serving as pastor of St. Augustine Church in Coral Gables and chaplain for UCatholic Campus Ministry at the University of Miami. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he serves as the director for worship and spiritual life for the Archdiocese.
Ordained to the priesthood in 2008, Father Vigoa previously served as priest secretary to the Archbishop of Miami. He holds a pontifical degree in pastoral theology with a focus on New Evangelization and is currently living in Rome while completing his doctorate at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum).
Upon his return from Rome, Father Vigoa hopes to continue teaching and forming future priests as an adjunct professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. His scholarly work and ministry are rooted in a passion for evangelization and deepening the Church’s spiritual life. Father Vigoa brings a wealth of pastoral and theological insight to his writing, offering reflections embodying the New Evangelization's spirit, challenging readers to encounter Christ in their daily lives.
Auxiliary Bishop of Miami
Oversees the archdiocese of Miami's ministry of Pastoral Services including family life, youth, campus, prison and Respect Life ministries, as well as all the apostolic movements.
Ordained a priest: May 30, 1970.
Ordained a bishop: January 7, 2004.
"He loved them to the end" — John 13, 1
Pastor, St. Brendan Parish, Miami
Born in Cuba, arrived in U.S. at age 11.
Served as Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam War (1970-1972) at the Department of the Army, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Earned bachelor's degrees in political science and history from FIU; a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan; master's degrees in biblical systematic theology and divinity from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach; licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Practiced criminal defense law for 13 years before entering the seminary at age 40.
Ordained in May 1996; pastor of St. Brendan since March 2003.
Quote: "I pray that at the end of my journeying I can always say to my Lord and God: I have tried my best notwithstanding my sinfulness, my omission and imperfections of life - truly Lord, I have tried!"
Vocations Director
OA native of Melbourne, Fla., Father Zirilli graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting.
Prior to entering the seminary, he worked in private practice as a certified public accountant in the Key Largo area.
He was ordained in May 2008, and appointed Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Miami in September 2010.
Family Life Department
Ordained a priest in his native Havana, Cuba, in 1982.
Worked in marriage ministry in the Diocese of Cienfuegos-Santa Clara and youth ministry and religious education in the Archdiocese of Santiago before coming to Miami in 1992.
Has a licentiate in theology from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome; a master?s in catechetical theology from the Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain; and a master?s in marriage and family therapy from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.
Served as director of the archdiocese?s Family Life Office from 2004 to May 2011.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Born Nov. 26, 1969; studied at Fordham University, N.Y.
Ordained Sept. 2, 2000, for the Jesuit Order, Antilles province
Currently serving as principal of Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami
"Vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit" (Invoked or not invoked, God is present)
Father Harry Loubriel
Director, Archdiocesan Campus Ministry
A native of Puerto Rico, the 15th in a family of 18 brothers and sisters
Ordained May 14, 2005 for the Archdiocese of Miami
Archdiocesan Director of Campus Ministry since June 2008
Favorite quote: “Do this in memory of me.”
CLICK HERE to go to The Gathering Place,
the Facebook page for St. Thomas University’s campus ministry
(You must have an account with Facebook in order to log in to the site)
Father Harry Loubriel's Blog Archive
Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Hialeah
Ordained a priest: May 11, 2002
Has served as archdiocesan vocations director; parochial vicar at St. Agnes, Key Biscayne; Mary Help of Christians, Parkland, and St. Gregory, Plantation; and administrator, Our Lady of Divine Providence, Miami.
"We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19
Father Roberto Cid
Pastor, St. Patrick Church, Miami Beach
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 12, 2007.
Obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a doctorate in economics from the University of Miami.
Currently serves as pastor at St. Patrick Church, Miami Beach.
Favorite quote: “Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, fully reveals man to man.”
(Gaudium et Spes, 22)
Father Roberto Cid's Blog Archive
Rector, St. John Vianney College Seminary
Appointed rector, St. John Vianney College Seminary in July 2010.
Archdiocesan director of vocations January 2009 - August 2010.
Pastor of San Isidro, Pompano Beach, 2003-2009.
Ordained in 1996 for the Archdiocese of Miami, has served at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West and Corpus Christi in Miami, and as director of mission for Catholic Charities.
Sister Mary Ann Walsh
Sister Mary Ann Walsh Director
Sister Mary Ann Walsh is Director of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
First profession, June 1967
At USCCB since 1983, when assigned as a reporter to Rome bureau of Catholic News Service
Favorite quote: Praise God for His wonderful deeds. (Psalm 150)
Sister Mary Ann Walsh Blog Archive
Co-Director, John Paul II International Film Festival
Born in Elizabeth, N.J., moved to Miami at age 13.
Currently completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in English and literature with a minor in theology.
Felt a strong calling to the art of film during his freshman year of high school; began writing, directing, and producing his own work alongside his fiancé, Laura Alvarado. Together, they began a production company called 7eventhDay Films.
After rediscovering his faith during college, he felt the need to give back to God the talents God had bestowed upon him.
“I plead with you. Never doubt. Never tire and become discouraged. I plead with you. Do not sever those very roots from which you spring.” – John Paul II
Born in Baltimore, Md., earned a B.A. from St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, and an M.A. from the University of St. Michael's College, Toronto.
Author or editor of 21 books including "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II."
Recipient of 15 honorary doctorates, the papal cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and the Gloria Artis Gold Medal by the Republic of Poland.
Serves on the boards of directors of several organizations dedicated to human rights and religious freedom; member of the editorial board of First Things.
Currently serves as Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
His weekly column is distributed by the Denver Catholic Register, official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Denver (www.archden.org/weigel.)
Gloria Luna
Director of Social Advocacy, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
2 years at the Office of Social Advocacy
Favorite quote: “The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.” — Thomas Merton
Gloria Luna's Blog Archive
Grace Chaffins, a student at Florida International University, is pursuing a double major in Vocal Performance and Natural and Applied Sciences. She is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.
Grace is also the founder and past president of Students for Life at FIU, an official group under Students for Life of America. The group has hosted a variety of speakers, including SFLA president Kristan Hawkins, pro-life OB/GYN Dr. William Lile, and Executive Director of Broward Right to Life Tewannah Aman.
An aspiring medical doctor, Grace is passionate about using music and medicine to impact the lives of others. Her Instagram account is Instagram is @grace.chaffins.
Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, the Holy Year of Mercy, on March 13, 2015, with these words:
“… I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its center the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36). And this especially applies to confessors! So much mercy!
“This Holy Year will commence on the next Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living face of the Father's mercy. I entrust the organization of this Jubilee to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization…
“I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time. Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness…”
Born and raised in Miami, Ion is the youngest of seven brothers born to Nicaraguan parents.
He attended Miami Coral Park High school, graduated in May 2009, and entered the seminary that August; he is currently finishing his senior year at St. John Vianney College Seminary.
He enjoys playing sports, especially basketball and fishing.
He has gone on mission to Mexico twice and spent two months this summer studying Creole in Haiti.
His home parish is St. Michael the Archangel in Miami.
"To love another is to see the face of God." (Victor Hugo, Les Miserables)
Born in Quito, Ecuador; attended St. Theresa School, Coral Gables, and Immaculata-La Salle High School, Miami.
Currently studying education at Miami Dade College.
Member of the Church of the Little Flower, Coral Gables, where she serves as a catechist.
Also serves as a group “asesora” – part of the leadership team – for Encuentros Juveniles.
Jacob Plante is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes in Miami and a student at Florida International University, pursuing a Bachelor in Communication Arts for Media and Design.
He is an active member of several ministries and organizations, such as Students for Life at FIU, the FIU Catholic Panthers, the Miamiensis Latin Mass Miami Community, and Hospitalité de Miami. He also works as a freelance photographer in his community.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., married to Alma Nelly; four children.
Graduated from St. Thomas University in 1987 with a bachelor’s in athletic administration; earned master’s in theology (1995) and Doctor of Ministry (1999) degrees from Barry University.
Teaches religion at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where his students know him as “Doc Dugard”.
Serves as deacon at St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest and for the Respect Life Ministry.
Jane Radetsky
Vice-President, Archdiocesan Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for more than 25 years
President of the Central Miami-Dade District Council and former president of the Archdiocesan Council of Miami which covers Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties
Director of “Vincentians” magazine; director of the Radio Paz program of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which is broadcast every Sunday, 3-5 p.m., on 830 AM.
Favorite quote: “Since I am retired now, all my time and efforts as a volunteer are dedicated solely to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. My only desire and aspiration is to always be on the side of the poor and marginalized.”
Jane Radetsky's Blog Archive
Born in New York City, she made her religious profession July 2, 1966.
Worked in the Archdiocese of Miami for 24 years, including serving as principal of St. Mary Cathedral School from 1988 to 2008.
Elected General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine July 31, 2010.
Virtus training coordinator
Safe Environment Coordinator, Archdiocese of Miami, since 2008.
Previously worked as a freelancer for the archdiocesan Communications Department.
Married, two children, parishioner at St. Rose of Lima, Miami Shores.
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." - (Psalm 4:8)
Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1945; came to Miami in 1962 via the Pedro Pan airlift; attended Colegio de Belén in Havana and Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami, where he also taught from 1970-72.
Entered the Jesuit novitiate in the Dominican Republic, September 1964; ordained for the Society of Jesus, June 29, 1975.
Studied at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago, Dominican Republic (licentiate in philosophy); Facultad de Teología, Granada, Spain (bachelor’s in sacred theology); Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy (master’s and doctorate in biblical theology).
Worked in parishes in the Dominican Republic and South Florida (St. John Bosco) and served as spiritual director at the Pontificio Colegio Pio Latino, Rome.
Taught Bible studies for 12 years at the Seminario Pontificio Santo Tomás de Aquino in Santo Domingo; taught on the writings of St. John at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (2002-20).
Author of Conversaciones con Juan el Vidente de Patmos (1991); La figura de la bestia. Investigación teológico-bíblica sobre Apocalipsis 13 (1998).
Returned to Miami in 2020; currently assisting at Gesu in downtown Miami and leading biblical workshops at the Centro de Espiritualidad Ignaciana in Miami (Casa Manresa).
Founder/superior Franciscan Brothers of Life
Has a background in spiritual theology and psycho-education; prior to embracing the consecrated life, he was a widowed dad of a son and daughter.
Formerly a Capuchin-Franciscan missionary in the Caribbean; served as director of Pastoral Care at the Kennedy Institute of the Archdiocese of Washington; has served persons with developmental disabilities for over 40 years.
Came to the Archdiocese of Miami in 2002, after a three-year mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he served as the founding dean of the first college of human ecology in South America.
Founder and director of Project Joseph, an apostolate under the auspices of the Respect Life Ministry which provides education, counseling and material assistance to fathers in crisis and dealing with unexpected pregnancies.
The Franciscan Brothers of Life is an emerging Franciscan community in the Archdiocese of Miami. The brothers have a two-fold mission: to proclaim the Gospel of Life in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi and to do penance in atonement for those who embrace the culture of death.
Quote: "Deus eligit stultus." (God chooses the foolish).
Sister Jennifer Tecla Hyatt is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, a religious community dedicated to evangelization with the media. She holds a B.A. in Theology and is a Master Catechist in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Sister Tecla is currently the Manager of Pauline Books and Media in Miami, FL. Sister is also an associate of the Pauline Center for Media Studies.
Over the past ten years, Sister Tecla has facilitated various film and Scripture activities for both children and adults, as well as given presentations on media literacy and integrating culture, faith and media.
Originally from Denver, Colorado; attended College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts, and University of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Holds a doctorate in educational administration.
Has spent his entire career in Catholic education, serving as teacher, dean, principal, assistant superintendent and college-seminary lecturer in Tennessee and Colorado.
Served as director of education and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, 2010-2015.
Served as superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, 2015-2021.
Appointed cabinet secretary of education and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Miami, July 6, 2021.
Married to Lauren, father of four, who all attend Archdiocese of Miami Catholic schools.
Born Feb. 23, 1939 in Villalba de Duero, Spain; ordained June 24, 1962 for the Archdiocese of Madrid; came to Miami in 1964 as a missionary with the Obra de Cooperación Sacerdotal Hispano Americana (OCSHA).
Served at a number of South Florida parishes, from Homestead to Miami Lakes (and Belle Glade when it was part of the archdiocese); also taught at the seminary, served as director of the Permanent Diaconate Office and Spanish-speaking Cursillo movement, and as president of Pax Catholic Communications (Radio Paz 830 AM).
Named a monsignor in March 2013; retired as pastor of St. Agnes Church, Key Biscayne, in June 2014.
These blogs are taken from his weekly messages to parishioners, as well as his columns for La Voz Católica.
Director, Archdiocese of Miami Respect Life Ministry
Involved in archdiocesan Respect Life Ministry, serving as associate director,
since 1984, as director since 2006. Retired in October 2018
Married, mother of 4 daughters, grandmother of 2.
Member of St. Bernadette Parish, Hollywood.
"Why has such privilege been granted to us - to defend Him in His least ones!"
Jose Antonio Varela Vidal
Native of Lima, Peru, a priest for the Archdiocese of Ayacucho, temporarily living in Madrid, where he exercises his pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Getafe and with the Pauline Fathers and Brothers.
Obtained journalism degree from Universidad Jaime Bausate y Meza, in Lima.
Pursued additional studies in philosophy, theology, religious journalism, new media, pastoral and intercultural-missionary communications, urban ministry, the social doctrine of the Church, missionology, and strategic and institutional communications.
Served as manager of a TV station and editor of two print magazines.
His articles have appeared in various Catholic publications worldwide, including Exaudi Catholic news agency, La Voz Católica in Miami, El Observador de la Actualidad in México, El Cooperador Paulino in Spain, Testimonio and Correo Mariano in Peru, Vida Nueva in Spain and Latin America (online edition) and Signis ALC (website and social networks).
Editor, Miami edition, Florida Catholic newspaper
Born in Spain, ordained June 24, 1962 for the Archdiocese of Madrid.
Came to South Florida as a missionary in 1964, as part of the Spanish bishops' organization, the Obra de Cooperación Sacerdotal Hispano Americana (OCSHA).
Served at a number of parishes throughout South Florida, including as administrator of St. Ann Mission in Naranja and St. Benedict Parish in Hialeah.
Taught at St. John Vianney Seminary, served as director of Cursillo, the Permanent Diaconate Office and Pax Catholic Communications.
Became pastor of St. Agnes Parish, Key Biscayne, in 1993.
Named chaplain to His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, in January 2013.
Retired from active ministry July 1, 2014.
Native of England, internationally acclaimed author of many books, including bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc.
Host of two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN as well as documentaries on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Visiting professor of literature at Ave Maria University and visiting chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire).
Born in Havana, Cuba, the sixth of seven siblings; arrived in Miami via the Pedro Pan exodus of unaccompanied Cuban minors; the family later resettled in the Philadelphia area.
Undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art, and a master’s degree in Psychology from Hahnemann Medical University.
Helped establish a Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos orphanage in Honduras; worked at Living Bridges, assisting in adoptions of orphaned Latin American children by U.S. couples; worked as Southeast Regional Director for Friends of the Orphans; and as Executive Director of ACLAMO Family Centers, which assists immigrant families in the Philadelphia area.
Appointed executive director of Respect Life in October 2018; married to Mary Kate, with whom he has four daughters.
Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of Schools.
Born in Pittsburgh; has spent her entire career in Catholic schools, working as a teacher, principal and superintendent of schools in Gary, Ind., and most recently in Monterey, Calif.
Obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Science and Ph. D. in Educational Administration from Purdue University.
Married to David Pryzbylski; two sons, David and Michael.
"Always look forward, never back." (Junipero Serra)
Member of St. Gregory Parish, Plantation
Born in from Long Island, N.Y., has lived in South Florida for more than 30 years and raised four children; former spiritual director at St. Gregory Parish, Plantation.
Received certification in spiritual companioning from St. Thomas University in Miami and certification in spiritual direction from Steubenville University.
Christian artist/ speaker/retreat director; founder and lead singer for evangelistic ensemble Linda Rose and Company; author of The Keys to Freedom retreat; representative of non-profit ministry, Answered Prayers Cross; author of "Strength for Your Journey Devotional Companion" and its Spanish translation, "Fortaleza para el Viaje Compañero Devocional", both of which have received the "imprimatur" from Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
“I have promised the Lord to use my God-given talents of creativity, art and music to create programs for the purpose of allowing people to experience God in their lives.”
Advertising Sales Executive
Has a degree from Marymount Manhattan College and worked as an advertising sales executive.
Currently serves as Director of Programs with Schott Communities.
Before that, worked with Schott, and also with Best Buddies, as a volunteer.
"As a parent of a daughter who is developmentally disabled, I have a particular passion and desire to serve organizations that provide programs, services and opportunities for the special needs community."
Director, Family Life Ministry
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico; obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986, a Juris Doctor in 1990, and is currently completing her Master in Practical Theology at Barry University.
Practiced law for 20 years, 18 of which she has served in the ministry of evangelization, marriage and family life.
Collaborates with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as Content Development Editor for www.portumatrimonio.org and as consultant to the Ad Hoc Committee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.
Appointed archdiocesan director of Family Life Ministry in July 2011; married to Ricardo Luzondo; one son, Sebastian.
“The Lord is the owner of time, but he has no time to waste time.”
Maria Alejandra Rivas-Ávila
Born and raised in South Florida. She attended Florida International University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications and is currently the Digital Media Specialist for the Archdiocese of Miami. She loves spending time with her family, channeling her creativity through content creation, and listening to music.
Maria Jerkins
Director, archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Affairs
Born in Miami, mother of two young men, grandmother of one grandson, member of Holy Redeemer Parish in Liberty City
Taught English, reading, social studies and typing to students in junior high school; served as principal of Charles Drew Middle School for five years, and Allapattah Junior High/Middle School for 12 years
Has served as director of the Office of Black Catholic Affairs for the past
16 years
Maria Jerkin's Blog Archive
Born in Cuba, exiled to New York at age 2, moved to Surfside for work at age 37.
Member of St. Patrick Parish, Miami Beach, where she was a team leader for the Emmaus retreat group and founded the Flowers for Mothers ministry.
Has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in business administration as well as certificates in Clinical Pastoral Education, Spiritual Direction (St. Thomas University) and Catholic Studies (Archdiocesan Office of Lay Ministry).
Most recently worked at chaplain/director of spirituality at Signature Healthcare Center of Waterford in Hialeah Gardens. Currently studying fulltime for a Master’s in Practical Theology at Barry University while working as a graduate assistant in the Campus Ministry office.
Maria Villa is a lifelong artist and a certified art teacher at Good Shepherd Catholic School. She specializes in Catholic-themed artwork, using a blend of anime and semi-realism to make the invisible realities of the faith visible through art. Maria is also dedicated to illustrating and crafting engaging catechetical content for children, making religious education accessible and fun.
When she’s not creating, Maria enjoys diving into thought-provoking books, exploring new places with family and friends, and unwinding with video games. She shares her latest artwork on Instagram @gospelvisualized, where she welcomes commissions and collaborations.
She is blessed with a loving husband and a beautiful baby girl, both gifts from God.
Director, Archdiocesan Religious Education Department
Earned certification as master catechist in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Obtained Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and certification in Hispanic Pastoral Ministry from Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles; Master of Arts in pastoral ministries from St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens; and is in the process of obtaining a doctorate in ministry from Barry University, Miami Shores.
Served as director of religious education at St. Dominic Parish in Miami and San Isidro in Pompano Beach.
Joined the staff of the archdiocesan Religious Education Department in 2003; named director in 2008.
Vice-President of Public Relations, Catholic Health Services
Is vice-president of public relations for Catholic Health Services, the largest sub-acute continuum of care organization in the southeast US, and a healthcare and social services ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami.
She has been with Catholic Health Services nearly 12 years and in marketing, advertising and public relations over 25, including running her own business for six years.
She lives in Coral Springs and has two sons.
Mariana Barbara was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but was raised in Miami, Florida. Growing up, Mariana loved singing, drawing and reciting scripts from various movies and TV shows. During high school, Mariana was inspired by her mother, Rosa Maria, to advocate for other students with special needs like herself and her younger brother in the public school system. It was also during this time that she discovered her love for musical theater and used these experiences to develop her self-esteem, socialize with her peers, and communicate her emotions.
Mariana completed her studies at the Miami-Dade College Honors program at the Wolfson Campus. She then transferred to Florida International University, FIU, Honors College, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in political science. Mariana later returned to FIU to complete her master’s degree in psychology with a track in behavior analysis. Throughout her time at FIU, she was very active with the Catholic campus ministry and the pro-life movement. Mariana is currently involved with The 72 Young Adult Youth Group and works as a registered behavioral technician at a behavioral clinic in Tamiami.
She is studying to become a board certified behavioral analyst. Her current hobbies include singing, drawing, reading, and attending comic conventions, and she hosts a podcast focused on musical theater and Pokemon called Diamond Badge PML Podcast (available on Spotify and Instagram).
Maria Teresa Perez
Principal, Blessed Trinity School, Miami Springs
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., Maria Teresa Perez attended Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Elementary School there; she then obtained a degree in elementary education from Florida International University, a master’s in primary education from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in educational leadership and administration from St Thomas University
Taught in the public school system from 1989 to 2000, when she started at Blessed Trinity School in Miami Springs as an English and history teacher; she is beginning her seventh year as principal
Is a member of Blessed Trinity Parish, where she lectors and is part of the Emmaus Women’s Group
Has been married for 23 years and has two daughters at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami
Favorite quote: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Maria Teresa Perez's Blog Archive
Marissa Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Miami. She has been writing articles on various topics for almost 10 years, but writing about music remains her favorite.
She is also a photographer with over 13 years of experience. She loves capturing life’s moments with her words and lens. Learning about the intersectionality of psychology, faith and music is something she is passionate about, and you can usually find her taking photos at concerts or spending time in nature.
Family Program Coordinator, Family Enrichment Center
Began her “great adventure” of service in the Archdiocese of Miami in 2005, serving as campus minister for Broward College and Nova Southeastern University until 2008.
Now serves as family program coordinator for the Family Life Ministry.
Greatly enjoys sharing God’s love and hope through words and songs via her music ministry.
One of her many favorite saints: St. Therese of Lisieux.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19)
Born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Mexican immigrants; raised in El Paso, Texas.
Bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University; master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University, Steubenville.
Formerly associate director of the Dept. for Evangelization and Catechesis, Diocese of Oakland.
Director of Evangelization and Parish Life for the Archdiocese of Miami, June 2016 to June 2019.
Mary St. Pierre
A native of Green Bay, Wis., immersed in the world of communications since college at the University of Wisconsin
Joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned as the photojournalist for the Blue Angels Flight Team
Worked at secular newspapers for 15 years before becoming Orlando diocesan reporter for the Florida Catholic in 1990. She also served as special sections editor, associate editor and managing editor before assuming her current position as parish services manager.
Married to Dan, a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul School and La Salle High School in Miami, they have four children and four grandchildren, and are members of St. Stephen Parish in Winter Springs.
Mary St. Pierre's Blog Archive
Born in Hialeah, Sept. 4, 1990.
Graduate of Immaculate Conception School, Hialeah, and Msgr. Edward Pace High School, Miami Gardens.
Ordained May 12, 2018, for the Archdiocese of Miami.
Appointed archdiocesan director of vocations July 1, 2020.
Born in Croydon, England; attended Jesuit High School in New York City, then served in the U.S. Army for three years.
Obtained a bachelor’s in sociology, with a focus on the family, from St. Michael’s College in Vermont; a master’s in social work from St. Louis University; and a doctorate in sociology, with emphasis on the family, from St. John’s University, New York.
Taught at Fordham from 1958 to 1965, when he moved to Miami to open Barry University’s School of Social Work; in addition to teaching at Barry, he also has taught at the University of Houston; St. Leo College, Tampa; Biscayne College/St. Thomas University; and St. John Vianney Seminary.
Taught the four-evening Pre-Cana classes for the Archdiocese of Miami from 1975 to 2000, during which time he also was in private practice as a marriage and family counselor.
Has been married for 52 years to his second wife, Lucille; his first wife died after 10 years of marriage. They have five children and nine grandchildren and attend St. Malachy Parish in Tamarac and St. Gregory the Great in Plantation.
Mary Dufresne Harper was raised as a cradle Catholic in New Orleans. She received her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in theology from Ave Maria University, where she met her husband, John-Paul Harper (a fellow theologian). One of her greatest joys was teaching high school theology for four years at an all-girls Catholic school on the East Coast.
She is the founder of LiturgicalStyle.com, where she focuses on the theological significance of clothing based on Scripture, the stories of the saints and the liturgical calendar. She also can be found on Instagram at @liturgicalstyle.
In addition, she continues writing for Litany NYC, a Catholic made-to-measure clothing company that prioritizes Catholic social teaching in the production process. Her book, The Liturgical Style Guide, is now available.
Pastor, Little Flower, Coral Gables
Born in Hamilton, Ohio.
Studied at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio; the North American College in Rome; and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami in May 1990.
Pastor of Little Flower Church, Coral Gables, since June 2011.
"Sometimes I feel like Obi Wan or Luke Skywalker with the light saber, battling the forces of evil."
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale; graduate of St. Anthony School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School;
Earned bachelor’s in philosophy (St. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami); masters in divinity and theology (St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach); licentiate in canon law (Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.); doctorate in canon law (Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome).
Ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami, May 21, 1988.
Has served as parochial vicar at Holy Family, North Miami, and St. Rose of Lima, Miami Shores; as priest-secretary to Archbishop John C. Favalora; and as archdiocesan chancellor.
Currently pastor of St. Andrew Church, Coral Springs, and adjutant judicial vicar, Metropolitan Tribunal.
Native of Nicaragua; moved to Miami as a young adult.
Founded the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary 25 years ago; it is the first order to be instituted in the Archdiocese of Miami.
The order embraces the maternal love of Mary, trusting that through her heart people will be led to the heart of Jesus.
Quote: "For love, nothing is impossible. Love can triumph. Love can build a home, simply if we?re faithful."
President, St. Thomas University
Ordained May 1967, received title of monsignor in 1979.
Has served as president of St. Thomas University since 1994.
"And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" - (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Pastor, St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 11, 1991.
Served as priest-secretary to Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy and Archbishop John C. Favalora.
Has a degree in exceptional student education, with a specialization in autism, from Florida International University.
Appointed rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary in 2005.
Named pastor of St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center in August 2010.
"Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee; trust Him when trust is small. Trust Him when simply to trust Him is the hardest thing of all." -Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Director, Office of Worship and Spiritual Life
Ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami Oct. 18, 1980.
Obtained a doctorate in liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Rome, in 1996.
Became rector of St. Mary Cathedral in 1999 and director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship and Spiritual Life in 2002.
Serves as North American chaplain to the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, a group dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the Vatican's vast and unique collection of art.
Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland
Msgr. Richard Antall is a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland who spent the past 20 years as a missionary in El Salvador.
He has written about his missionary experience for the national Catholic weekly, Our Sunday Visitor. He also has written three books of theological reflections rooted in his work among the poor, "The Way of Compassion" (1997), "Witnesses to Calvary" (2000), and "Jesus Has a Question for You" (2002).
This is the first in a series of blogs on the new English translation of the Roman Missal which are also being published each month in the Florida Catholic newspaper.
Born
and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, now a member of Nativity Parish
in Hollywood.
Married to Maria Jose Mitsoulis, proud parents of a three-year-old daughter.
Works as a theology teacher at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale.
Serves as Hispanic Community Liaison for Catholic Climate Covenant.
“God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
Noris Capín is a versatile Cuban-American artist and writer, recognized for her contributions to literature, arts and communications. Born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, she later moved with her family to Santa Clara before immigrating to Boston, Massachusetts, where she completed her studies.
A noted author, Noris Capín has written four books in Spanish: ¡Mujer, ¡levántate! (2005), Al filo del amanecer (2009), Oh, Filotea, la voz que te nombra (2021) y Noche de Coplas (2024). In addition, she is the author of two children’s books to be released.
Recently, Noris published her first poetry book in English, Litany of an Island, (Emmanuel Publisher 2024) which can be found in libraries of Broward County for those seeking to learn more about the traditions, memory and culture of Cuba. A second book of English poetry, titled Soft Be my Words is currently being edited.
The newspaper Diario de las Americas in reviewing Litany of an Island noted: “Cuban migration to the United States has spanned over 70 years in a cultural and historic process with unique characteristics now recognized in fields as seemingly diverse as economics and literature, which includes dozens of Cuban and Cuban-American authors who write in Spanish and/or English, giving birth to a second wellspring of Cuban literature that could be considered not only Cuban American but also Anglo-Cuban for the language it expresses. Litany of an Island belongs to this category.
Noris Capín has been a columnist for the newspaper EnUSA Spanish Language Newspaper since 2005 writing the monthly column Mujer Nueva (New Woman.) Since 2008 she has contributed as a columnist and illustrator for La Voz Católica and her cover illustrations have appeared in the Florida Catholic, both publications of the Archdiocese of Miami. Her books can be found on Amazon.
Director, Office of Catechesis
Born in Lima, Peru; served in ministry in Peru, Chile, Brazil and the United States.
Earned a Master of Arts in Theology in 2005 and a Master in Divinity, with specialization in the Bible, in 2015 at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago; currently finishing his doctorate degree at Barry University.
Served in the Archdiocese of Chicago for approximately 12 years as coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, director of Religious Education, and Evangelization.
Serves as member of the board of directors of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) and member of its Standards and Certification Committee; co-chairman of the V Encuentro National Leadership Committee of the U.S. bishops, representing the nation's catechetical leaders.
Author of "7 Steps for Parish Reflection," a series of three small books based on Pope Francis' encyclical letter and apostolic exhortations.
Served as archdiocesan director of the Office of Catechesis from August 2011 to August 2018.
Married to Diana, father of Peter, Annette and Gustavo.
Favorite quote: “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want” (Psalm 23)
Born in Queens, N.Y. to Puerto Rican and Greek parents; master’s degree in social work from New York University; fluent in Spanish.
Worked for Catholic Family Services in Hartford, Connecticut (1993-1998), as clinical director, member of the senior management team and director of the Institute for the Hispanic Family.
Served as CEO of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice, 2001-2018.
Named CEO of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Miami, January 2018.
Married to Colombia-born Maria, also a social worker; parents to four biological children and one adopted child.
Phillip Campbell holds a BA in European History from Ave Maria University and a certificate in Secondary Education through Madonna University. He has taught in a variety of educational settings throughout his career and has taught history for Homeschool Connections for over fifteen years. Mr. Campbell is also the author of the popular ” Story of Civilization” series by TAN Books, as well as many other books on Catholic history and culture.
Mr. Campbell has appeared on EWTN and Ave Maria Radio and is a regular speaker at homeschool events around the country. Mr. Campbell has been involved in homeschooling his own children for over twenty years.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
Works as Special Projects Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Has worked in the field of parish social ministry for 10 years.
Serves as diocesan representative for Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." (Mohandas Gandhi)
Executive director, Catholic Legal Services of the Archdiocese of Miami, since the agency was founded in 1998, supervising a staff of 32, including nine staff attorneys. Catholic Legal Services is one of the largest providers of immigration services to the Haitian migrant community in the country; more than 1,000 individuals each month seek the agency’s services.
Received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, magna cum laude, and his juris doctor, as well as master’s in social work, from the University of Wisconsin.
Frequent speaker on asylum issues and immigration law; recipient of the Adalsinda Lomangino Award for outstanding contributions to the field of immigration law; of the St. Vincent DePaul Award from the Archdiocese of Miami “in recognition of … faithful and compassionate service to those who seek sanctuary, shelter and security in a new land;” and of the Community Advocacy Award presented by Legal Aid of Broward County, Inc.
Originally from Illinois; earned undergraduate degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville with major in psychology and minor in theology; earned a Master of Social Work degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Worked for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Susan B. Anthony List in Washington, D.C., before discerning a vocation to religious life with the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in St. Louis, Missouri.
Has clinical social work experience with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and pregnant and postpartum mothers and their families in the residential and acute hospital settings.
Met her husband at Ave Maria University in Florida; they now live in Miami with their three children.
Became archdiocesan director of Respect Life Ministry in November 2019.
Favorite quote: "If you want equal justice for all, true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life!" — Pope St. John Paul II.
Entered the Congregation of Christian Brothers in 1958.
Former provost of Iona College in New York.
Former principal of Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School in Miami (1993-1998).
Former superintendent of Schools for the archdiocese and executive director of the Ministry of Christian Formation (1998-2010).
After working in Christian Brothers' houses of formation in Kenya and South Africa, he moved to St. Joseph's, the Brothers' assisted living facility in New Rochelle, New York.
In 2019, his blogs about living with ALS were awarded third place among blogs by religious/clergy by the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada.
He died June 20, 2021, five days before his 79th birthday.
"One prayer of thanksgiving when things go badly is worth a thousand when things go well."
Rob Sexton is a Catholic writer, husband, and father whose work explores the intersection of faith, suffering, vocation, and the interior life. Drawing on lived experience, Scripture, and the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church, his writing seeks to bridge the gap between theology as an abstract concept and faith as lived in the weight and noise of ordinary life. His reflections often engage themes of endurance, masculine responsibility, and the pursuit of holiness amid work, family, and modern distractions.
He is the creator of Costly Things, a personal blog dedicated to honest, theologically grounded reflections on discipleship, prayer, suffering, and lay sanctity. Through essays, meditations, and long-form projects, Rob writes for readers seeking to live the Christian life faithfully without reducing it to sentimentality, self-help, or performance. His work is shaped by influences such as Romano Guardini, Dietrich von Hildebrand, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. John of the Cross, and is marked by a contemplative yet grounded voice.
In addition to nonfiction, Rob is the author of the popular The Fr. Gabriel Chronicles, published on Costly Things, a set of theological horror novellas that blend supernatural investigation, psychological depth, and Catholic theology. The series draws inspiration from works like The X-Files, Mindhunter, and classic spiritual literature, exploring evil, fear, and redemption through the lens of the Church’s understanding of the spiritual battle.
Rob’s writing has appeared in Catholic publications, including Catholic Exchange, where he has written on topics ranging from fitness and embodiment to silence, prayer, and encounter with Christ. He lives in Michigan with his wife and children, where he balances work, writing, prayer, and the ongoing task of becoming a better man, husband, and father.
Born in Cuba, studied philosophy and theology in the seminary of San Carlos y San Ambrosio in Havana and in the Instituto Superior de Teología y Pastoral in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Obtained a master's degree in pastoral theology from Barry University in Miami Shores
Worked for many years at the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) in Miami, the archdiocesan Office of Worship and currently the Office of Lay Ministry, as associate director for Hispanic formation
Has taught at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami, as well as conducting workshops on liturgy in various dioceses throughout the U.S., Central and South America and the Caribbean
Member of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia (National Hispanic Institute for Liturgy) and of the U.S. bishops' Subcommittee for Hispanic Liturgy
Received the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" medal from Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.
His blogs, published as columns by La Voz Católica, have received a number of awards from the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada.
Zelada died Jan. 21, 2023.
Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Born in Miami Beach and raised in Miami Shores; graduate of St. Rose of Lima School and Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School.
Obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Florida and a law degree from the University of Miami.
Moved to California, where she took up teaching, eventually becoming fulltime director of religious education and youth and confirmation ministry at her parish.
Married, with one son; members of St. Rose of Lima, Miami Shores.
Served as director of the Synod Office from April 2012 to October 2013.
Named director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in November 2014.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear." (Psalm 27:1)
Served as a congregational rabbi for over 30 years.
Hosted "To Life, L'Chaim," a weekly news magazine seen on Jewish Life Television. He is also the producer of the documentary series "Reliving the Holocaust: Through Their Eyes."
Silvia Cusati is from Venezuela and was raised in the Catholic faith. A self-proclaimed foodie, she has a deep love for cooking and exploring the flavors that connect her to her cultural roots. Her work often reflects themes of family, tradition, and spirituality, with a focus on the beauty of sharing meals and stories with loved ones. Whether in the kitchen or in her personal reflections, Silvia enjoys celebrating the intersection of food, faith, and family, hoping to inspire others to find joy in both the simple and meaningful moments of life.
Sister Allison Regina Gliot has always loved reading and telling stories (the more fantastical, the better.) She fell in love with Jesus while she was in college and became a Daughter of St. Paul after graduation so that she could spend the rest of her life with him. Since then, she’s had many adventures, the most recent of which involves serving as an editor for Pauline Books & Media, the publishing house of the Daughters of St. Paul. She spends every scrap of her free time writing books for children and teens from the backyard of the Miami convent (where she also likes to watch the chickens.)
She is the author of the picture books The Book That Changed Everything and Eli's Quiet Friend, co-author of Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer, and has a trilogy of urban fantasy young adult novels set to release in 2025.
Director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor, an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious founded in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan.
Mission: to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family, and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.
Currently serving the elderly and poor in over 30 countries around the world.
Successfully fought the HHS mandate (on providing contraceptives to employees as part of the Affordable Care Act) all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Burwell (see: thelittlesistersofthepoor.com).
Sister Irene Regina is a Daughter of St. Paul missioned in Miami. She was transferred to Miami from Los Angeles during the Covid-19 pandemic period and is gradually getting to know the people and culture of South Florida.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for sports, she received a basketball scholarship to St. Mary's University, in San Antonio, Texas.
Shortly after graduating from college, she began her serious search for what and where God was calling her. It was on an archdiocesan vocation retreat that she came to know about the evangelizing mission of the Daughters of St. Paul.
Sister Regina has always been interested in deepening her knowledge of the Bible. In 2011 she obtained an MA in Biblical Theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado.
Among her favorite titles are these: Athlete, Photographer, Artist, and Evangelizer.
Born in Queens, New York, but her family has lived in Miami-Dade County since 1958
Entered the Dominican congregation in Adrian, Michigan, in 1962, and made her final profession in 1968; served on the community’s leadership team from 1986 to 1992
Earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Barry College (now university) in 1962; a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Siena Heights College (now university) in 1969; a doctorate degree in higher education administration and leadership from Michigan State University in 1980
Served as president of Gwynedd-Mercy College in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, from 1993 to 2002
Served at Barry from 1969 to 1978 (student affairs); 1981 to 1986 (dean of the School of Professional and Career Education); and became the university’s sixth president in 2004.
Instructor, Religious Studies, St. Thomas University
Professed as a Claretian religious in 1981.
Became coordinator of Youth Ministry in Miami-Dade County in 1990; headed the archdiocese's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry until 2009.
Currently serves as an instructor in Religious Studies at St. Thomas University.
“The truth will set you free.” — (Jn. 8:32)
Religious sister of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary
First Professions made on February 2, 2007.
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for your woe, to give you the future that you hope for. If you seek me, you will find me. If you seek me, with all your heart, you will surely find me says the Lord, and I will restore you.... " — Jeremiah 29: 11-14.
Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Born in upstate New York, spent most of her childhood until college in Marion, Iowa.
Graduated from Creighton University in 2008.
Entered the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary that same year and made her first profession of vows July 11, 2011.
Currently serves her community by working with pre-postulants and young women who are discerning their vocation to religious life.
“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:9-10).
Sister Grace Marie Heinrich
Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Born in upstate New York, spent most of her childhood until college in Marion, Iowa
Graduated from Creighton University in 2008
Entered the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary that same year and made her first profession of vows July 11, 2011
Currently serves her community by working with pre-postulants and young women who are discerning their vocation to religious life
Favorite quote: “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:9-10)
Sister Grace Marie Heinrich Blog Archive
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Has a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute.
Studied one year in Hebrew University, Jerusalem, focusing on biblical languages, history, geography and archaeology.
Has taught at St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y., the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington, N.Y., St. Peter's College, Jersey City, N.J., and for the past 12 years was professor of biblical studies at the University of San Diego, where she founded the Center for Catholic Thought and Culture.
Her research focuses on earliest Christianity and the texts produced by and for the first believers, with special attention to Paul's letters.
Appointed dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at St. Thomas University in August 2012.
Sister Mary Ann Walsh
Sister Mary Ann Walsh Director
Sister Mary Ann Walsh is Director of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
First profession, June 1967
At USCCB since 1983, when assigned as a reporter to Rome bureau of Catholic News Service
Favorite quote: Praise God for His wonderful deeds. (Psalm 150)
Sister Mary Ann Walsh Blog Archive
Vicar for Religious, Archdiocese of Miami
A native of Managua, Nicaragua, who came to Miami in 1981, at age 18.
Attended Miami-Dade College; worked as a supervisor for a chain of jewelry stores, managing outlets in South Florida, Memphis, and Toledo, Ohio.
Entered the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary at age 21, one of the first three women who entered the community.
Worked as director of religious education at St. Raymond Parish, Miami; as novice mistress for the Servants, and vicar general of the community since 2000.
Appointed Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Miami in December 2010.
Sr. María Elizabeth Borobia, FSP is a religious sister in the community of the Daughters of St. Paul whose specific charism in the Church is to live Christ as St. Paul the Apostle lived and proclaimed Him. Steeped in God’s Word and the Eucharist, they are passionate about making Christ known through media. Find their posts at: @daughterstpaul
Sr. María Elizabeth fell in love with Jesus while at college, and joined the Daughters of St. Paul in Boston. Since then, she has followed the Lord on many adventures in many places. Currently, she spends most of her mission time reviewing texts in Spanish, participating in editorial meetings, translating, preparing and giving talks and retreats in Spanish, assisting people at Pauline Books & Media, and guiding young women in discernment. There are always surprises!
She loves taking walks and enjoying nature, reading, watching good movies, communicating in various languages, appreciating art and occasionally creating art, chatting with sisters and friends, trying new recipes or tweaking old favorites, and learning about cultures and new media.
You can DM her on IG after Easter at @srmariaelizb and be patient for a delayed response. LOL!
Cabinet secretary of Parish Life
Native of Boston who most recently served as assistant director of the Office for the New Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Boston
Earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Southern California; a master's in theology, with a concentration in ethics, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; post-grad MBA courses in Leadership and Quality Systems Management
Previous experience as manager of Boston's Annual Catholic Appeal; coordinator of training and formation for youth ministry; parish coordinator of youth ministry; high school ethics teacher, campus minister and soccer coach
Appointed cabinet secretary of Parish Life in July 2014; the department oversees the archdiocesan offices of Evangelization and Parish Life; Marriage and Family Life; Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Missions; and Campus Ministry
South Florida-based freelance writer and photographer, native of St. Louis, Mo., 1991 graduate of the Catholic Volunteers in Florida.
Member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in West Palm Beach.
Hold's a bachelor's degree in print journalism from University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.
Joined the staff of The Florida Catholic/Palm Beach Diocese in 1992 and served as reporter-editor there until 2000, when he left to focus on state-wide reporting and private event photography.
Has been a regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic News Service, The Sun-Sentinel's religion section and Columbia Magazine of the Knights of Columbus.
"Be not afraid."
Began in mission work in 1989 with Amor en Acción, serving in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Received a bachelor's and then a master's degree in social work at Barry University; served as a social worker in healthcare for 10 years.
Became executive director of Amor en Acción in 1999, working with the lay missionary group in mission preparation and formation, in deepening the relationship of solidarity with communities in the Dominican Republic and the archdiocese’s sister diocese of Port-de-Paix, Haiti; also working to promote mission in parishes and schools in the archdiocese.
Currently serves as president of the Washington-based U.S. Catholic Mission Association.
Currently serves on the steering committee for the Mission Network of the Archdiocese of Miami which gathers parishes, groups and other entities in the archdiocese that are working in missions at home and worldwide.
Appointed director of the Archdiocese of Miami Mission Office, Sept. 1, 2011.
Internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.
Currently serving as outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami in Monroe County; archdiocesan coordinator for Catholic Relief Services' Rice Bowl campaign and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
Previously served as director of Christian Formation at Lancaster Catholic High School in Pennsylvania; special assistant for Public Policy at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware; assistant director of Emergency Food Services for Associated Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Washington; director of religious education for two Maryland parishes; and pastoral care minister for a parish in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Author of “Moonlight Miracle,” a children's book on global solidarity published by Paulist Press, and “Cracks in the Sidewalk,” a children’s book highlighting God’s many blessings, published by Eastern Christian Publications.
Married to Denise; two sons and a granddaughter.
Available to speak at diocesan or parish gatherings about Catholic social teaching. Contact [email protected].
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Trish Vega has spent eight years working in College Campus Ministry, previously with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and currently with UCatholic at St. Augustine Church and Student Center at the University of Miami.
A lover of Jesus, coffee, salsa and all things beautiful, she is passionate about discovering God in humanity and the created world.
You can follow her, and especially her sourdough endeavors, on Instagram @fiveloavesmiami.
Vice-President, Archdiocesan Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for more than 35 years.
President of the Central Miami-Dade District Council and former president of the Archdiocesan Council of Miami which covers Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.
Director of “Vincentians” magazine; director of the Radio Paz program of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which is broadcast every Sunday, 3:30-4:30 p.m., on 830AM/96.1FM.
“Since I am retired now, all my time and efforts as a volunteer are dedicated solely to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. My only desire and aspiration is to always be on the side of the poor and marginalized.”
World Youth Day Blog - Brazil 2013
Members of two of the Miami groups going to World Youth Day are blogging about their experiences while in Rio July 23-28. Those primarily responsible for the blogs are: Ronald and Maria Rivas, a brother and sister who are part of a five-member group from Prince of Peace Parish in Miami; and Laura López, director of New Evangelization at the SouthEast Pastoral Institute, who is traveling with a 20-member group of Hispanic young adult leaders from South Florida.
It is the initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that was created in
1975, two years after abortion was declared legal in the country. Project Rachel is the name given
to diocesan or archdiocesan post-abortion healing ministry. Project Rachel operates through the
Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of Miami as a network of lay volunteers, priests, deacons,
and volunteer licensed mental health professionals who provide spiritual and psychological support
for those who are suffering from an abortion experience.
The name “Project Rachel” was inspired by scripture, “Rachel mourns her children: she refuses to be
consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: ‘Cease your cries of mourning... Wipe
the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward. There is hope for your
future.’” (Jeremiah 31:15-17.)
In the Archdiocese of Miami, the Project Rachel program is called Entering Canaan: Entering Canaan is
a ministry where women and men are accompanied on their path of healing, and forgiveness of
abortion, understanding that healing is achieved through Christ.
The ministry was created in 1996 by Theresa Bonapartis in collaboration with the Sisters of Life.
This program is used in 19 Dioceses around the country.
Why Entering Canaan? Like the Israelites who traveled for forty years through the desert before
reaching the Promised Land (Canaan), People who have experienced abortion are "wandering in the
desert" burdened with the suffering of guilt, despair, shame, pain, confusion, isolation for many
years before reaching his healing.
Where to begin the journey of healing?
The person who is interest in beginning the healing journey should call or email our Dedicated and
confidential phone line (954-981-2984 or 888-456-4673) or email [email protected]. Once you contact us, we
are available to meet with women/men individually in person or over the phone as they walk through
the journey of healing.
Entering Cannan offer one day retreats called Day of Prayer and Healing, monthly gatherings, and hope
and Healing weekend retreats. These events are a wonderful opportunity to experience the love,
mercy, forgiveness of God in a safe, private, and confidential place. The retreats are directed by
priest, trained volunteers, mental health professionals who have a sensitivity and heart for those
who suffer an abortion. The retreats and monthly gatherings include testimony of mercy, scripture
sharing, prayer, opportunity for sacramental confession, and Holy Mass.
The goals for the participants in Entering Canaan are:
Develop personal relationship with Jesus Christ or renew it.
Be able to observe the experience of abortion with honesty to achieve true healing.
Develop an understanding of the impact of abortion on their life.
Develop a personal relationship with their children lost through abortion.
Regardless of how much time you need for your healing, regardless of the battles fought, won or lost,
Here you will always have in this Ministry a place to be safe and a community of people who
understand you, where you can turn in times of need, to be helped with patience, compassion and lot
of love.
While the Church considers abortion a grave sin (Canon 1398), abortion is NOT an unforgiveable sin.
Pope Francis has written, “The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented,
especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to
obtain reconciliation with the Father.” The Florida Catholic’s article on Sept. 1, 2015,
“Forgiveness for abortion” further explained that “priests in the Archdiocese of Miami have had the
faculty (to forgive the sin of abortion and absolve any censure incurred by procuring an abortion)
since the mid-1980s.”
As St. Paul has written, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, we are
saved “by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans
3:24). You may be thinking, “I don’t deserve to be forgiven. My sins are too great!”
Thankfully God’s love is greater than all the sins of all time. Jesus offers his grace and
forgiveness to every repentant heart. All we have to do is ask and begin to trust in his
mercy.”
Source: excerpt from Project Rachel Ministry Peace Starts Here Brochure.
“The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not
doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may
not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to
discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If
you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance.The Father
of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
You will come to understand that nothing is definitely lost and you will be able to ask forgiveness
from your child, who is now living in the Lord. With the friendly and expert help and advice of
other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent
defenders of everyone’s right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the
birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to
them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.” - St. Pope John Paul
II, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), no. 99 (1995)
Abortion is a life changing event that affects many individuals emotionally, spiritually, and
physically. Abortion is a traumatic pregnancy loss – and that loss is real. Mothers, fathers,
grandparents, siblings, friends, doctors, peers, and whole communities are impacted. With today’s
open abortion laws, society does not provide a public way to grieve this loss. With no way to
process this loss, the wound caused by abortion often remains unhealed and becomes a secret sorrow
carried alone and without support.
Some women describe being in an almost altered state of mind at the time of the decision and during
the abortion. When women are pregnant and frightened, the instinct for self-preservation takes over.
The pregnancy may be seen as a life-threatening problem, and pregnant women who feel this way will
do whatever is necessary to escape the problem. Source: Project Rachel Ministry Resource Manual,
2009.
1 in 4 women in the United States (23.7%) will have had 1 or more abortions by the age of 45,
according to Guttmacher Institute.
Approximately 63,459,781 abortions have been performed in the United States since 1973, according to
Guttmacher Institute.
In Florida in 2022 (January to September) had been reported 51,318 abortions*. In the 3 counties
(Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe) between January to September 2022, total of abortions reported
16,713*. In Florida, 56% of the abortions in 2021 were chemical and 44% were surgical procedures*.
*Based on data from AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration)
There are many negative emotional reactions that have been associated with abortion. While some
mothers report relatively little trauma following abortion, none come away truly unscathed. Some
women experience ‘impacted grieving,’ which includes an inability to complete the grieving process.
Others experience specific self-destructive tendencies, intense fear, feelings of helplessness or
loss of control.
‘After my abortion I felt terribly confused,” Sue writes. ‘I had difficulty concentrating and
getting a task done. I had what I now refer to as a cluttered mind.”
“At first I denied it and repressed it and tried to escape from it,” Laura writes. “It was a
family secret. I dove heavily into drugs and sex, and was constantly having pregnancy tests for
fear that I was pregnant.”
Source: “Post Abortion Syndrome Are You at Risk?” by Dr. David Reardon. Heritage House ’76,
Inc., 2020.
During a post abortion healing program, many participants are surprised at how they became a
different person since the abortion experience. Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) manifests in many ways.
Some notice symptoms soon after the abortion, others take decades:
Guilt
Addictions
Broken Relationships
Failure to bond with existing children
Irritability
Suicidal thoughts
Grief
Eating Disorders
Repression or denial of feelings about the abortion
Flashbacks
Isolation
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Depression
Aggressive behavior
Nightmares/Sleeping Disorders
Outbursts of Anger or rage
Fear of punishment from God
Atonement or replacement baby
Impotence in men
Source: “Post Abortion Syndrome Are You at Risk?” by Dr. David Reardon. Heritage House ’76,
Inc., 2015.
Others may approach you with questions about how to facilitate healing for the post-abortive woman or
man. Although you can never force a person to seek healing, you can casually share information about
post-abortion healing and point them in the direction of where to find help. If a friend has just
told you about their abortion experience for the first time, they may fear being rejected or a
breach in confidentiality. Assure your friend this won’t happen. Affirm the person’s courage and
humility in reaching out to you.
Ask God what your friend needs… Someone to listen? A shoulder to cry on? We can’t make their
suffering go away in one conversation but you can reassure them that you will be there through the
journey of healing with them. Suggest they seek out a priest or Project Rachel program.
It is indispensable in a person’s healing journey that they understand that God… Add their child… Can
forgive them. That the pain will diminish and healing is possible. There are excellent resources you
can also read to be better able to respond in a way that brings your friend closer to healing the
wounds in their heart & soul:
Clergy are encouraged to request a copy of the USCCB Project Rachel Ministry Resource Manual. The
Respect Life Office has copies to give to pastors/priests/deacons free of charge, while supplies
last. Pastors may also order additional copies directly from the USCCB store.
For additional questions, please contact the Archdiocesan Project Rachel line at (954) 981-2984 or
via email [email protected].
For help or more information on the Project Rachel Program, please call us at 954-981-2984 (local) and 888-456-4673 (toll free) or email us at: [email protected]
The program is free of charge and all information is kept strictly confidential.
We are committed to the safety and well-being of our children and vulnerable adults and implement procedures to minimize risk and barriers and to build and foster a culture of safe environment.
Any concerns of abuse or neglect reported to ADOM personnel by a victim or on behalf of a victim should be immediately reported to DCF, if applicable and, in all cases, to the ADOM Safe Environment Director.
The Archdiocese of Miami maintains a dedicated victim assistance hotline that is broadly advertised and available, with voice message capacity, 24/7, to receive calls from victims.
A call received via the hotline is logged according to policy and immediately referred to the Victim Assistance Coordinator to contact the victim and offer assistance.
RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process the Catholic Church uses to help non-Catholics learn more about the Church and, if they desire it, actually become Catholic.
In the Archdiocese of Miami, we offer RCIA classes at various parish locations to help you explore the Church, her teachings, and the profound meanings behind everything we do as Catholics.
The next Vocation Awareness Weekend, for men ages 17-35 interested in the priesthood, will take place the weekend of March 6–8, 2026, at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87 Ave., Miami, FL 33165.
There is no cost for this retreat, but final approval is required for attendance. Once your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with more details about the weekend.
The Office for Religious works in conjunction with the Commission on Religious Life and Ministry. They offer programs which seek to aid members of religious families and consecrated persons live their vocation.
We invite you to learn about the priests and religious brothers and sisters serving in the Archdiocese of Miami by visiting their website through the links below:
The Respect Life Office exists to uphold the sanctity of each human life from conception to natural death. A ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami, we are faithful to the Holy Father and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
We seek to implement the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities:
“Our goal is to eliminate violence against unborn children, their mothers, and those who are dying. We unalterably oppose the use of violence in any form to achieve this objective, and we condemn the actions of those few who advocate otherwise. […] It is our hope and expectation that in focusing on the need to respect and protect the lives of the innocent unborn and those who are disabled, ill, or dying, we will help to deepen respect for the life of every human being. […] This pastoral plan calls upon all the resources of the Church its people, services, and institutions to pursue this effort with renewed energy and commitment in four major areas.
Public Information and Education to deepen understanding of the sanctity of human life and the humanity of unborn children, the moral evil of intentionally killing innocent human beings whether at the beginning of life or at its end and the mission of the Church to witness to and serve all human life.
Pastoral Care for women with problems related to pregnancy; for all who have been involved in abortion; for those who are disabled, sick, and dying, and their families and caregivers; for those who have lost loved ones to violent crime; and for those in prison sentenced to death.
Public Policy efforts directed to restoring legal protection to the lives of unborn children and those vulnerable to pressures to end their lives by assisted suicide, and to providing morally acceptable alternatives to abortion and assisted suicide.
Prayer and Worship directed to participation in the sacramental life of the Church and in programs of communal and individual prayer, that the culture of death that surrounds us today will be replaced by a culture of life and love.”
The Archdiocese of Miami introduced a new Retirement Program for Lay Employees effective Jan. 1, 2013. This new
program represents a significant change in the Archdiocese of Miami's approach to helping its employees save for
retirement. The new program aims:
To be financially sustainable in a changing economy.
To share responsibility between employees and the Archdiocese
To offer real value
To be competitive with other dioceses and not-for-profit institutions.
A retreat facility on the campus of Corpus Christi Church in Miami.
Una casa de retiros en el campus de la iglesia Corpus Christi en Miami.
Casa Manresa / Ignatian Spirituality Center
Our location in South Florida provides a great place with wonderful weather year-round to host local, national
and international events. We are located approximately 12 miles from Miami International Airport. In addition to
providing Spiritual Exercises, family retreats, and other activities, Manresa Retreat House is the perfect
location for weekday meetings, retreats, workshops, conferences, general chapters, and organizations that
sponsor their own retreats. The facilities and grounds are available throughout the week for nonprofit
organizations to rent for their day, evening, or overnight meetings and events. Our overnight facilities can
accommodate up to 68 guests in 34 private rooms, all of which have double beds, private bath and individual
climate control.
Our quality meeting spaces range in capacity, starting with the St. Ignatius Auditorium for groups of up to 300,
and various other meeting rooms accommodating 100, 80, 32 and 25 persons. Projectors and screens are available
in most meeting rooms. WiFi is within reach of all of our conference rooms and most common areas. Our spacious
dining room accommodates up to 70 guests in 10 tables, with full food service. We have two separate chapels with
capacity for 25 and 54 guests respectively. Our St. Ignatius auditorium can be converted into a chapel to
accommodate larger groups.
Most outside groups make their rental arrangements several months ahead of time, since space is limited to the
times we do not have activities scheduled. We are open to all faiths and non-profit organizations hosting
programs with a spiritual dimension. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.
Madonna Retreat Center
The Madonna Retreat Center can house up to 100 people in 5 large rooms.
It has a large Conference Center (100+), and a small one for about 40 people.
The kitchen is fully equipped, and dining room sits 90 people. Meals are not included.
There is a beautiful chapel honoring our Lady, with all the necessary items for liturgy.
There is a basketball court and facilities for volleyball.
MorningStar Renewal Center
MorningStar Renewal Center is the Archdiocesan spiritual renewal center set up to provide spiritually enriching
programs seven days a week for people of all ages and all stages of life. The center seeks to be a place where
members of organizations connect; where people of different faiths can share their commonalities; where retreats
can be held; where clergy and lay ministers can come to be refreshed; where ongoing faith development
opportunities are offered to excite and equip the people of God for action within their home church and the
community at large.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel House of Prayer
Our Lady of Mount Carmel House of Prayer is open to the public.
The mission of Our Lady of Mount Carmel House of Prayer is to promote Carmelite spirituality in all its
expressions and to accompany the different groups that come to the house searching for God in their lives.
The house offers the following services in Spanish:
Courses in Christian and Carmelite spirituality for prayer groups, leaders of Christian communities, clergy,
and religious;
Guided individual and group retreats;
Group retreats with their own guide;
Sacrament of reconciliation and spiritual direction (by appointment only);
Mass on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 a.m.;
Mass with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
SEPI
El SEPI (Instituto Pastoral del Sureste/Oficina Regional del Sureste de los Obispos Católicos para el Ministerio
Hispano), tiene salones y habitaciones que se pueden alquilar para retiros.
Radio Paz 830 AM: en español: de lunes a viernes a las 7:30 a.m.; de lunes a sábado a la 1 p.m.; y los domingos a la 1 p.m. (desde St. Agnes en Key Biscayne); y en portugués: los domingos, a las 7 p.m., (desde St. Vincent de Paul en Margate). Escuche por la aplicación móvil de Radio Paz, su sitio web, o sintonize la frecuencia 830 AM.
Little Flower, Coral Gables: de lunes a viernes, a las 8 a.m. en inglés y a las 5:30 p.m. en español; sábados a las 8 a.m. en inglés. Vaya a facebook.com/cotlf.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami Lunes a viernes: 8:00 a.m. en inglés & 7:00 p.m. en español. Sábados: 8:00 a.m. en inglés & 9:00 a.m. en español. Go to www.ololourdes.org
En el sitio web de la arquidiócesis: en inglés (producida
por Heart of the Nation) y en español (producida localmente), desde las 6 p.m.
del sábado y todo el día del domingo; y por nuestro canal de YouTube desde las
4 p.m. el sábado y todo el día del domingo. La misa en español también se puede
ver los domingos a las 6:30 a.m. por WLTV 23-Univisión; y los domingos a las
7:30 a.m. y 12:30 p.m. por Canal Sur. La misa en inglés se puede ver los
domingos a las 6:30 a.m. por WSFL 39. Visite https://www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Television_Mass.
Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Key West: vigilia del domingo, sábados a las 4:30 p.m. en inglés y a las 5:15 p.m. en español, en vivo por www.facebook.com/BasilicaSMSS y a cualquier hora después por www.stmarykeywest.com.
Little Flower, Coral Gables: 10:30 a.m. en inglés y 12:30 p.m. en español. facebook.com/cotlf.
This policy governs the recording of sacraments and the issuing of sacramental certificates in the Archdiocese of Miami, supplementing the general norms found in the Code of Canon Law and the Pastoral Manual of the Archdiocese of Miami. It also serves as a guide to those who are seeking a sacramental certificate for themselves or their child. This policy should be read carefully before contacting a parish or mission or the Archdiocese of Miami to request a sacramental certificate.
Roman Catholics have a right to receive their sacramental certificates whenever they legitimately request them. When preparing for the sacrament of Matrimony, for example, the parties are required to present a recently issued baptismal certificate. Every effort is made to fulfill these requests in a timely manner.
Given the important nature of the information in sacramental registries, pastors have a special obligation to ensure that sacramental records are accurate and carefully preserved. Special care must also be taken to safeguard the personal and private information contained in sacramental records. Sacramental certificates will only be issued to those who legitimately request them.
Recording of Sacraments
The reception of the sacraments is recorded in the parish or mission where the sacrament was received. Whenever a sacrament is legitimately administered outside a church building (e.g., an emergency baptism in a hospital), it is recorded in the local territorial parish where the sacrament was celebrated. The pastor is to see to it that the sacramental registers are accurately recorded and carefully preserved (cf. c. 535). Sacramental records are kept permanently at the parish or mission.
Requesting a Sacramental Certificate
Sacramental certificates are issued by the pastor of the parish or mission where the sacrament is recorded. Requests for sacramental certificates are to be made by contacting the parish or mission directly. To view a list of the parishes and missions in the Archdiocese of Miami and their contact information click here.
Only the person who received the sacrament or the parent or legal guardian of a minor child may request a sacramental certificate. Certificates are not issued to third parties. Requests are made of the parish or mission either in person (after presenting a government-issued photo identification) or by a signed letter. Requests are not accepted by phone. Certificates are not issued for genealogical purposes.
The sacramental records from merged parishes and missions are retained at the receiving parish. The pastor of the receiving parish issues the sacramental records. The following table lists the parishes and missions involved:
If the specific parish or mission where the sacrament was conferred is not known or the pastor cannot find the record, the Chancellor will undertake a search. The person requesting the sacramental certificate is to complete a Sacramental Records Release Request (found here) and send it to the Chancellor. Requests are not accepted by phone.
Every effort should be made to provide as much information as possible. This will increase the chances of a successful and timely search. Parents, godparents and/or sponsors – especially in the case of baptism or confirmation – should be consulted to obtain as much information as possible before sending the written request. Even supplying a photograph which shows the interior of the church can help identify where the baptism took place. Complete information leads to a quicker and more successful search.
A minimum of two months should be allowed to conduct the search and obtain the requested sacramental certificate. If the search was unsuccessful, the Chancellor will send a written reply with further instructions.
There is no fee to obtain a sacramental certificate, either directly from the parish or mission or with the assistance of the Chancellor's office. However, due to administrative expenses, a donation of $25.00 is welcome.
Changing the Sacramental Record
Any request to correct or otherwise amend a sacramental record must be submitted in writing to the pastor by the individual who received the sacrament or, in the case of a minor, by his/her custodial parent or legal guardian. Original or certified copies of relevant civil documents (e.g. birth certificate, final decree of adoption, etc.) must accompany this and will be returned. Except for a custodial parent in the case of minors or other legal guardians,
a third party may not request the change of a person's sacramental record.
Since part of their role is to serve as a witness of the fact that the sacrament was received, godparents or sponsors cannot be removed from the sacramental record. However, in the judgment of the pastor and for a truly serious reason (e.g. death of the godparent, his/her rejection of the Catholic faith, etc.) another suitable Catholic can be substituted to fulfill the duties of the godparent or sponsor. In the case of a minor, this request is made in writing
to the pastor by the parents (or at least the custodial parent). With the approval of the Chancellor, the additional godparent or sponsor is added to the sacramental register and can be noted on the sacramental certificate.
The pastor must obtain the written permission of the Chancellor before any change is made to the sacramental records of the parish. All subsequent sacramental certificates will reflect the approved changes. A minimum of three weeks should be allowed to obtain the amended certificate from the date the original written request was received by the pastor.
There is no fee to amend or otherwise correct a sacramental record. However, due to administrative expenses, a donation of $10.00 is welcome.
In a decree dated March 15, 2010, Archbishop John C. Favalora established this Policy as particular law in the Archdiocese of Miami.
Florida’s School Readiness Program offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and care so their young children can do well in school in the future and the families can become financially self-sufficient.
VPK is a free educational program that helps your child be ready for kindergarten. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational materials appropriate for different stages in your child’s development.
AAA Scholarship Foundation, a private non-profit organization, is an approved Florida Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO). AAA awards annual scholarships to eligible students entering eligible grade levels from eligible households to help them attend an eligible private school of their choice or assist with transportation costs to attend a public school outside the district. The scholarships for private schools are for tuition and fees.
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program was established in 2001 to encourage private, voluntary contributions from corporate donors to non-profit scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) that award scholarships to children from low-income families.
The John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program allows parents of students with disabilities to choose the best academic environment for their children. This program provides eligible students the opportunity to attend a participating private school or transfer to another public school. Eligible students include students who have been issued an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Accommodation Plan that is effective for more than 6 months.
The Gardiner Scholarship Program provides eligible students with disabilities a scholarship that can be used to purchase approved services or products in order to design a customized educational program for the student. Scholarships can be used for specialized services such as speech or occupational therapy, instructional materials, tuition at an eligible private school, contributions to a college prepaid account and more.
Family Empowerment Scholarships are publicly funded scholarships to help lower and middle-income families send their child to a school that best fits the child. Qualifying student must be entering Kindergarten or have attended a public school the previous year or have recently been in foster or out of home care. To apply visit:
Interested in a Catholic school? Admission to a Catholic school begins with an in-person visit and tour. We encourage you to visit the website of any potential school to better get to know the community. You should then contact the school office and arrange for an in-person tour.
After you complete your tour, you may be invited to complete an Application for Admissions. This application may include such information as your child’s academic background, your contact information, your child’s relevant medical history, experiences in any schools so far, participation in any Catholic sacraments, etc. Once you have completed an application, your school will contact you regarding next steps.
In completing your child’s application, it is important to disclose any/all diagnoses of specific physical, behavioral, or learning needs. We want to try to work with all families, and it is important that your child’s needs be understood during the application phase.
We welcome families of all backgrounds to our schools, including children from different ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and geographic origins.
Note that the following schools are not recognized or approved as Catholic, nor do they have any affiliation with the Archdiocese of Miami: Champagnat, Loyola Elementary, Our Lady of the Rosary (Kendall), Shelton Academy.
The Office of Cultural Groups ministers to the spiritual needs of non-Hispanic ethnic and language groups in the Archdiocese of Miami. Currently, Sunday Mass is celebrated in more than a dozen different languages in the archdiocese.
Located on a 27-acre campus in Cooper City, Schott Communities is unique in that it strives to create an environment of dignity and care in which persons who are deaf or disabled are encouraged and challenged to grow in self-acceptance and independence. A number of programs and services are offered including art classes for disabled adults; socials for the blind, deaf or disabled; Sign Language classes; counseling services and Welcome to My World, a sensitivity training program. The community also has two residences on the grounds: a group home and apartments for the deaf or disabled. Schott Communities is a Community Impact Partner with United Way of Broward County.
The Archdiocese of Miami supports 62 Catholic Schools and 3 stand-alone preschools serving nearly 35,000 students.
Our schools provide a rigorous education rooted in our Catholic faith. Catholic schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties are ready to serve students from infancy through 12th grade.
We invite all families interested in a Catholic education to find out more information, tour one of our schools, and join our Catholic school family.
CONTACT INFO
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305-762-1070
305-762-1115
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
I am very pleased to welcome you to the website for the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Miami. We are very proud of the quality of education and faith formation found in each of our Catholic schools. Our schools have a long and well-deserved history of providing a strong education that prepares children for college and success in life. A Catholic school education is rooted in the love and compassion of our Catholic faith, and enables each student to be welcomed, valued, and validated.
We take seriously our partnership with each of our school families. I invite you to look at our website in more detail and learn about our schools. You are also encouraged to visit each school's local website and schedule a visit. I know you will enjoy your experiences with our Catholic schools!
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Miami
Why Catholic Schools?
Catholic schools provide a top-notch education rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic faith. For generations, our Catholic schools have successfully prepared young people for college, careers, and success in life.
Each student in a Catholic school is surrounded in an environment of welcoming and compassion. Our schools offer a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum taught by teachers of exceptional skill and dedication. Students in our schools consistently outperform other local schools on nearly every academic measure.
Catholic school graduates can be found in positions of leadership and prominence throughout the world. Numerous studies have shown that Catholic school graduates are more likely to participate in community service, more likely to attend church regularly, and more likely to vote and participate in civic life. Catholic school graduates are 8 times more likely to attend Mass as adults and 3 times more likely to discern a religious or priestly vocation.
Our Performance
High School
Over 99% of students graduate from high school
Colleges or Universities
Over 96% of graduates attend colleges or universities
Scholarship
Our graduates earn hundreds of millions of dollars in college scholarships every year
Standardized Tests
Our students consistently outperform local competitive options on standardized tests
Community Service
Our students dedicate hundreds of hours to community service per year
Teachers Certified
Teachers are professionally certified by the state of Florida and certified in catechesis by the Archdiocese of Miami
Schools Accredited
All schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference or Cognia.
CONTACT INFO
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305-762-1070
305-762-1115
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
St. John Vianney College Seminary has for over 40 years
provided quality education in priestly formation. St. John is the only bilingual college seminary in the United
States, a factor which reflects the rich cultural diversity of the church in South Florida.
The seminary provides an academic setting which is challenging and a pastoral setting which is multicultural. St.
John's is a place where young men not only grow spiritually but also pastorally in order to preach the Gospel of
Jesus Christ to all the people.
Video on St. John Vianney Seminary
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary was opened in 1963 and
serves not only the North American communities but also the Caribbean and South and Central America. Because of its
location and history, St. Vincent de Paul is the only bilingual and multicultural theologate in the United States.
Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary
Archbishop Wenski officially opened the Redemptoris Mater
Seminary on December 11, 2011 with a first group of 12 men. Once ordained, they will be incardinated in the
Archdiocese of Miami and work in the parishes of the Archdiocese or any other place in the world where the
Archbishop may decide to send them. The seminarians receive their academic formation at St. John Vianney Seminary or
at St. Vincent de Paul, according to their level of studies. These men came to discover their vocation through the
Neocatechumenal communities in their home parishes. The Neocatechumenal Way, which was defined by Pope John Paul II
as "an itinerary of Catholic formation, valid for our society and for our times," is an essential ingredient in the
formation of these seminarians. The RM Seminaries are a fruit of the Second Vatican Council and an inspiration of
the Blessed Pope John Paul II. The first RMS was opened in the Archdiocese of Rome in 1987. Today there are 100
seminaries throughout the world. Currently in the US there are eight RM seminaries: Boston, Brooklyn, Dallas,
Denver, Miami, Newark, Washington D.C., and the territory of Guam.
Executive Director
Olga Lucia Villar, D. Min.
Office
Southeast Pastoral Institute, 7700 SW 56 Street, Miami, FL 33155
The Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry
The Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry is the organization of the U.S. Catholic Bishops of USCCB regions V and XIV, with headquarters in the Archdiocese of Miami, that coordinates and assists Hispanic ministries in the 30 dioceses of the southeastern United States, collaborating in the Catholic Church's evangelization efforts of the growing Hispanic/Latino communities.
The Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI)
The Southeast Pastoral Institute is the educational branch of the Regional Office, established in 1979 as a recommendation of the II National Encuentro of Hispanic Ministry. SEPI provides theological, pastoral, and ministry formation services and programs, as well as leadership formation programs for Hispanic lay-ecclesial ministers, youth, and young adults.
Through its three pillars of Evangelization, Formation, and Communion, SEPI strives to facilitate the full participation of Hispanics/Latinos in the mission of the Church and society as authentic missionary disciples.
Our Mission
Provide evangelization services and programs to communities and dioceses.
Provide formation and leadership empowerment programs for Hispanic/Latino lay ministers and young adults.
Foster bridge-building efforts with multicultural and Hispanic Ministry offices and ministries in the Southeastern dioceses.
Why we do it
To transform the lives of Hispanics/Latinos in our Church and society.
To foster and create communion in Hispanic/Latino Ministry in the Southeastern dioceses, region, and wider Church in the United States.
To better serve the mission of the multicultural Church in the United States.
To train and empower a new generation of Hispanic/Latino leaders for the dioceses in Southeastern US.
How we do it
By providing and coordinating services, programs, and resources.
By strengthening ecclesial structures for Hispanic/Latino ministries.
By offering integral Pastoral Leadership and Pastoral Juvenil formation services and programs.
The closing assembly of the Second General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, beginning at 9 a.m.
Archbishop Wenski has extended an open invitation to all the faithful of the Church in South Florida. He would like to see every parish well represented. In fact, some parishes are organizing buses for their parishioners. If your parish is organizing a group, please, kindly let us know ahead of time by calling Jacqui Debs at 305-762-1088.
There will be no registration, tickets or special group seating.
The day's events will be held mainly in English. The keynote speaker, His Excellency, Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga, will give his address in English and Spanish.
Please plan on arriving well before 9 a.m. The event ends at 1 p.m. (We do not recommend coming mid-morning as there will be no seating available.)
There will be a ministry fair showcasing the work of the various Archdiocesan ministries.
Discounted parking rate: $9 for self-park and $12 for valet parking. Please, bring ticket to assembly for validation.
Entrance to the Ballroom level is through the 7th floor of the parking garage.
Continental breakfast will be served right after Mass. There will not be food or beverages available before Mass.
And for those who are unable to attend the assembly, please tune in to Radio Paz (830 am) to listen to the events on the radio, or watch a livestream by Radio Paz, which will be available on the Archdiocese website. You will also be able to watch the Mass and portions of the assembly on EWTN.
The Synod team asks for everyone's prayers during the upcoming days as we make our final preparations for this historic day.
The Office of Social Advocacy promotes social justice and anti-poverty initiatives through legislative advocacy, and seeks to connect the works of faith and justice throughout the Archdiocese of Miami. The local home to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services, the Office of Social Advocacy coordinates the Archdiocesan response to emergency needs both at home and abroad.
CONTACT INFO
Office of Social Advocacy
: 9401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami Shores, FL 33138
The Office of Social Advocacy promotes social justice and anti-poverty initiatives through legislative advocacy, and seeks to connect the works of faith and justice throughout the Archdiocese of Miami. The local home to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services, the Office of Social Advocacy coordinates the Archdiocesan response to emergency needs both at home and abroad.
CONTACT INFO
Office of Social Advocacy
: 9401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami Shores, FL 33138
El arzobispo Thomas Wenski describe el sacerdocio como un estado constante de sacrificio. Pero eso no quiere decir que se arrepiente de alguno de sus más de 40 años en el ministerio.
“Es el mejor trabajo que puedes hacer”, manifestó. “Te entregas a Dios y al pueblo de Dios”.
Está claro que una vida de entrega no ha aminorado el sentido del humor del arzobispo Wenski. Le encanta bromear (en tres idiomas), monta una motocicleta para relajarse, y se sabe que se fuma un cigarro de vez en cuando.
Nacido en Lake Worth, Florida, el hijo rubio de ojos azules de inmigrantes polacos habla español como un cubano, criollo como un haitiano e, irónicamente, sólo un polaco “con limitaciones”. Pensó en convertirse en sacerdote cuando era estudiante de tercer grado en la escuela de Sacred Heart, en Lake Worth, e ingresó al seminario de St. John Vianney, en Miami, a los 13 años.
Allí aprendió español con sus compañeros de clase y en el seminario regional de St. Vincent de Paul, en Boynton Beach, así como escuchando estaciones de radio cubanas y pasando ratos en Hialeah y la Pequeña Habana.
Ordenado en 1976 por el arzobispo Coleman F. Carroll, primer obispo de Miami, ya fallecido, el arzobispo Wenski pensó que trabajaría con los hispanos toda su vida. Luego llegó a la parroquia de Corpus Christi en la sección de Wynwood, en Miami, y encontró un grupo de 40-50 haitianos que se reunía regularmente para misa y oración.
“Llenaban esa iglesia con canción”, recordó.
Su convicción de que cada grupo debe ser atendido en su propio idioma lo obligó a respaldar sus palabras con acciones. Tomó un curso en criollo, y cuando el arzobispo emérito Edward A. McCarthy lo descubrió, se selló el destino del arzobispo Wenski. Después de pasar un verano en Haití aprendiendo criollo, pasó los siguientes 18 años trabajando con la creciente comunidad haitiana de Miami, papel que le convirtió en párroco simultáneo de tres misiones: una en Miami, una en Fort Lauderdale y otra en Pompano. todas fundadas por él.
A menudo viajaba tan lejos como Winter Haven, Fort Pierce e Immokalee para celebrar misa con las comunidades haitianas, viaje que le motivó a obtener una licencia de piloto. Su ministerio también incluía visitas frecuentes al centro de detención de Krome, donde los refugiados recién llegados a menudo languidecían durante meses.
“Mi tarea era hacer que la iglesia fuera visible para los haitianos y hacer que los haitianos fuera visibles para la iglesia”, indicó. “Todos los hijos de Dios deben sentirse como en su hogar en la casa de su Padre. La mejor manera de hacer que se sientan como en casa es al hablar su lengua materna”.
El arzobispo Wenski se dio a conocer rápidamente como un defensor de los haitianos no sólo dentro de la iglesia, sino en la comunidad. El Centro Católico Haitiano Pierre Toussaint, que colinda con la misión de Notre Dame d'Haiti en Miami, ofrece guardería, clases de inglés, asesoramiento legal y referencias laborales a inmigrantes haitianos.
Como si sus funciones de párroco itinerante no hubieran sido suficientes, aprendió a usar programas de autoedición y, sin ayuda alguna, publicó el primer periódico en lengua criolla de la nación, Lavwa Katolik (La Voz Católica). También obtuvo una maestría en sociología de la universidad de Fordham en 1993.
El Arzobispo traza sus fuertes convicciones sobre los temas de justicia social a su crianza como hijo de inmigrantes polacos y a la palabra que un Papa polaco hizo famosa: solidaridad.
“Vengo de un linaje muy sencillo”, dijo, al bromear que Lake Worth dista mucho de West Palm Beach, y más de Palm Beach. Su padre trabajaba con sus manos, “tenía callos y estaba quemado por el sol”, y tomaba cerveza, no cocteles.
Aunque la iglesia católica en los Estados Unidos comenzó como una iglesia de inmigrantes, cada vez son más los católicos que viven en los suburbios de clase media, explicó el arzobispo Wenski. “A esa nueva clase media le era fácil no ver al recién llegado que era pobre. Como el Evangelio es para todos los hombres y mujeres, debemos hacerlo presente para todos”.
En 1996, eso incluía hasta los cubanos en la isla. A pesar de la fuerte oposición de algunos en la comunidad exiliada, encabezó una operación de ayuda que entregó más de 150,000 libras de alimentos a Cáritas Cuba para su distribución a las personas que quedaron desamparadas tras el paso del huracán Lily. Fue la primera vez que los cubanos de Miami emprendieron un esfuerzo humanitario de auxilio para sus compatriotas.
Convertirse en obispo auxiliar de Miami en 1997, y posteriormente ser nombrado jefe del Comité de Migración de los obispos de los Estados Unidos, permitió al Arzobispo Wenski ampliar su defensa. En 2003, el comité y sus homólogos mexicanos publicaron “Juntos en el Camino de la Esperanza. Ya No Somos Extranjeros” (Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope), la primera declaración pastoral conjunta que insta a un mejor trato de los inmigrantes mexicanos en los Estados Unidos. El arzobispo Wenski también viajó hasta Corea y el Congo para estudiar la difícil situación de los refugiados. Además, ha estado muy involucrado en PROCHE, la colaboración internacional para la reconstrucción de iglesias en Haití, como respuesta al terremoto de enero de 2010 en Puerto Príncipe.
Tras ser nombrado obispo coadjutor de Orlando en 2003, y asumir el cargo de obispo en 2004, el “hijo nativo” de Miami regresó al Sur de Florida en 2010 como cuarto arzobispo de la Arquidiócesis. De inmediato procedió a reabrir algunas parroquias que habían cerrado debido a la crisis financiera de 2009, y lanzó un segundo sínodo arquidiocesano en 2012 que concluyó en octubre de 2013 con un Plan Estratégico Pastoral que se comenzó a poner en funcionamiento en 2014.
El Arzobispo continúa expresándose enérgicamente a favor los inmigrantes y los niños por nacer, y exhorta a los católicos a ser ejemplo de santidad en un mundo lleno de indignación y división.
Como dice su lema episcopal, tomado de la carta de San Pablo a los Corintios, el Arzobispo Wenski se ha “hecho todo a todos para salvar a toda costa a algunos”.
“Eso es lo que he tratado de hacer”, dijo. “Salvar almas para Cristo, y con la esperanza de que, al hacerlo, salve mi propia alma”.
Datos biográficos
Nacimiento:
18 de octubre de 1950, West Palm Beach.
Hijo de Chester S. Wenski y Louise M. Zawacka Wenski.
Una hermana menor, Mary Engle.
Ordenación:
Al sacerdocio, 15 de mayo de 1976, para la Arquidiócesis de Miami.
Nombrado Obispo Titular de Kearney y Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, el 24 de junio de 1997
Consagración episcopal, 3 de septiembre de 1997.
Nombrado obispo coadjutor de Orlando el 1 de julio de 2003; sucede al Obispo Norbert Dorsey tras su retiro el 13 de noviembre de 2004.
Nombrado arzobispo de Miami el 20 de abril de 2010.
Instalado como el cuarto arzobispo de Miami el 1 de junio de 2010.
Ejerció como Administrador Apostólico de la Diócesis de Pensacola-Tallahassee desde marzo 2011 hasta junio 2012.
Es el único nativo de la Florida que actualmente ejerce como obispo en el estado.
Educación:
Escuela Sacred Heart, Lake Worth.
Seminario de St. John Vianney, Miami, Asociado en Licenciatura en Artes (1963-1970).
Seminario Regional de St. Vincent de Paul, Boynton Beach, Licenciatura en Artes (1972); Maestría en Divinidad (1975).
Universidad Católica de Lublin, Polonia, cursos de verano en idioma y cultura polaca (1981, 1983).
Universidad Fordham, Maestría en Sociología (planificación pastoral) (1992).
Idiomas: inglés, español, creole (Haití) y algo de polaco.
Ministerio sacerdotal
Vicario parroquial, iglesia Corpus Christi, Miami (1976-1979).
Estudios de verano en Haití (1979).
Director asociado, Apostolado a los Haitianos, Miami (1979-1985).
Rector asociado, Catedral de St. Mary, Miami (1981-1984).
Director, Apostolado a los Haitianos (1985-1998); incluyendo el Pierre Toussaint Haitian Catholic Center, en Miami, y un circuito de misiones que se extienden desde Homestead en el sur hasta Fort Pierce en el norte, Immokalee en el oeste y Fort Lauderdale en el este.
Párroco, Misión Notre Dame d’Haiti, Miami (1985-1998); y de las misiones Divine Mercy, en Fort Lauderdale (1987-1997), y St. Joseph en Pompano Beach (1991-1997).
Coordinador, Ministerio a Grupos Culturales (1990-2003).
Director, Caridades Católicas de la Arquidiócesis de Miami (1995-2003).
Director arquidiocesano de: Catholic Relief Services; Catholic Campaign for Human Development; Alivio de Desastres; Comisión para la Promoción de la Justicia Social; y el Ministerio a las Minorías Sexuales (1996-2003).
Otros cargos: miembro del Comité Arquidiocesano sobre la Piedad Popular y del Consejo Presbiteral; secretario del Catholic Community Service Board, Catholic Child Welfare Trust Board y Catholic Family and Children’s Services; representante del arzobispo al Greater Miami Religious Leaders Coalition y a la junta de directores del Florida Loan Fund.
Comités, juntas
Presidente, Comité para la Libertad Religiosa de la Conferencia de Obispos de EEUU (desde julio 2020-noviembre 2020).
Miembro, junta directiva de CLINIC - Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (presidente, 1998-2001).
Miembro, Comité sobre la Migración de los obispos de EEUU (presidente, 2002-2004).
Consultor, Comité sobre la Paz y la Justicia Internacional de los obispos de EEUU (presidente, 2005-2008).
Miembro, Comité sobre la Justicia Doméstica y el Desarrollo Humano de los obispos de EEUU (presidente, 2013-2016).
Miembro, Subcomité sobre la Iglesia en Latinoamérica de los obispos de EEUU.
Consultor, Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de los obispos de EEUU.
Miembro, junta directiva, Catholic Leadership Institute, “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds.”
Miembro, junta directiva, seminario St. John Vianney, Miami.
Miembro, junta directiva, seminario St. Vincent de Paul, Boynton Beach.
Miembro, junta directiva, seminario Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Orchard Lake, Michigan.
Miembro, Scalabrini International Migration Network Advisory Committee.
Miembro, junta directiva, The Catholic University of America (2009-2017).
Presidente, Comité sobre la Política Internacional de los obispos de EEUU (2004-2008).
Miembro, Governor’s Task Force on Haiti (2004-2005).
Miembro, junta directiva, Florida Council on Homelessness (2001-2004).
Awards
1975: Seminarista del Año, Arquidiócesis de Miami.
1987: premio anual del seminario St. Vincent de Paul a sacerdotes destacados, por su "celo apostólico y apertura multicultural". Fue el tercer recipiente de este honor y el primer graduado del seminario en recibirlo.
1994: Premio Charles Whited Spirit of Excellence, del Miami Herald.
1996: Premio Father Moczygemba de la Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes Polaco-americanos.
2008: Premio por Servicio Sobresaliente a la Comunidad, UCF-Global Connection Foundation.
Doctorados honoris causa: Barry University, Miami Shores, 1997; St. Leo University, St. Leo, Florida, 2004.
Lema Episcopal
Omnia Omnibus (1 Corinthians 9:22): “a todos me he hecho de todo, para que de todos modos salve a algunos”.
Para el P. Enrique Delgado la frase “El hombre planea, Dios se ríe”, es la historia de su vida. En el mejor momento de su carrera profesional como ingeniero industrial dejó todo para perseguir el sacerdocio.
“Como ingeniero tenía todo resuelto, hasta el día en que me iba a morir, en planes”, cuenta sonriendo el sacerdote peruano y agrega que cuando él dice algo, Dios usualmente dice otra cosa. Pero, “como siervo obediente hago lo que Dios dice, porque Él sabe lo que es mejor”, dijo, refiriéndose a la aceptación de su vocación sacerdotal ya sureciente nombramiento como nuevo Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, el primero de origen peruano en Estados Unidos.
Quizás por influencia de su madre ya fallecida, doña Carmen Arroyo, una devota católica que asistía a Misa todos los días,el P. Delgado siempre ha estado muy cerca de la Iglesia. De niño fue monaguillo y después catequista, ministro de la Eucaristía y ayudaba en los retiros.
“Estaba muy, muy comprometido” señala, y a pesar de que sentía que Dios lo empujaba hacia una entrega más profunda, no se animaba a seguirlo, recuerda el párroco de St. Katherine Drexel, en Weston.
Mientras tanto se desempeñaba exitosamente como subgerente de una corporación financiera en Lima, la capital peruana, que le permitió viajar a diferentes países. En uno de sus viajes, a Japón aproximadamente en 1989, empezó a aceptar ese llamado.
Su vuelo hizo una escala en Miami, en donde por coincidencia conocía a un seminarista que lo invitó a pernoctar en el seminario arquidiocesano St. John Vianney. Allí vio algunas “vocaciones tardías” como se considera así mismo por entrar al seminario después de los 35 años.
Se sintió bien al ver personas de su edad. “En Perú los seminaristas son gente bastante joven”, cuenta su hermana Pilar Delgado.
Eso le hizo reconsiderar la posibilidad y marcó el inicio de pensar seriamente en el sacerdocio. Pero fue en Japón donde sucedieron dos hechos importantes en su discernimiento.
El primero fue una conversación que tuvo con un sacerdote jesuita quien le dijo que tenía que darle tiempo al Señor y “si Dios te está llamando, todas las puertas se abrirán para ti”. El nuevo Obispo recuerda haber sentido que esas palabras “vinieron de Dios mismo”.
El segundo hecho fue el últimodía en Japón, después de salir de la Misa en la capilla de la Universidad de Sofía, en Tokio. Vio una tienda de artículos religiosos yal ver la imagen de una cruz, sintió una gran emoción. La imagen tenía una inscripción en japonés. Una monja que atendía el lugar tomó una biblia y le enseño el versículo en inglés,que decía: “Ven y te haré pescador de hombres”.
“Fue como un enorme rayo que entró desde mi cabeza a los pies, estaba petrificado”, describe el Obispo Delgado. “Dios me estaba hablando claramente y me dije a mí mismo: No tengo más confusión. Tuve que irme muy lejos para poder escuchar”.
En ese momento decidió que entraría al seminario, al menos por un año, porque esa era la prueba y la confirmación que necesitaba, ya que,por su formación como ingeniero, “todo tiene que estar probado”.
En su viaje de regreso a Perú, nuevamente hizo escala en Miami, y esta vez fue a hablar con el rector del seminario St. John Vianney de ese entonces, el P. Thomas O'Dwyer.
El P. Delgado tenía la idea de estudiar en un seminario en Perú, y al mismo tiempo tenía la inquietud de regresar a Miami. Fue cuando el P. O'Dwyer le dijo: “¿Por qué irte a Lima, si te necesitamos acá?” Le contestó porque toda su familia estaba allá y se terminó la conversación.
Cuando regresó a Perú, su amigo e inspirador, el P. Gabriel Genovard, le aconsejó que estudiara fuera de Perú por las muchas distracciones que podría tener, y que fuera un sacerdote franciscano como él.
El Obispo Delgado aceptó el primer consejo, mas no el segundo. “Creo que mi llamado era ser un sacerdote diocesano”, indicó.
Pero después de eso nada pasó hasta un año después aproximadamente, cuando nuevamente en un viaje a Puerto Rico asistió a una ordenación para la Arquidiócesis de Miami.
Esta vez habló con el director arquidiocesano de vocaciones de esa época. Después de una breve conversación, intercambiaron tarjetas de presentación y cuando regresó a Perú pensó que nada había pasado y que podía continuar su vida laical. Pero, dos semanas después recibió un paquete con la solicitud que debía llenar para entrar al seminario.
Viajó nuevamente a Miami y acordó con el director de vocaciones que primero debía experimentar la vida parroquial en una iglesia local para saber si le gustaba y después podía entrar al seminario.
Regresó a Perú y seis meses después, en febrero de 1991, regresó a vivir formalmente en una parroquia. Primero en St. Agnes, en Key Biscayne, por un mes, luego en Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, en Fort Lauderdale, por seis meses.
Ese mismo año ingresó al seminario St. John Vianney, y luego al seminario mayor St. Vincent de Paul, en Boynton Beach. Finalmente fue ordenado sacerdote para la Arquidiócesis de Miami el 29 de junio de 1996 por Mons. Agustín Román, en Perú, acompañado de toda su familia y amigos.
“Ese fue uno de los momentos más espirituales de su vida, recuerda el P. Delgado. “En ese momento te das cuenta que ahora no eres tú, eres un siervo de Dios. Es un momento espiritual donde te sientes muy humilde y al mismo tiempo totalmente conectado con Dios”.
En octubre 2017, después de 21 años de servicio en diferentes parroquias de Miami, el P. Delgado fue nombrado por el Papa Francisco Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, algo que no se lo esperaba porque siempre dice se ha considerado un sacerdote de parroquia, pero que acepta con humildad.
El tiempo que le tomó llegar al seminario lo describe como “las cosas del Señor no se dan en el momento, es un desarrollo, son situaciones y cosas que vives y deseas. Yo sentía que Dios me estaba llamando”.
Biography
Obispo Enrique Delgado
Nació:
26 de diciembre de 1955 en Lima, Perú
Es el cuarto de 12 hermanos
Ordenación:
Sacerdotal: 29 de junio de 1996 en Lima, Perú, para la Arquidiócesis de Miami
Episcopal: 7 de diciembre de 2017 en Miami
Educación:
Graduado de Ingeniería industrial, 1982, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal
Maestría en Economía con especialización en Contabilidad y Finanzas, 1986, Universidad de Lima
Carrera:
Ingeniero industrial, Lima Caucho (B.F. Goodrich), 1980-1987.
Gerente general adjunto, Artesanías del Perú, 1987-1988.
Subgerente, COFIDE (corporación peruana financiera de desarrollo), 1988-1991.
Ministerio sacerdotal:
Vicario parroquial, St. Agnes, Key Biscayne, julio 1996-junio 1999
Vicario parroquial, Nativity, Hollywood, junio 1999-abril 2003
Administrador/párroco, St. Justin Martyr, Key Largo, abril 2003-agosto 2010
Párroco, St. Katharine Drexel, Weston, desde agosto 2010
Nombrado Obispo Titular de Aquae Novae in Proconsulari, y Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, 12 de octubre 2017
Episcopal Motto:
Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat (Epístola a los Filipenses 4:13): “Puedo hacer todas las cosas a través de Cristo que me fortalece”
Procedimiento General Para Hacerse las Huellas Digitales
Personal de la Iglesia y Voluntarios Cubiertos deben registrarse en línea accediendo a: www.fieldprintflorida.com y siguiendo estas instrucciones.
Seleccionar "Haga una cita" (la inscripción se puede realizar en Inglés o Español)
Crear un nombre de usuario y una contraseña segura y entrar en el sistema de Fieldprint
Al ver "Motivo por el cual necesita que se le tomen las huellas digitales", seleccionar el enlace web: "I know my Fieldprint Code". (Para obtener este código de acceso, por favor comuníquese con su parroquia o escuela de antemano.) Por favor, tenga en cuenta que el código de acceso es sensible a mayúsculas y minúsculas.
Proporcionar toda la información solicitada. El FDLE / FBI requieren esta información para procesar la búsqueda criminal.
El sitio web le proporcionará al solicitante la información necesaria para hacer una cita y tomarse las huellas dactilares en un centro cercano. Todas las instrucciones, direcciones, mapas y fotos se le proporcionarán directamente en línea.
En caso de preguntas o problemas, comuníquese con Fieldprint llamando al: 1-800-799-1067 o por correo electrónico: [email protected]. O bien, seleccione la sección "Contáctenos" (Contact Us) que aparece en el sitio web.
IMPORTANTE
Todo este proceso tiene que completarse antes de acudir a la cita.
Proveedores independientes
Ningún proveedor independiente, aparte de los proveedores aprobados por la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro, puede ser utilizado por ninguna entidad de la Arquidiócesis para la realización de las verificaciones de antecedentes y / o la aprobación del personal verificado. Los resultados de todos los controles de huellas y de antecedentes se procesarán por medio de la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro.
Procedimientos especiales para el personal de instrucción
El personal de instrucción certificado por el Estado de la Florida será reexaminado cada cinco años en relación con el proceso de certificación del Estado (esto incluye una renovación de la verificación del FDLE / FBI). Todos los otros empleados escolares serán reexaminados cada cinco años de acuerdo con esta política. La aprobación de la certificación del Estado de la Florida y los resultados de los exámenes relacionados con el personal de instrucción serán revisados por la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro.
Renovaciones
Todo el personal de la Iglesia debe volver a pasar el proceso de tomarse las huellas digitales y ser verificado de acuerdo con esta política cada cinco (5) años.
Delitos invalidantes
Si se encuentran registros previos de culpabilidad, de declaraciones de culpabilidad o declaraciones de "no oposición a los cargos" (independientemente del fallo judicial) sobre ciertos delitos menores y delitos graves, se prohíbe que la persona sea empleada o que realice funciones de voluntario en una entidad de la Arquidiócesis. Consúltese el Apéndice A para ver una lista de los delitos invalidantes.
Haga clic aquí para una lista de los delitos de descalificación
Las imágenes digitalizadas de las huellas digitales se conservarán en una base de datos electrónica segura por medio de un proveedor aprobado por la Arquidiócesis de Miami. Todos los registros delictivos identificados, junto con las recomendaciones de la Arquidiócesis para la autorización o denegación, se conservarán en un lugar seguro en la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, con respecto a este proceso, por favor contacte al Departamento de Verificación de Antecedentes:
Las personas que no tienen acceso a una computadora o necesita ayuda para registrarse debe ponerse en contacto con su parroquia correspondiente, en la escuela, entidad o de la Arquidiócesis de la Arquidiócesis de Miami directamente a su coordinador designado.
La Voz Católica fue el periódico en español de la Arquidiócesis de Miami de 1958 a abril del 2009. Se reanudó la publicación con una distribución limitada a las parroquias predominantemente de habla hispana en septiembre del 2013. Ver los links abajo de las últimas ediciones.
La Voz comenzó con dos páginas en español en la publicación en inglés "The Voice", se extendió a cuatro páginas y en 1982 se lanzó como un periódico independiente, distribuido mensualmente en las parroquias, en los mercados y tiendas hispanas, y por suscripción.
En el período 2003-2005, se insertaba cada primer domingo en El Nuevo Herald. Su circulación llegó a 160,000 ejemplares en los condados de Monroe, Miami-Dade y Broward. La Voz Católica dejó de publicarse en abril del 2009 debido a los recortes presupuestarios de la arquidiócesis, pero muchas de sus ediciones se han conservado en los archivos de la Universidad de St. Thomas. El periódico ahora se distribuye en la mayoría de las parroquias e instituciones de la Arquidiócesis, y llega a más de 30,000 lectores en los condados de Miami-Dade y Broward.
Ya están abiertas las Inscripciones para la Escuela de Formación Laical de la clase del 2019-2021!!
Las clases en español se ofrecerán en los centros de capacitación situados en St. Brendan High School en Westchester, y en la parroquia de St. Bartholomew en Miramar.
También estamos aceptando candidatos para los cursos en línea en inglés y español.
Las inscripciónes estarán abiertas hasta el 30 de septiembre y las clases comenzarán en octubre, (próximamente se avisará la fecha).
Como el cupo de las clases es limitado y estas se llenan muy rápido, lo invitamos a presentar su inscripción cuanto antes; así podrá aprovechar el económico costo de inscripción de $25 válido hasta el 20 de septiembre del 2019; o $50 desde el 21 de septiembre, hasta el primer día de clases.
Para más información por favor contáctenos al 305-762-1184 ó [email protected]
La Escuela de Formación Laical forma hombres y mujeres laicos/as que desean crecer en la comprensión de la fe católica y discernir su habilidad de servir a la Iglesia. En el transcurso de dos años, los participantes desarrollan conocimientos en espiritualidad, teología y ministerio pastoral. Al completar el programa de certificación, los graduados señalan sentirse más cerca de Jesús y mejor preparados para servir en sus parroquias y comunidades.
¿Cuál es el Formato del Programa?
Existen dos formatos diferentes. Escoja el formato que más le convenga.
Formato de Clase Tradicional: se ofrece en inglés, español o creole. Esta clase se reúne una vez a la semana durante un período de dos años.
Programa "Online": se ofrece en inglés o español e incorpora 8 cursos "online" con reuniones en persona durante un período de dos años.
¿Qué tipo de certificado recibiré al final?
Certificado de Estudios en la Fe Católica disponible para católicos interesados en conocer más sobre la fe y que no están seguros a qué ministerio están llamados.
Todos los participantes disfrutarán el conectar con una comunidad de creyentes adultos provenientes de diversas parroquias de la Arquidiócesis. Esto conduce a diálogos enriquecedores y amplía la noción de Iglesia.
Requisitos de la Escuela de Formación Laical:
Completar Materiales de Inscripción: Llenar Formulario de Inscripción, cuota de inscripción no reembolsable, dos recomendaciones personales (una TIENE que ser de su párroco y otra de una persona laica, miembro del clero u orden religiosa), y el formulario de Plan de Pago.
Excelente asistencia y participación en clase.
Asistir a un retiro de fin de semana (incluye noches) y un Día de Enriquecimiento.
Estar dispuestos a servir a la parroquia y a comprometerse a continuar su formación en la fe.
Costo de Matrícula 2019-2021: Solo $28 al mes por 20 meses (más pago inicial no reembolsable de $100 en septiembre o antes) o ($51 al mes por pareja) (más pago inicial no reembolsable de $200 en septiembre o antes.)
Fecha tope de Inscripción - 30 de septiembre de 2019. Se aceptarán formularios después de esa fecha si hay espacio disponible. Algunas clases se llenan rápidamente, inscríbase lo antes posible. Puede bajar del internet el formulario de inscripción que se encuentra arriba.
La preparación matrimonial a menudo se ha denominado “pre-Cana” porque el primer milagro de Jesús fue en una boda en la ciudad de Caná. María, su madre, también estuvo presente y notó que la fiesta de boda se había quedado sin vino. Luego le pidió a Jesús que ayudara a los recién casados. Convertir el agua en vino fue el primer milagro público de Jesús. Este milagro revela la intercesión amorosa de María por las parejas casadas y la presencia y la atención de Jesús por nuestras necesidades. Por lo tanto, “Pre- Cana” se refiere a la
preparación de un matrimonio en el que Jesús está invitado a la boda y al matrimonio que sigue.
Las parejas en ocasiones preguntan con qué rapidez pueden casarse en la Iglesia Católica. Debido a la importancia de este proceso, se recomienda que cuenten con un mínimo de nueve meses para completar toda su preparación. Este es un período de tiempo razonable para involucrarse en el proceso de manera práctica y reflexiva.
A medida que anticipan la alegría de su boda y matrimonio, les invitamos a participar en este proceso de preparación matrimonial, en la Iglesia Católica, como una oportunidad para crecer individualmente y como pareja en lugar de una lista de cosas que “tiene que hacer.” Prepararse para el matrimonio es tan importante que cada diócesis requiere estos elementos de preparación.
Pasos para recibir el sacramento del matrimonio
Paso 1: Conexión Parroquial
Tan pronto como se comprometan (y antes de hacer otros planes de boda, como reservar el salón para la recepción, el catering, etc.) Por favor, pónganse en contacto con su parroquia. Si usted no está activamente involucrado en una comunidad parroquial, comuníquense con la parroquia más cercana a la residencia de la novia o del novio.
Su parroquia le dará la bienvenida y establecerá una reunión para usted con el el sacerdote o el diácono. Esto le permitirá:
Conocerse.
Revisar los elementos de preparación.
Conversar acerca de la documentación requerida por la Iglesia y por el Estado.
El sacerdote o diácono que oficia en su ceremonia de boda es responsable de su preparación y estará con usted a lo largo del proceso. Él puede delegar aspectos a otros, sin embargo, debe estar continuamente consultando con él sobre sus experiencias y la realización de estos elementos.
Paso 2: Formación Matrimonial
Inventario Totalmente Comprometido y Discusión
Totalmente Comprometido es un inventario diseñado para ayudarles a identificar y discutir sus expectativas para su futuro juntos en una serie de áreas (niños, carreras, oficios, fe, finanzas, etc.). Tomarán el inventario en la parroquia cuando se reúnan por
primera vez con el sacerdote o diácono. Luego, se reunirán con un facilitador del cursillo (sacerdote, diácono, o una pareja de mentores casados) al menos tres veces para hablar sobre sus respuestas y expectativas mutuas.
Programa de Grupo de Preparación Matrimonial (ya sea Transformado en Amor o Camino del Matrimonio)
Estos son programas en grupo, dirigidos por equipos de parejas casadas y el clero, que cubren temas como el autoconocimiento, la comunicación, las expectativas, las finanzas, el Matrimonio Sacramental, la sexualidad conyugal, la espiritualidad conyugal, etc. El sacerdote o diácono a cargo de su preparación le recomendará uno de estos programas.
Después de asistir al programa en grupo, deberá hacer un seguimiento con el sacerdote o diácono que supervise el proceso de preparación de su matrimonio para presentar su certificado y conversar sobre su experiencia juntos.
Clase de Planificación Familiar Natural
Planificación Familiar Natural (NFP) es el título general de los métodos científicos, naturales y morales de planificación familiar que pueden ayudar a las parejas casadas a lograr o posponer los embarazos por motivos justos. Dado que los métodos de la Planificación Natural Familiar respetan la naturaleza del acto conyugal de dar amor (unitivo) y de dar vida (procreativo), apoyan el diseño de Dios para el amor conyugal.
El Programa del Grupo de Preparación para el Matrimonio le presentará qué es la Planificación Familiar Natural y por qué la Iglesia lo apoya. Estas clases les enseñarán signos para reconocer tu propia fertilidad. Pueden elegir una clase en persona, una clase en vivo online o una clase online a su propio ritmo.
Paso 3: Formación De La Fe
Los invitamos a participar activamente en una parroquia, a asistir a la misa dominical, y hacer de los sacramentos y la fe Cristiana la base de su futuro juntos. La experiencia revela, y el estudio confirma, que "El porcentaje de satisfacción en el matrimonio es más alto para los esposos y las esposas cuando ambos, con regularidad, mantienen una asistencia religiosa y sienten que Dios es el fundamento de su matrimonio". 1
Si usted es Católico y no ha recibido su Primera Comunión, el sacerdote que supervisa su preparación hablará con usted acerca de esto y le ofrecerá opciones para que pueda recibir este sacramento.
Si usted es Católico y aún no está Confirmado, entonces lo mejor es conversar con su sacerdote para que pueda participar en un programa parroquial de RCIA (que puede comenzar y ser finalizado después de la fecha de su boda). La falta del Sacramento de la Confirmación no es un impedimento para el Matrimonio.
El Sacramento de la Reconciliación es también recomendado antes de su boda. Su sacerdote discutirá las opciones para recibir este sacramento.
Recuerde que no hay pecado que Dios no esté dispuesto a perdonar. La participación en este sacramento puede convertirse en un importante momento de gracia en su preparación para recibir fructíferamente el Sacramento del Matrimonio.
Paso 4: Formación Litúrgica
Cuando haya completado los otros elementos de su preparación, el sacerdote revisará su experiencia con usted y completará toda la documentación correcta para la Iglesia y el Estado. Una vez completado el proceso, también hablarán sobre su disposición para contraer matrimonio y confirmarán la fecha y los detalles.
Los diversos elementos de su preparación hasta el momento le han proporcionado una mayor comprensión de las promesas que se harán entre sí en la Celebración del Matrimonio. También aprenderán las opciones que tienen para que la Celebración del Matrimonio sea única para usted como pareja (por ejemplo: las lecturas y la música, así como las personas que estarán involucradas, etc.) Si aún no lo ha hecho, este será el momento de prepararse de manera reflexiva y en oración para la verdadera celebración litúrgica.
Paso 5: Enriquecimiento Matrimonial
Les animamos a que también intenten enriquecer constantemente su relación después del día de su boda. Invertir en su relación matrimonial es extremadamente importante y no debe terminar en su boda. Por favor continúen siendo miembros activos de su parroquia, asistiendo a la Misa Dominical y participando en los sacramentos y la vida parroquial.
Revise el boletín de su parroquia y la página web de la Arquidiócesis para obtener una variedad de oportunidades para enriquecer su matrimonio.
Guía de preparación para el matrimonio y lista de verificación
Haga clic aquí para descargar el contenido de esta página en la Guía PDF, que también incluye una lista de verificación para ayudarlo con la preparación de su matrimonio.
1www.ForYourMarriage.org/factsfigures/ la que se accedió el 1 de septiembre del 2016. Vea también W. Bradford Wilcox, Proyecto Nacional de Matrimonio de la Universidad de Virginia, El Estado de Nuestros Sindicatos: Matrimonio en América 2011 (diciembre de 2011), no. 31f.
¿Sacerdocio? De joven, Peter Baldacchino era inflexible. “No tocaría el sacerdocio ni con un palo de 3 pies de largo”.
Pero Dios obviamente tenía otros planes, y comenzaron a tomar forma en la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud de 1989, en Santiago de Compostela, España.
“Cuando llegué, lo primero que escuché — llegamos tarde — fue la voz del Papa Juan Pablo II que decía: ‘No tengan miedo de ser santos’. Y pensé: “Bueno, será mejor que coja mi bolso y me vaya a casa, porque esto no es para mí”.
“No entendí lo que significa ser santo”, explicó el Obispo Baldacchino durante una breve pero amplia entrevista cuando fue nombrado Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, en 2014.
Originario de Malta, sacerdote de Newark y misionero fundador de dos iglesias y una escuela en las Islas Turcas y Caicos, es un hombre que se ríe fácilmente — incluso de sí mismo. A menudo repite el adagio de Santa Teresa de Ávila “Un santo triste, es un triste santo”.
Por ello, no sorprende el lema que eligió para su episcopado: “Ubi Dominus ibidem laetitia” — donde está Dios, hay alegría.
Estar un corto tiempo con el obispo también revela a un hombre que es amigable, cálido y agradable, un hombre que trabajó con sus manos y pasaba la aspiradora a su propia iglesia en Providenciales, un sacerdote que no tiende a citar una teología vaga, sino que hace comentarios profundos con ejemplos claros: un hombre, de hecho, muy al estilo del Papa Francisco.
Habla su maltés materno — una mezcla de árabe y siciliano— así como inglés, el otro idioma oficial de su país. En Newark, aprendió español, y en las Islas Turcas y Caicos aprendió creole. También estudió en un seminario de la Redemptoris Mater donde sus compañeros vienen de todas partes del mundo.
“Mi acento ya no es mío”, dijo. “No es maltés. No es inglés. No es italiano. Es una mezcla de todo. Mi sobrina dice: ‘Tío Pete, hablas gracioso’”.
En cuanto al sacerdocio, no lo malinterpreten. Creció en una familia de católicos practicantes. Su padre sirvió en el consejo parroquial. La familia se unió al Camino Neocatecumenal cuando el futuro Obispo Baldacchino tenía 13 años. La suya fue la primera comunidad Neocatecumenal en toda Malta.
Además, el padre del, Obispo Baldacchino, Rinaldo — conocido por todos como René— estudió para ser sacerdote con los Salesianos en Inglaterra por 11 años. Sus dos hermanos menores, John y Robert, también entraron al seminario y lo dejaron. Ahora ambos están casados y tienen hijos.
Adicto al trabajo
El Obispo Baldacchino nunca se había inclinado en esa dirección. Estudió química y ciencias en la Universidad de Malta y trabajó como director técnico para la planta embotelladora de CanadaDry, donde era, según él mismo lo admite, “un adicto al trabajo”.
Tenía 28 años cuando asistió a la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud.
“No entendí lo que significa ser santo. Tenía la impresión de que ser santo significaba caminar con la cabeza inclinada”, recuerda. “Más tarde descubrí que ser santo significa la santidad de Dios. Es cuando Él deja que la lluvia caiga y el sol brille sobre los buenos y los malos por igual. Tú y yo, no hacemos eso. Alguien nos hace daño y ya no mostramos el sol de nuestra cara. No los miramos. Alguien nos hace daño y ya no le hablamos. Me di cuenta de que yo no tenía eso (santidad)”.
Pero sabía dónde encontrarla.
“Si quieres fruta y no la tienes, vas a comprarla. Me di cuenta de que el lugar para conseguir esas cosas era la Iglesia”, recordó. “Concretamente, para mí, vino a través de la experiencia del Camino Neocatecumenal en mi parroquia”.
Después de un “breve pero intenso proceso de discernimiento”, fue enviado a una misión de dos a dos en la cual descubrió mucho sobre sí mismo, incluyendo “que nisiquiera reconocía a los pobres que estaban a mi alrededor. No veía sus necesidades. Estaba ciego, completamente ciego”.
Fue entonces cuando sintió que el Señor lo llamaba al sacerdocio. Pero no respondió inmediatamente.
“Tenía demasiadas cosas en la cabeza”, dijo. “Pero, de una manera muy concreta e histórica, el Señor comenzó a mover las cosas de mi camino”.
Misionero
No sólo se sintió llamado al sacerdocio, sino también a la misión.
“Mostré una disposición para servir a la Iglesia en cualquier lugar”, dijo. “Me enamoré del aspecto misionero de la Iglesia. Fue como enamorarse. Y el Señor lo tomó desde allí. Todo lo demás fue fácil”.
Terminó en Newark literalmente al azar. Alguien escogió su nombre de un sombrero y lo emparejó con el nombre de un seminario, Redemptoris Mater, de otro sombrero. “Pude haber ido a cualquier parte”, dijo el Obispo Baldacchino. “La pregunta era: ¿Estás dispuesto a servir a la Iglesia en cualquier lugar? ...No tuve elección. Yo no elegí”.
Y eso es algo bueno.
“Siempre hay peligro al elegir el lugar”, dijo. “Porque creo que es una gran trampa. El momento en el que piensas que deberías estar en algún lugar, en ese momento, donde quiera que estés, no es el lugar correcto....”
“Negarse a responder a esa pregunta ha sido una gran liberación para mí”, continuó. “Significa que Dios está aquí. Y si Dios está aquí, yo me quedo. Si no está, soy el primero en irme”.
En cuanto a su llegada a Miami, recuerda las primeras palabras que le vinieron a la mente cuando se enteró de su nombramiento: "¿Me amas? Porque 'mi ami' en italiano significa 'me amas'. ¿Me amas? Alimenta a mi rebaño. ¿Me amas? Cuida mis ovejas. ¿Me amas? Miami. Cristo pregunta: '¿Me amas? Entonces ayúdame. Tenemos trabajo que hacer".
Biography
Bishop Peter Baldacchino
Nacimiento:
5 de diciembre de 1960 en Sliema, Malta
Segundo hijo, y primer varón, de Rinaldo Baldacchino y la recordada Leonilda (Hilda)
Hermana mayor: Paula; hermanos menores: John y Robert
Ordenación:
Al sacerdocio: 25 de mayo de 1996, para la Arquidiócesis de Newark
Al episcopado: 19 de marzo de 2014, en Miami
Nombrado obispo de Las Cruces, New Mexico, el 15 de mayo de 2019
Instalado como obispo de Las Cruces, New Mexico, el 23 de julio 2019
Educación:
Ciencia y química, Universidad de Malta
Seminario Redemptoris Mater, Kearney, New Jersey
Bachillerato en Artes y Maestría en Divinidad, Seton Hall University, New Jersey
Idiomas: maltés, inglés, italiano, criollo haitiano, español
Carrera:
Ayudante de controlador de calidad, jefe del Departamento de Control de Calidad, y Gerente Técnico, instalación de Canada Dry en Malta
Ministerio sacerdotal:
Vicario parroquial, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood, New Jersey, 1996-1999
Canciller de la Misión Católica Romana 'Sui Iuris' en las Islas Turcas y Caicos, y párroco, Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia, Isla Providenciales, 1999-2014
Nombrado Capellán de su Santidad el Papa Benedicto XVI, con el título honorario de Monseñor, 2009
Nombrado Obispo Titular de Vatarba y Obispo Auxiliar de Miami, 20 de febrero de 2014
Ordenación episcopal: 19 de marzo 2014, en Miami
Párroco de St. Kieran, Miami: 1 de junio 2014 a 15 de julio 2019
Lema episcopal:
“Ubi Dominus, ibidem Laetitia” (Donde está Dios, hay alegría)
A los voluntarios menores de 18 años no se les permite tener acceso no supervisado a los niños, jóvenes o adultos vulnerables. Esto incluye a los ministros de jóvenes, los entrenadores, los consejeros, los dirigentes de niños o niñas exploradores (scouts), las niñeras, etc. Estas personas que pueden ayudar con los niños, jóvenes y adultos vulnerables, deben ser supervisadas por un voluntario o empleado que haya recibido el cursillo de entrenamiento del programa VIRTUS y que haya pasado satisfactoriamente una Verificación de Antecedentes de Nivel 2.
Como a los voluntarios menores de 18 años no se les permite tener acceso no supervisado a los niños, jóvenes o adultos vulnerables, no se les verifica para detectar antecedentes penales. El cursillo de VIRTUS para los voluntarios menores de 18 años no es requerido, hasta que cumplan los 18 años.
Sólo para los efectos de esta política, el Personal de la Iglesia incluye a todos los individuos que ejercen un ministerio, trabajan o prestan servicios voluntarios en cualquier escuela, parroquia o ministerio de la Arquidiócesis, cuyo propósito es el cumplimiento de esta política. El término no tiene significado o importancia legal fuera del ámbito de aplicación de esta política, y no es indicativo de un empleo o relación de agencia.
Personal de la Iglesia se refiere a todo lo que sigue:
Clero:
Se entenderá por tal a todos los sacerdotes y diáconos que tienen facultades de la Arquidiócesis.
Empleado:
Cualquier persona laica que está empleada o comprometida en el ministerio, y a la cual se le paga por los servicios prestados (con cualquier forma de compensación, ya sea monetaria o de otra manera), siempre que exista la obligación de descontar impuestos sobre el salario (FICA, Medicare y retención de impuestos), ya sea a tiempo parcial o a tiempo completo. Esta definición deberá incluir a todas aquellas personas que sean empleados de la Archidiócesis, parroquias, escuelas, centros de primera infancia, hogares de ancianos, hogares de grupos, o cualquier otra entidad de la Arquidiócesis que sea controlada u operada por el Arzobispo. Esta definición no incluye a los contratistas independientes, consultores, proveedores u otras personas que no están sujetas a la supervisión de la Arquidiócesis, y para las que no existe la obligación de retener impuestos sobre el salario.
Hermanos religiosos y hermanas religiosas:
Se entenderá por hermanos religiosos y hermanas religiosas a quienes participan habitualmente en el ministerio en nombre de una entidad controlada u operada por la Arquidiócesis.
Seminaristas:
Se entenderá por tales a los hombres matriculados en un seminario como seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis de Miami, o a quienes participan regularmente en el ministerio en una entidad controlada u operada por la Arquidiócesis.
Voluntario Cubierto:
Se entenderá por tal a toda persona no remunerada que se dedica o que participa en cualquier institución de la Arquidiócesis, y que
Tiene a su cargo el cuidado o la supervisión de niños o de adultos vulnerables, o
Tiene acceso a niños o adultos vulnerables.
Contratista Independiente:
Cualquier laico no empleado que sea contratado para prestar servicios (bajo cualquier forma de compensación, ya sea monetaria o de otra manera) en nombre de la Arquidiócesis, incluyendo cualquier parroquia, escuela, centro de primera infancia, hogar de ancianos, hogar de grupo, o cualquier otra entidad de la Arquidiócesis que sea controlada u operada por la Arquidiócesis.
La siguiente es la Política de la Arquidiócesis para crear y mantener un ambiente seguro para los niños y los adultos vulnerables.
Todo el personal de la Iglesia, mayores de 18 años, incluidos los solicitantes le ofreció un puesto, contratistas independientes y voluntarios que trabajan con personas vulnerables estarán obligados a:
Completar el proceso adecuado de antecedentes penales y recibir el visto bueno de la Oficina de Seguridad de Ambiente.
Completar el código estándar de conducta del empleado, la declaración jurada de buen carácter moral y entrenamiento de Virtus.
Voluntarios de las cubiertas son necesarios para completar el Acuerdo Voluntario, Código de Conducta voluntario, la declaración jurada de buen carácter moral y entrenamiento de Virtus.
No hay ningún costo para el individuo para estos requisitos, siempre y cuando la persona está afiliada a una entidad la Arquidiócesis.
Un Voluntario Cubierto es toda persona no remunerada que se dedica o que participa en cualquier institución de la Arquidiócesis, y que tiene a su cargo el cuidado o la supervisión de niños o de adultos vulnerables, o tiene contacto regular con niños o con adultos vulnerables.
Si se asignan a cualquier voluntario deberes que incluyan el cuidado o la supervisión de niños o adultos vulnerables, o que de cualquier otra manera incluyan el contacto regular con niños o adultos vulnerables, el voluntario se clasifica entonces como un Voluntario Cubierto, y se le exigen los requisitos para los Voluntarios Cubiertos, tal como se definen en esta política, incluyendo las huellas digitales, la investigación de antecedentes y la capacitación.
A no todos los voluntarios se les deben verificar los antecedentes penales. Los voluntarios que no tienen contacto regular con niños o adultos vulnerables, y los voluntarios que no tienen a su cargo el cuidado o la supervisión de niños o adultos vulnerables, no tienen que someterse a una verificación de antecedentes penales. Algunos ejemplos de voluntarios que no tienen que someterse a verificación para detectar antecedentes penales son:
Funciones parroquiales voluntarias que no requieren huellas digitales (el cursillo de VIRTUS es opcional):
Funciones de sacristán, pero no si tienen acceso a monaguillos menores de edad
Aparejadores del altar; las personas responsables del lavado y mantenimiento de los manteles del altar
Lectores, pero no si ayudan en otros ministerios, como por ejemplo, ujieres
Miembros del coro de adultos, pero no si practican o cantan con menores de edad (coro de niños)
Cantor
Ministro Extraordinario de la Eucaristía (si lo es sólo en las Misas). Todos aquellos que lleven la Comunión a los hospitales o los enfermos/ancianos en sus casas necesitan someterse a la verificación de antecedentes penales.
Director del Grupo de Luto
Los miembros del Consejo Parroquial; los miembros del Consejo de Finanzas
Cofradía de Damas, Consejo de Mujeres Católicas, Grupos de Estudios Bíblicos, grupos de Ministerio que no tienen contacto no supervisado o regular con niños o adultos vulnerables
Organizaciones de adultos para hombres y mujeres que no tienen contacto no supervisado o regular con niños o adultos vulnerables
Funciones de voluntarios o de proveedores de servicios a las escuelas que no requieren de verificación (si van acompañados de un empleado o voluntario cubierto todo el tiempo):
Presentador en una reunión o evento
Eventos del tipo del Día de las Profesiones (como participante o encargado de un quiosco)
Personal de reparaciones
Se prevé que las funciones de los voluntarios arriba mencionados no impliquen la supervisión o el cuidado de niños o adultos vulnerables y no impliquen un contacto regular con niños o adultos vulnerables.
Reconociendo que cada persona ha sido creada por Dios, la Arquidiócesis de Miami está comprometida con la seguridad y el bienestar de sus niños y adultos vulnerables, y pone en práctica procedimientos para minimizar el riesgo y las barreras, y para crear y fomentar una cultura de ambiente seguro.
La Arquidiócesis no tolera el abuso o la negligencia contra ninguna persona, y cumplirá con todas las obligaciones del derecho civil y canónico; fomentará la sanación cuando sea necesaria, proporcionará educación, formación y orientación cuando sea apropiado, y tratará de evitar cualquier abuso contra menores o adultos vulnerables, con justicia firme y misericordia para todos.
La Arquidiócesis de Miami mantiene una línea telefónica especial, 1-866-802-2873, que ha sido ampliamente publicitada y puesta a la disposición del público, con capacidad para recibir mensajes de voz durante las 24 horas de los 7 días de la semana (24/7), para recibir llamadas de las víctimas. Una llamada recibida a través de la línea directa se registra de acuerdo a la política y de inmediato se refiere al Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas, para que se ponga en contacto con la víctima y le ofrezca asistencia. El registro de llamadas se comparte con el Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas y el abogado de la Arquidiócesis.
El Servicio de Informes Sobre Obispos Católicos (CBAR) ha establecido una línea telefónica para denunciar el abuso sexual, el abuso de autoridad u otras conductas indebidas de un obispo a las autoridades católicas competentes y a terceros para su investigación. Cuando una denuncia incluye un delito, como el abuso sexual de un menor, también se informará a las autoridades civiles. De lo contrario, los informes se mantendrán confidenciales.
Si tiene algún otro tipo de queja sobre un obispo, como asignaciones parroquiales, cierre de iglesia o contenido de la homilía, por favor diríjase directamente a su obispo diocesano o eparquial.
El abuso sexual por parte de un sacerdote, diácono, miembro del personal o voluntario de la Iglesia debe ser reportado a la línea directa de la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro de la Arquidiócesis de Miami. Si usted es víctima de abuso sexual, o de cualquier otro crimen, por favor comuníquese también con las autoridades policiales.
Línea Directa de la Arquidiócesis de Miami Para Reportar Abuso 1.866.802.2873
El RICA (Rito de Iniciación Cristiano para Adultos) es el proceso que usa la Iglesia Católica para ayudar a los no-católicos aprender más sobre la Iglesia, y si lo desean, hacerse católicos.
En la Arquidiócesis de Miami, ofrecemos clases de RICA en varias parroquias para ayudarte a explorar a la Iglesia, sus enseñanzas, y los significados profundos detrás de todo lo que hacemos como católicos.
En un esfuerzo por proteger la seguridad de las personas vulnerables bajo el cuidado de la Arquidiócesis, todo el personal de la Iglesia, de 18 años de edad o más, deberá presentar un Formulario de Verificación de Antecedentes Penales completado, así como un registro completo de huellas dactilares para facilitar una investigación de antecedentes penales.
La elegibilidad para el empleo, el trabajo voluntario o el ministerio será contingente y condicionada a una investigación satisfactoria de los antecedentes. Esta investigación de antecedentes se actualizará cada cinco años. Esta política se aplica incluso si una persona ha sido autorizada a través de una verificación del FBI o del FDLE realizada por su patrono u otra entidad.
Los voluntarios menores de 18 años no pueden tener acceso sin supervisión a niños, jóvenes o adultos vulnerables. Esto incluye a los ministros juveniles, entrenadores, mentores, líderes exploradores (Scouts), y niñeras, entre otros.
Las personas que pueden ayudar con los niños, jóvenes y adultos vulnerables deben ser supervisadas por un voluntario o empleado que haya recibido capacitación en Virtus y haya completado con éxito el Nivel 2 de la Verificación de Antecedentes. Dado que los voluntarios menores de 18 años no pueden tener acceso sin supervisión a los niños, jóvenes o adultos vulnerables, no se les investigan los antecedentes penales. La capacitación en Virtus para los voluntarios menores de 18 años es opcional.
Todo el personal de la Iglesia, incluidos los solicitantes a los que se les ofrezca una posición, los contratistas independientes y los voluntarios que trabajen con personas vulnerables, deben completar con éxito la capacitación sobre el ambiente seguro a través del programa de Virtus. La sesión de capacitación inicial deberá completarse dentro de las 48 horas siguientes a la contratación, y en el caso de los voluntarios, antes de prestar servicio. La capacitación continuará en forma de boletines mensuales en línea. Es una lectura obligatoria. Para cumplir con los requisitos y poder servir, es necesario tener una cuenta de Virtus activa y actualizada.
La Arquidiócesis ha identificado el Programa de los Límites y la Seguridad como su programa para niños. El Programa de los Límites y la Seguridad fue desarrollado por las mismas personas que desarrollaron Virtus. Entre los puntos fuertes de este programa se destaca su adecuación a las distintas edades, o estar dirigido a los distintos niveles en la educación de los niños. Los maestros que lo enseñan conocen también el nivel de capacidad de los niños en su salón de clases. Además, los padres pueden optar por que sus hijos no participen en el programa. A los niños no se les enseña nada sin la aprobación de los padres. El Programa de los Límites y la Seguridad también incluye un componente educativo para los padres.
El Programa de los Límites y la Seguridad es un programa de ambiente seguro desarrollado para los niños de distintos niveles educativos, en un esfuerzo por protegerles del abuso.
Para más información sobre el Programa de los Límites y la Seguridad para los niños, oprima aquí.
La capacitación de Virtus, Protecting God's Children® (Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios), está disponible en línea en inglés y español, así como con subtítulos en coreano y vietnamita.
Protecting God's Children® para adultos es un curso de capacitación en línea que aborda la concienciación, la prevención, y la respuesta al abuso sexual infantil. La capacitación es una visión general de la naturaleza del abuso sexual infantil y la naturaleza de los depredadores, incluyendo los métodos y medios por los cuales los agresores cometen el abuso, y cinco pasos fáciles que uno puede practicar para prevenir el abuso sexual infantil. La capacitación también incorpora políticas y procedimientos que definen y abordan el abuso sexual infantil, la verificación y selección de empleados y voluntarios, y la defensa de las víctimas.
Los boletines mensuales de Virtus se envían directamente el primer domingo de cada mes a la cuenta activa de Virtus del participante. Simultáneamente, se envía un recordatorio a la dirección de correo electrónico que el participante tiene en su cuenta. Si no recibe los recordatorios, es muy probable que se deba al programa de seguridad de su ordenador o a una actualización de seguridad. A continuación encontrará las instrucciones para prevenirlo.
La lectura de los boletines mensuales es necesaria para mantener una cuenta de Virtus activa y actualizada, y para que el participante cumpla los requisitos para servir. Los boletines se leen en unos 3 a 5 minutos, y son una manera extraordinaria de brindar información oportuna y de actualidad, lo que puede ser esencial sobre todo cuando se habla de seguridad en internet y en las redes sociales, algo que cambia con mucha frecuencia. Los boletines también le mantienen a la vanguardia de las mejores prácticas para mantener ambientes seguros para niños y adultos vulnerables.
Recordatorios de Virtus en línea
Para garantizar que los mensajes de VIRTUS Online se envíen correctamente a su bandeja de entrada (y no a las carpetas de spam o basura), añada [email protected] a su libreta de direcciones o a su lista de seguridad. Si usted sigue las instrucciones anteriores (al añadir [email protected] a su libreta de direcciones y/o a su lista de direcciones seguras), pero los recordatorios aparecen por defecto en su carpeta de correo no deseado (spam), o no recibe los recordatorios en absoluto, le recomendamos que consulte directamente con su proveedor de correo electrónico para ver si está bloqueando o afectando de alguna manera la entrega de las comunicaciones por correo electrónico de VIRTUS Online ([email protected]) a su cuenta de correo electrónico.
La Arquidiócesis de Miami no utiliza certificados como verificación de cumplimiento. En su lugar, utilizamos los Informes de Capacitación. Los voluntarios que tienen una cuenta de Virtus pero necesitan demostrar que su cuenta está al día, pueden imprimir su Informe de Capacitación siguiendo estas instrucciones.
Acceda a su cuenta de Virtus en www.virtus.org mediante su identificación de usuario y contraseña.
Haga clic en la pestaña de Home (Inicio) en la parte superior de la página.
Haga clic en el cuadro de Training Report (Informe de Capacitación).
Imprima la página.
Esta página está fechada e indica tanto el registro de capacitación en vivo como el número de boletines destacados, leídos y omitidos.
El Consejo de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana está constituido por jóvenes adultos hispanos identificados y comprometidos con la Iglesia Católica, líderes de diferentes grupos parroquiales y movimientos de la Arquidiócesis de Miami, que se reúnen con el deseo de fomentar la unidad e integridad de los jóvenes adultos a nivel Arquidiocesano.
La misión de este Consejo es impulsar procesos de evangelización que permitan al joven adulto hispano de la Arquidiócesis de Miami encontrarse con Cristo y que lo lleven a su desarrollo integral, a través de la formación, la capacitación, la animación y la celebración de nuestra fe en una espiritualidad de comunión[1] y compromiso apostólico.
Welcome to the first edition of The Synod Snapshot. This is such an exciting and holy experience for our church, and it is our desire that through this weekly update you will have a greater understanding of the Synod.
Archbishop Wenski convened the Synod at the Chrism Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral on April 3, 2012, and since then, the Synod office has been hard at work getting things ready for the first phase of the Synod: the listening sessions. These sessions are being held throughout the archdiocese beginning June 15th, and are an opportunity for all Catholics to share their opinions about the local church, as well as their hopes and dreams for her future. (Here are the dates of the Archbishop's listening sessions)
This week we also held the first meeting of the Synod Leadership Team, a group of twelve individuals selected by the Archbishop to serve throughout the entire Synod process, supporting and assisting the Archbishop in the creation of the Synod Priority Plan. In addition to meeting once per month as a group, the Synod Leadership Team will also work closely with the Synod Focus Teams that will begin working on goal-setting in October 2012. The Synod Leadership Team members are an incredible group of people from very diverse backgrounds, all of whom share a deep love of Christ and a desire to strengthen His church here in South Florida. To see a list of the Synod Leadership Team members, check out the article about the Synod in this month's issue of The Florida Catholic.
Please continue to pray for the work of the Synod. Next Friday look for the Synod Snapshot with more information about the listening sessions and the feedback we are asking for from all Catholics in the archdiocese. For more information about the Synod, please visit our website at www.synodmiami.org.
We are now just two weeks away from the first Synod listening session!
There are many answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Synod on our website, but I would like to use this edition of The Synod Snapshot to discuss what you can expect to happen at a listening session.
The purpose of the listening session is to rejoice in the blessings that God has given to this local Church, to envision the future of this great Archdiocese and to surface potential areas of focus that our Archdiocese should address in the next three to five years.
In order to accomplish this, each person in attendance will be asked the following three questions:
What does the Archdiocese of Miami do well in serving and ministering to God's people?
What could the Archdiocese of Miami do to improve upon its service and ministry to God's people?
In the next 24-36 months, what 3 priorities should the Archdiocese of Miami name and fulfill for more effective service and ministry?
After time for prayerful contemplation of these questions, you will be asked to write down your responses on a Feedback Form. Once the Feedback Forms are completed, those who wish to share their response to one of the questions with the Archbishop will have that opportunity. The Feedback Forms will be collected and all of the data collected will be recorded and provided to the Synod Leadership Team and the Focus Synod Teams as they begin the process of discerning goals for the Synod plan.
A few other things about the Listening Sessions: You do not have to make a reservation to attend, and you can attend any session that is convenient for you. The Archbishop will not be able to respond to specific questions at the listening sessions, and we do ask that you keep your comments within the parameters of the three questions being asked.
Many of you have told me that the Synod is in your prayers. Please know how much that is needed and appreciated. Coming next Friday in the Synod Snapshot, learn more about the Synod Focus Teams.
As I discussed in last week's Synod Snapshot, when you attend a listening session you will be asked to write down your responses to three key questions on a Feedback Form. If you attend a listening session hosted by your own pastor, the same Feedback Form will be used and collected. Finally, after July 1st, the Feedback Form will be available both in hard copy and online for those who were unable to attend a listening session. The Feedback Forms will be collected and all of the data collected will be recorded and provided to the Synod Leadership Team and the Focus Synod Teams as they begin the process of discerning goals for the Synod plan. This week I would like to go into a little more detail on the Synod Focus Teams.
The Synod Focus Teams will consist of between eight and ten members each, and we expect there will be between ten and fifteen Focus Teams in total. Each team will be assigned to develop SMART goals for a specific area of ministry. What are those specific focus areas? They haven't been determined yet! As we receive feedback from the listening sessions, we will identify your priorities, and those will become the Focus Areas. Now you probably have another question: "What is a SMART goal?"
SMART stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
The Focus Teams will begin their work by studying the feedback that was collected in their specific area. They will also review current research on their Focus Area, including best practices from around the country. With that foundation, they will collaborate for five months in order to produce a set of SMART goals for that ministry area. In the upcoming weeks I will write about the next steps in the Synod process; in other words, what becomes of the SMART goals developed by the Focus Teams.
Serving on a Focus Team requires a six-month commitment, including an orientation session in September and monthly meetings from October 2012 through February 2013. There will also be substantial reading and other work to be completed during that time. This is a rare opportunity to serve the church in such a historic undertaking, and although the work will be considerable, surely the return to the Focus Team members will be just as great. If you are interested in serving on a Focus Team, please complete the application found here.
As you can see, your attendance at a listening session and your written feedback is critical to the success of the Synod. (Here are the dates of the Archbishop's listening sessions.) Your continued prayers are also needed! In next week's Synod Snapshot we will take a little walk down memory lane and look back at the first Archdiocesan Synod convoked by Archbishop McCarthy.
Tonight is the first of the Archbishop's listening sessions, at which participants will be asked to communicate their joys, concerns and dreams for the Archdiocese of Miami. The question I have been asked most frequently this past week has to do with what, exactly, the Archdiocese is. In other words, most of us could list all of the ministries and services offered by our local parish, but what is the role of the archdiocese in our lives as Catholics here in South Florida? I am going to use the next two editions of The Synod Snapshot to answer that question.
First, a brief history of our beloved local church. Bishop Coleman Carroll took charge of the newly-created Diocese of Miami on October 7, 1958, serving a local Catholic community of fewer than 200,000 Catholics spread over 16 counties, exactly half of the state. In 1968, due to the tremendous influx of new residents from the northern United States as well as the Caribbean, and also in recognition of Bishop Carroll's dynamic leadership, the 10-year-old Diocese of Miami was made an archdiocese and named Metropolitan See for all of Florida. Bishop Carroll became an Archbishop, losing eight counties to the newly-created Dioceses of Orlando and St. Petersburg.
Archbishop Edward McCarthy succeeded Archbishop Coleman in 1977. Soon after arriving, he reorganized the chancery staff into seven ministries and announced plans for the construction of a permanent chancery-what we know today as the Pastoral Center, located in Miami Shores.
More growth led to more change, and by 1983, the archdiocese numbered about one million Catholics spread over 135 parishes in eight counties. A long-rumored archdiocesan split finally took place in July, 1984. Bishop Nevins was appointed to lead the newly-created Diocese of Venice, which includes Collier, Hendry and Glades counties. The archdiocese also lost Palm Beach and Martin counties to the newly created Diocese of Palm Beach.
Our Third Archbishop, John Clement Favalora, was installed on December 20, 1994, and presided over another period of change and growth. Archbishop Favalora was succeeded by Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando, who on June 1, 2010, was installed as Miami's fourth archbishop.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Synod closing assembly, the new strategic plan for the Archdiocese of Miami will be presented to all. The culmination of the work of the more than 800 Synod volunteers over the past 18 months, this plan begins with three pastoral priorities that Archbishop Thomas Wenski has discerned. These pastoral priorities are those initiatives that become the driving forces for action and leadership throughout the archdiocese for the duration of the life of the pastoral plan. In other words, of the many concerns, dreams and hopes of the people, of the diverse areas of ministry in which the Church serves the faithful of South Florida, these are the areas where the greatest effort must be placed (not the only effort, but the greatest).
The Synod Leadership Team began the process of discerning three priorities in the spring of 2012, carefully and prayerfully reviewing the feedback from the listening sessions. After several months of work, they were ready to make their recommendations to Archbishop Wenski.
The archbishop, in turn, has spent many months in discernment as well, ultimately declaring what he has chosen as the three archdiocesan priorities:
Priority: Deepening our Discipleship through Faith Formation and Support
Providing a consistent invitation and diverse opportunities to all Catholics, especially adults, to grow in understanding of their faith to be better prepared and equipped to invite others to know Christ. Providing coordinated, proactive support to all of the priests in the archdiocese to deepen their discipleship and strengthen their ability to form and lead the people of God.
Priority: Expanding Our Missionary Outreach to Youth and Young Adults
Investing the human, financial and spiritual resources necessary to help both youth and young adults cultivate a personal and life-long relationship with Christ and to ensure that the Archdiocese of Miami becomes a model church in outreach to the Church of today and tomorrow.
Priority: Establishing Our Parishes as Centers of Hope and Evangelization
Supporting parishes in embracing the missionary call of Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations" through creating a welcoming and vibrant experience of parish life.
These priorities will be implemented throughout the entire archdiocese by several SMART goals, which will be shared in next week's Snapshot. Creating these specific expectations and concrete goals gives a clear vision for the future of our local Church, and as Archbishop Wenski shared with the priests of the archdiocese at their annual convocation this week, these SMART goals can serve as a report card for the archdiocese, allowing for a heightened level of accountability.
Closing assembly includes talk by Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga
In 2012, for only the second time in its history, the Archdiocese of Miami convened a Synod; that is, a process by which Catholics in South Florida gathered and told Archbishop Thomas Wenski about their concerns, what the Church does well and what their dreams are for their local Church.
On Saturday, October 26th, this 18-month Synod will conclude with the strategic plan being presented to Archbishop Wenski by representatives of the 800-member focus teams.
The Closing Assembly will begin with Mass at the Miami Hilton Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132, at 9 a.m. followed by the presentation of the Synod results.
Beginning at 11 a.m., Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga of Honduras, who is one of the group of eight cardinals appointed by Pope Francis to help him reform the Vatican administration, will deliver a keynote address at the Synod Assembly. He will then join Archbishop Wenski for a press conference.
What is the Synod?
Synod (syn-od, pronounced sin'ud) comes from two Greek words, one meaning "to come together" and the other "to move forward on a path." The Synod is a process of listening to the people of God, followed by pastoral planning based upon what was heard. The work of the Synod will set the priorities for the archdiocese for the next 3-4 years.
How did the Synod work?
The work of the Synod included a diverse group of volunteers, comprised of clergy, religious, and lay leaders from across the archdiocese, and several listening sessions that were held throughout South Florida.
The listening sessions were a centerpiece of the Synod process. These are large town hall-type meetings to which all Catholics were invited. Participants at the listening sessions were asked to individually reflect on three questions, then to further explore the questions in small groups, and finally, they were given the opportunity to share any comments with the larger group.
The feedback gathered at the sessions was collected and recorded, and provided the foundation for the work of the Focus Area Teams.
Everyone is welcome to attend the closing assembly. To R.S.V.P., click on the tab on this page, or contact Jacqueline Debs at 305-762-1088 or via e-mail to [email protected].
The closing assembly of the Second General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 9 a.m.
Archbishop Wenski has extended an open invitation to every faithful of the Church in South Florida. He would like to see every parish well represented. In fact, some parishes are organizing buses for their parishioners. If your parish is organizing a group, please, kindly let us know ahead of time by calling Jacqui Debs at 305-762-1088.
There will be no registration, tickets or special group seating.
The day's events will be held mainly in English. The keynote speaker, His Excellency, Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga, will give his address in English and Spanish.
Please plan on arriving well before 9 a.m. The event ends at 1 p.m. (We do not recommend coming mid-morning as there will be no seating available.)
Discounted parking rate: $9 for self-park and $12 for valet parking. Please, bring ticket to assembly for validation.
Entrance to the Ballroom level is through the 7th floor of the parking garage.
Continental breakfast will be served right after Mass. There will not be food or beverages available before Mass.
Location: The Ballroom at the Miami Hilton Downtown 1601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami FL 33132
The Society's work may encompass any form of aid that alleviates suffering, and it strives to discover and redress situations which cause suffering.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society is a volunteer Catholic Lay Organization comprised of almost 1 million members in over 130 countries around the world. We visit the poor and needy people to provide comfort and financial assistance to those in need. Volunteers called “Vincentians” serve within parish groups called Conferences. We strive toward increased spiritual growth through acts of charity.
The South Florida Miami Council has over 1,200 volunteers operating out of 70 local Catholic Church Conferences, including one Mission Conference. We are constantly on the lookout for new members who have a passion and a vocation to help those less fortunate neighbors who are in need of a helping hand.
Generally on a person-to-person basis, members of the Society help those in need, regardless of race, creed, sex, orientation, handicap or religion.
The bookkeeper/head cash counter will place a sufficient supply of the tamperevident pre-numbered plastic bags in the designated area in
the Parish prior to each week's services. Access to the bags should be limited to the ushers and the bookkeeper/head cash counter.
At least one bag, of sufficient size, should be available for each collection at each Event.
The bags should be labeled by the bookkeeper/head cash counter as to the Event time and the collection purpose (when there is to be more
than one collection at an Event).
The bag numbers should be recorded on the control log designating a specific bag number for each collection at each Mass.
An example Tamper-Evident Bag Control Log (the "control log") is attached.
The bookkeeper/head cash counter will keep a copy of the control log and place the original control log with the bags.
A designated person, such as the head usher for each event, is responsible for obtaining the bag(s) and the control log before each Mass/Event.
Note
A small emergency supply of extra, number-controlled bags can be on hand in case one of the bags malfunctions or in case another bag is
needed because of collection volumes.
These bags should be properly labeled with instructions as to their proper use. They should be accounted for each week by the bookkeeper/head
cash counter at the time new bags are supplied.
B. Collecting Funds
When the collection is finished, the ushers (more than one person) at each Mass/Event will empty the entire collection from the
baskets into the numbered tamper-evident plastic bags. Each bag is to be signed and dated with a permanent marking pen
by the two ushers (this may be done prior to inserting the money into the bags).
To seal the plastic bag, remove the paper strip (liner) from the adhesive area at the top of the bag and fold the flap down and seal the
tamper-evident plastic bag. Ensure that the contents are properly secured. If the bag is spoiled or un-useable the spoiled bag should
be kept and not thrown away – it is to be put into the substitute bag that should be available. The paper strip is to be signed
by the ushers and attached to the control log. The ushers will sign and date the control log for each bag they were given after
comparing the serial numbers on the bags to the serial numbers listed on the control log.
After the last service, the original control log will be put in the safe or other locked and secured area with the tamper-evident bags.
The tamper-evident bag(s), once sealed, will be put into the safe or other locked and secured area by the ushers.
If the Pastor's desire is for the collection to be brought forward with the gifts in the offertory procession, the entire
collection from the baskets must be sealed as indicated in Steps 5 and 6 before it is carried to the altar.
Immediately upon the exit of the Pastor at the conclusion of Mass, two ushers must retrieve the bag and put into the safe or
other locked and secured area.
C. Counting Funds
The bags will be retrieved by the Parish Business Manager/Bookkeeper and one member of the cash counting team from the safe or other
locked and secured area. Before opening, the numbers on the bags shall be compared to the numbers on the control sheet and the paper
strip liners by the members of the money counting team(s). The money counting team(s) will open the bag(s) with a pair of scissors. The bags
should not be ripped open. After each bag is opened, a member of the counting team will sign-off on the control log. If there is a
discrepancy with the control numbers or if the bag appears to have been tampered with, the counting team should contact the Finance Chair.
The control log will then be given to an appropriate designee, someone who is independent of cash counting and record keeping functions.
The money counting team is to prepare the deposit, deposit slip and place all funds in a sealed tamper-evident bag for transportation to
the bank. No currency/coin/checks are to be removed from the collection by anyone for any purpose. All cash and checks must be deposited
and should not be used to pay bills or other expenses.
D. Depositing Funds
The money counting team should give a copy of the deposit slip to the appropriate designee.
A member of the cash counting team and an additional representative (other than someone on the cash counting team) should
immediately take the deposit to the bank.
Upon returning from the bank, the validated deposit slip is to be given to the appropriate designee to compare to the copy given by the
money counting team. If the slips agree, the appropriate designee will sign off on the control log. If the slips do not agree, the appropriate
designee should contact the Finance Chair. The control log and validated deposit slip should then be given to the Parish Business
Manager/Bookkeeper for filing. Completed control logs should be filed and kept for five years.
E. Monitoring:
The Parish Finance Council should monitor and periodically review the procedures followed by the Parish for the tamper evident bags.
El contable pondrá suficiente cantidad de bolsas (a prueba de manipulación)
enumeradas en el área diseñada de la parroquia antes de la misa o evento de cada
semana. Acceso a las bolsas será limitada a los ujieres y el contable. Por lo menos
una bolsa de suficiente tamaño debe estar disponible para la colección de cada
evento.
Las bolsas deben estar marcadas por el contable con la hora del evento y el
propósito de la colecta (cuando hay más de una colecta en un evento).
Los números de las bolsas usadas deben ser documentadas en un registro
indicando el número de cada bolsa por cada colecta en cada misa. Un ejemplo del
registro de bolsas usadas (el "registro") esta adjunto. El contable se quedara con
una copia del registro y pondrá el original con las bolsas.
Una persona designada, como el director de los ujieres de cada evento, es
responsable de obtener la(s) bolsa(s) y el registro antes de cada misa o evento.
Nota
En caso de que una bolsa falle, se rompa u otra por el volumen de la colecta,
deben de haber más bolsas de abastecimiento de emergencia. Estas bolsas deben
ser marcadas propiamente con instrucciones de cómo se deben usar. Deben ser
contadas cada semana por el contable o director de ujieres cuando lleguen bolsas
nuevas.
B. Colecta de Fondos:
Cuando la colecta ha terminado, los ujieres (más de una persona) de cada
misa/evento pondrán la colecta entera de las cestas adentro de las bolsas
enumeradas. Cada bolsa será firmada y fechada con una pluma de tinta
permanente por dos ujieres (esto puede ser hecho antes de poner el dinero dentro
de las bolsas).
Para sellar la bolsa, debe retirar el papel de pegamento de la parte de arriba de la
bolsa, doblar la solapa hacia abajo y sellar la bolsa a prueba de manipulación. Si la
bolsa no es usable o esta estropeada, se debe guardar y no tirarla – y los
contenidos se deben poner en una de las bolsas de abastecimiento de emergencia.
El papel de pegamento debe ser firmado por un ujier y adjuntado al registro. Los
ujieres firmaran y pondrán la fechara en el registro por cada bolsa usada
comparando el número de la bolsa con los números en el registro.
Después del último servicio, el registro original se pondrá en la caja fuerte u otro
lugar seguro con las bolsas a prueba de manipulación.
Las bolsas a prueba de manipulación, después de ser selladas, serán puestas por
los ujieres en la caja fuerte u otro lugar seguro.
Si el Sacerdote desea que la colecta sea colocada en el altar, la colecta entera de
las cestas debe ser sellada como indicado en Paso 5 y 6 antes de llevarla al altar.
Inmediatamente después del final de la misa, y el Sacerdote salga de la iglesia,
dos ujieres deben recoger las bolsas y llevarlas a la caja fuerte u otro lugar seguro.
C. Contando Fondos:
Las bolsas serán recogidas por el director de la parroquia/contable y un
miembro del grupo de conteo de la caja fuerte o lugar seguro. Antes de abrir las
bolsas, los números se deben comparar con los números listados en el registro y los
papeles de pegamento por los miembros del grupo de conteo. El grupo de conteo
abrirá las bolsas con tijeras. Las bolsas no se deben rasgar. Después que todas las
bolsas se han abiertas, un miembro del grupo de conteo debe firmar el registro
confirmando que todas las bolsas son iguales. Si hay cualquier diferencia deben
contactar el Director de Finanzas. El registro después será dado a una persona
designada, independiente del grupo de conteo y contabilidad.
El grupo de conteo preparara el deposito, comprobante de deposito y pondrá
los fondos en una bolsa (a prueba de manipulación) sellada para el transporte al
banco. Ningún dinero/moneda/cheques será extraído de la colecta por ninguna
persona por ninguna razón. Todo el dinero y cheques deben ser depositados y no
usados para pagar ninguna cuenta ni gastos.
D. Deposito de Fondos:
El grupo de conteo le dará la copia del comprobante de deposito a la persona
designada.
Un miembro del grupo de conteo y otro representante (que no sea parte del
grupo de conteo) debe llevar el depósito al banco inmediatamente.
Al regresar del banco, el comprobante de depósito se le entregara a la persona
designada para comprobar la copia del banco con la que fue preparada por el grupo
de conteo. Si los comprobantes están de acuerdo, la persona designada firmara el
registro. Si los comprobantes no están de acuerdo, la persona designada debe
contactar el Director de Finanzas. El registro y los comprobantes de depósito serán
entregados al director de la parroquia/contable para archivar. Los registros deben
ser archivados y guardados por cinco años.
E. Supervisión:
El Consejo de Finanzas de la parroquia deben periódicamente supervisar y
examinar los procedimientos seguidos por la parroquia para el uso de las bolsas a
prueba de manipulación.
The archdiocese has identified Teaching Boundary Safety as its program for children. Teaching Boundary Safety was developed by the same people who developed Virtus.
The strong points of this program are that it is age-appropriate, or geared to the different grade levels of children. Also, it is taught by teachers who know the readiness level of the children in their class-room. In addition, parents are able to opt out of the program. Nothing is taught to their children unless they approve.
Teaching Boundary Safety also includes an educational component for parents.
Teaching Boundary Safety is a safe environment program that speaks to children at various grade levels in an effort to keep them safe from abuse.
For more information on the Teaching Boundary Safety program for children,
click here.
Following is the list of archdiocesan parishes that are livestreaming Masses during the coronavirus outbreak. Some of them are doing it on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram; others through YouTube; and still others through their own parish websites. Masses that are livestreamed through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube can be watched any time afterward. So can many of the Masses posted on parish websites.
A continuación, la lista de las parroquias de la arquidiócesis que están transmitiendo misas en vivo durante el brote de coronavirus. Algunas de ellas lo están haciendo en plataformas de medios sociales como Facebook e Instagram, otras a través de YouTube y otras a través de los sitios web de sus propias parroquias. En la mayoría de los casos, las misas que se transmiten en vivo a través de Facebook, Instagram y YouTube pueden ser vistas en cualquier momento después, así como las misas transmitidas por los sitios web de las parroquias.
“Young adults have many gifts to offer the Church: their faith, their hope, their desire to serve, their spiritual hunger, their vitality, their optimism and idealism, their talents and skills. The world also looks with hope to young adults to bring about a better future…” (National Directory of Catechesis, Chapter 7: 48c)
Young adulthood is both a time of great promise and great challenge, especially in today’s culture. The decisions young adults make made during this time could have long lasting or permanent effects on the rest of their lives: vocation, career, and choice of spouse are just some of the many possibilities.
It is important we communicate to our young adults how valued they are to us, that as Saint John Paul II said in his Homily at Sunday Mass on World Youth Day 1993 in Denver Colorado "The Church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your ideals, in order to make the Gospel of life penetrate the fabric of society, transforming people's hearts and the structures of society in order to create a civilization of true justice and love."
The Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami seeks and strives to serve our young adults by offering support, resources and opportunities to discover and enjoy the limitless possibilities that can be ours when we make faith an integral and vibrant part of our daily life.
We do this by:
Creating and/or supporting quality programming designed to meet the goals and strategies of “Sons and Daughters of the Light” by helping young adults encounter and grow closer to Jesus Christ, His Church and Her Mission, as well as their peers in a vibrant community of faith through spiritual formation, service and fellowship opportunities.
Building bridges of community, collaboration and lasting friendships between our various groups.
Assisting new parish groups with their startup processes or the revitalizing of existing groups
Supporting the many great young adult events provided throughout our Archdiocese and providing a forum for the sharing of these events.
And much more.
Check our EVENTS SECTION in this web site for details and upcoming dates for the events listed below
Contact our office for more information.
Programs & Events
Illuminare la Notte
(Italian for “Light up the night”) is our anchor event for young adults 18-39, as well as our ministry motto as we strive to grow together in faith to be Christ’s light for each other and the world. This multilingual evening of prayer, renewal and community begins with Mass followed by Adoration with Confessions and individual prayer, ending with fellowship. The Office of Youth And Young Adult Ministry hosts two Illuminare La Notte events, with parish young adult groups hosting their own “Neighborhood Editions” in between once trained and provided with tools for a successful event by our office.
Faith Uncorked
Young adults in their 20s and 30s "uncork" conversations with dynamic speakers at local spots. Archdiocese of Miami YAM hosts one series each year, with parish young adult groups hosting their own events in between, once trained and provided with tools for a successful event by our office.
Inizio / Iniziare
In its commitment to help young adults have vibrant communities to connect to and thrive in, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry offers a process we’ve come to call INIZIARE (Italian for “beginning”), designed to help groups get started or re-started.
Trips & Pilgrimages
There are plentiful opportunities for young adults to join pilgrimages or service mission trips with other young adults with our office or other hosting ministries. Below is a sampling, or check the events section of this website for more opportunities throughout the Archdiocese.
Mission /Service Trips with St. Augustine Parish and Catholic Student Center at UM
Mission/Service Trips with Amor en Acción
Other events
From sports outings like our annual Young Adult Night at the Marlins to so much more. In our widely diverse Archdiocese rich with groups and their corresponding events this is just a sampling of all that is available!
Retreats
There are multiple retreat opportunities offered for young adults throughout the year.
Annual Saint Vincent De Paul Seminary Young Adult Retreat
Join hundreds of young adults on February of each year for a day filled with learning, sharing, renewal and fellowship. This annual retreat is offered by the St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary
St. Augustine Parish and Catholic Student Center at UM Retreats
From spiritual renewal to island adventures and mission trips for both college students and young adult professionals, the St Augustine Parish and Catholic Student Center at UM a multitude of amazing opportunities!
Retiro anual en Español Para Jóvenes Adultos
Un tiempo de aprendizaje, crecimiento, renovación y mucha hermandad para nuestros jóvenes hispanos, abarcando temas diferentes cada año y como éstos se conectan con nuestra vida diaria y caminar espiritual.
More Retreats
Additional spiritual growth and renewal opportunities hosted by various parishes and groups throughout the Archdiocese of Miami may be found on the events section of this website, with retreats more specific to young adults found in the “youth and young adults” category of the events section.
Other Ministry Support Services
Training and mentoring of leaders or staff, assistance with young adult ministry staff recruiting and hiring, identifying and sharing resource and continuing formation opportunities, in addition to other support as needed. For upcoming training and support opportunities, visit the events section of this website under the “youth and young adults” category or invite us to conduct a session at your parish by contacting [email protected] or 305-762-1189.
"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.
It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”
-WYD Rome,19 August 2000
The Pastoral Juvenil Hispana is a Young Adult Ministry Council composed of Hispanic young adults serving the Catholic Church as leaders in their diverse parish groups and movements of the Archdiocese of Miami. They serve as a connecting point between Young Adult groups to share events, information and resources, promoting unity and collaboration among young adults in our Archdiocese.
The mission of this Council is to encourage and promote evangelization processes which will allow Hispanic young adults in the Archdiocese of Miami to encounter Christ and lead them to an integral development, through formation, training, and living and celebrating our faith in a spirituality of communion and apostolic commitment. The PJH also hosts various events throughout the year such as an annual young adult group leaders’ retreat, their anniversary gala celebration, and PASCUA JOVEN … and much more.
Thank you for submitting your request to publish information of your unborn child in our Heaven's Littlest Angels Memorial.
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Thank you for sending your prayer request.
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and your request will be included in the prayers of our religious.
He came from Pittsburgh, a tough-as-nails prelate in pre Vatican II mold: Bishop Coleman F. Carroll's wishes were everyone else's commands.
When Bishop Carroll took charge of the newly-created Diocese of Miami on
October 7, 1958, his flock numbered fewer than 200,000 Catholics spread over 16 counties, exactly half of the state.
Born on February 9, 1905, he was the second of three sons of Irish-born parents. His father, a railroad brakeman and then a clerk for Carnegie Steel, died when Coleman was 17.
Coleman was ordained for the Diocese of Pittsburg in 1930, and spent 23 years as a parish priest before being named auxiliary bishop of his home diocese.
The years in Miami were turbulent ones: Black Americans' struggle for civil rights and the war in Vietnam shook and almost tore the country apart; Vatican II "opened the windows" and a storm of change engulfed the Catholic Church.
South Florida struggled to cope while undergoing a crisis of its own: hundreds of thousands of Cuban refugees began washing up on its shores, fleeing a Communist dictatorship 90 miles south.
The Church, the country and South Florida would never be the same.
When he died in office 19 years later, the sleepy southern diocese had turned into a booming, bustling, metropolitan See with more than 700,000 Catholics in eight counties, approximately one quarter of the state.
He came from Pittsburgh, a tough-as-nails prelate in pre Vatican II mold: Bishop Coleman F. Carroll's wishes were everyone else's commands.
When Bishop Carroll took charge of the newly-created Diocese of Miami on
October 7, 1958, his flock numbered fewer than 200,000 Catholics spread over 16 counties, exactly half of the state.
Born on February 9, 1905, he was the second of three sons of Irish-born parents. His father, a railroad brakeman and then a clerk for Carnegie Steel, died when Coleman was 17.
Coleman was ordained for the Diocese of Pittsburg in 1930, and spent 23 years as a parish priest before being named auxiliary bishop of his home diocese.
The years in Miami were turbulent ones: Black Americans' struggle for civil rights and the war in Vietnam shook and almost tore the country apart; Vatican II "opened the windows" and a storm of change engulfed the Catholic Church.
South Florida struggled to cope while undergoing a crisis of its own: hundreds of thousands of Cuban refugees began washing up on its shores, fleeing a Communist dictatorship 90 miles south.
The Church, the country and South Florida would never be the same.
When he died in office 19 years later, the sleepy southern diocese had turned into a booming, bustling, metropolitan See with more than 700,000 Catholics in eight counties, approximately one quarter of the state.
O my Jesus, My life has changed forever. I'm separated in this world from my beloved baby [name]. I beg for Your Mercy for me, and for all who mourm. I rely on Your promise that all who mourm will be comforted (Mt 5:4).
Help me to persevere in faith, so that one day I may praise You in the company of My baby and all of the saints.
Please accept my suffering and unite it with Yours for the salvation of all souls, and fill my ernptiness with Your mercy that I may continue to love and serve others in my life.
I surrender to You all my needs, doubts, and anger. You are the Source of my strength, hope, and consolation.
Even when I don't understand what is being asked of me, help me to live in imitation of You and Your Blessed Mother in acceptance of the Father's plan of loving kindness.
Lord, thank You for hearing rny prayer, even at times when the depth of my sorrow won't allow me to speak it aloud.
I entrust my baby to Your mercy, as l entrust my life to You. Amen.
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For your registration to attend the next vocation awareness weekend. We will review your information and upon the approval from the vocation director, you will receive a confirmation email with a list of things to bring. Please make sure to receive a confirmation email before you prepare to attend the retreat.
The Archdiocese of Miami provides a ministry to travelers and employees at both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale
international airports. As of Aug. 18, 2012, a vigil Mass is celebrated every Saturday at 7 p.m. at Miami
International Airport. The priests who celebrate this Mass also are available for confession.
The role of airport chaplains
"Dear friends, always be conscious that you are called to embody in the world's airports the Church's mission of bringing God to man and leading man to the encounter with God. Airports are places that increasingly reflect the globalized reality of our time. Here one finds people of a wide variety of nationalities, cultures, religions, social status and age. One also comes across all manner of difficult human situations that demand increasing attention.
In airports, moreover, you have daily contact with a great many men and women who work in an environment marked by continuous mobility and constant technological development, both of which tend to obscure the centrality of the human person. Often more attention is paid to efficiency and productivity than to the love of neighbor and the solidarity that should always characterize human relations.
Here too, your presence is of great value and importance: it is a living witness to a God who is close to human beings, and it serves as a reminder never to show indifference to those one meets, but to treat them generously and lovingly. I encourage you to be radiant signs of this charity of Christ which brings serenity and peace.
Pope Benedict XVI, address to worldwide gathering of airport chaplains in Rome, June 11-14, 2012.
Apostleship of the Sea
The Apostleship of the Sea is a ministry to seafarers that offers hospitality and pastoral care to the People of the Sea.
For more information on this ministry, click here.
“Master, … at your command I will lower the nets.” (Luke 5:5)
Simon Peter’s words in Luke 5:5 remind us that fruitfulness in the life of faith begins with trust in Jesus. Though Peter had worked tirelessly and caught nothing, it was his obedience to Christ that brought about an overwhelming catch, a symbol of what is possible when we surrender to God’s will.
The Seminary Burse Fund is one such invitation to trust. Each year, this vital initiative helps educate and form the future priests of the Archdiocese of Miami, young men who, like Peter, are learning to respond to the Lord with humility and courage, willing to cast their nets even when the way forward isn’t clear.
In this moment of renewed energy in the Church, marked by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, we are reminded of the Spirit’s ongoing work in guiding the Church and raising up shepherds for His people. Our seminarians are part of that renewal. Through their years of study, prayer, and pastoral formation, at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, they are being equipped to serve as priests after the heart of Christ.
Currently, 63 men are in formation for the Archdiocese of Miami. Their journey is not just academic; it’s a daily commitment to be shaped by the Gospel so they may one day serve the faithful with integrity, compassion, and sacrificial love.
The 2025 Burse Fund Collection will take place in parishes and online on the weekend of August 2–3. Your generosity ensures that these men can continue their formation without financial burden, and that the Church will be blessed with well-formed, faithful priests.
Please follow this link to make a donation. Like Peter, let us say to the Lord: “Master, … at your command I will lower the nets.” May our offering be a response of faith, and may it yield a great harvest for the Church.
Currently the Archdiocese of Miami has 64 seminarians who are studying both at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Major Seminary in Boynton Beach.
For more information on the seminaries, click here.
La Arquidiócesis de Miami se compone de 62 colegios católicos y 3 preescolares independientes que en total sirven a casi 35,000 estudiantes.
Nuestros colegios proveen una educación rigurosa fundamentada en nuestra fe católica. Los colegios católicos en los condados de Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe están listos para responder a las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes desde Pre-K hasta el 12vo grado.
Invitamos a todas las familias interesadas en una educación católica a encontrar más información, hacer una visita a uno de nuestros colegios y a formar parte de nuestra familia de colegios católicos.
CONTACT INFO
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305-762-1070
305-762-1115
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
Me alegra darle la bienvenida a la página web de los colegios católicos de la Arquidiócesis de Miami. Estamos muy orgullosos de la calidad de la educación y formación en la fe que se encuentran en cada uno de nuestros colegios católicos.
Nuestros colegios tienen una larga y reconocida trayectoria de proveer una educación sólida que prepara a los niños para la universidad y para triunfar en la vida. Una educación católica está fundada en el amor y la compasión de nuestra fe lo cual hace que cada estudiante se sienta bienvenido, valorado y reafirmado.
Tomamos seriamente nuestro trabajo con cada una de las familias de nuestros colegios. Les invito a mirar nuestra página web en más detalle y conocer más sobre nuestros colegios. También están invitados a explorar la página web de cada colegio y programar una visita. Estoy seguro de que disfrutarán sus experiencias con nuestros colegios católicos.
Suyo en Cristo,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendente de los colegios católicos
Arquidiócesis de Miami
¿Por Qué Un Colegio Católico?
Los colegios católicos proveen una educación de la más alta calidad fundamentada en los valores del Evangelio de nuestra fe católica. Por generaciones, nuestros colegios católicos han preparado exitosamente a jóvenes para triunfar en la universidad, el trabajo, y la vida.
Cada estudiante en un colegio católico está envuelto en un ambiente de bienvenida y compasión. Nuestros colegios ofrecen un currículo riguroso y bien balanceado que es enseñado por maestros con habilidades excepcionales y gran dedicación. Los estudiantes en nuestros colegios superan consistentemente a otras escuelas locales en casi todos los estándares académicos.
Los graduados de nuestros colegios católicos con frecuencia se encuentran en posiciones de servicio y liderazgo. Numerosos estudios han mostrado que los estudiantes graduados de colegios católicos tienen una mayor tendencia a votar y participar en servicio comunitario. Además, nuestros estudiantes están más abiertos a discernir una vocación religiosa o sacerdotal y a participar más activamente en la vida de la Iglesia.
Nuestro Rendimiento
Escuela Secundaria
Más del 99% de nuestros estudiantes graduados de escuela secundaria
Universidades
Más del 96% de nuestros graduados asisten a colleges o universidades
Becas
Nuestros graduados ganan cientos de millones de dólares cada año en becas universitarias
Exámenes Estandarizados
Nuestros estudiantes superan consistentemente opciones locales competitivas de exámenes estandarizados
Servicio Comunitario
Cada año, nuestros estudiantes dedican cientos de horas al servicio comunitario
Maestros Certificados
Los maestros están certificados profesionalmente por el estado de la Florida y certificados en catequesis por la Arquidiócesis de Miami
Colegios Acreditados
Todos los colegios están acreditados por la Conferencia Católica de la Florida o Cognia
CONTACT INFO
Office
9401 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305-762-1070
305-762-1115
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools
The Virtus Protecting God’s Children training is available online in English and Spanish, as well as with Korean and Vietnamese subtitles.
Protecting God's Children® for Adults is an online training course addressing awareness, prevention of, and response to child sexual abuse. The training is an overview of the nature of child sexual abuse and the nature of predators, including the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can practice to prevent child sexual abuse. The training also incorporates policies and procedures defining and addressing child sexual abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy.
Virtus monthly bulletins are sent directly to a participant's active Virtus account the first Sunday of each month. At the same time, an email reminder is sent to the participant's email address on their account. If you are not receiving the reminders, it is most likely due to your computer security program or a security update. Please see below for instructions to prevent this.
Reading the monthly bulletins is required to maintain an active and up to date Virtus account and keep the participant eligible to serve. The bulletins take about 3 to 5 minutes to read and are a great way to provide information that is timely and topical, which can be essential especially when talking about internet and social media safety, which changes so frequently. The bulletins also keep you at the forefront of best practices for maintaining safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.
Virtus Online Reminders
Gerry with a G. Spotlight or lighthouse? Which are you?
To help ensure VIRTUS Online messages are delivered properly to your Inbox (not spam or junk folders) -- please add [email protected] -- to your Address Book and/or Safe List.
If you follow our directions above (adding [email protected] to your Address Book and/or Safe List), but reminders default to your spam folder -- or you do not receive your reminders at all -- we recommend that you check directly with your email provider to see if they are blocking or otherwise affecting delivery of email communications from VIRTUS Online ([email protected]) to your email account.
The Archdiocese of Miami does not utilize certificates as verification of compliance. Rather, we use Training Reports. For volunteers who have Virtus accounts but need to show verification their account is up to date, they can print out their Training Report by following these instructions.
Log into your Virtus account at www.virtus.org by entering your user id and password.
Click on the Home tab at the top of the page.
Click on Training Report Box.
Print the page.
This page is dated and indicates both live training record and the number of featured, read and missed bulletins.
The mission of the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Miami is to promote the Diocesan Priesthood while serving
as a point of reference for those who are discerning religious life and diaconate in the diverse and multicultural
counties of Monroe, Miami Dade, and Broward. The main task of the Vocations Director is to promote, discern and
accompany.
Promote: Visiting and preaching at different parishes, hosting in person and virtual events
to engage young men to think about the Priesthood, supporting Archdiocesan and National ministries and movements
for the promotion of Vocations through different events and ministries (Serra Club, Liga Orante Vocacional, Good
Samaritan in Aid of the Catholic Church, etc).
Discern: Hosting discernment group meetings for the men who are thinking about entering
seminary to further discern Priesthood, hosting vocational retreats for those discerning, inviting men to the
Vocations Awareness Weekend.
Accompany: Walk with the men discerning through the application and screening process, walk
with the men who are already in seminary on their way toward the Priesthood.
The seminarians sponsored by the Archdiocese of Miami study at St. John Vianney College Seminary, Redemptoris Mater
Missionary Seminary, and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.
Please pray for the seminarians and those who are discerning a call to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in service to
the Church in the Archdiocese of Miami.
If the Lord is calling you, please reach out to us to begin the discernment process.
For more information on the seminaries, click here.
on your browser to come back to this page on the web site.
La Voz Católica was the Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami from 1958 to April 2009. It began as two-pages in Spanish within the English-language "The Voice," expanded to four pages, and in 1982 was launched as a stand-alone newspaper, distributed monthly in the parishes, in Hispanic markets and storefronts, and by subscription. At one point, from 2003-2005, it also was inserted every first Sunday in El Nuevo Herald. Its circulation reached 160,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. La Voz Católica ceased publication in April 2009 due to archdiocesan budget cuts but many of its issues have been preserved on the Web and in the archives of St. Thomas University.
La Voz Católica was the Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami from 1958 to April 2009. It began as two-pages in Spanish within the English-language "The Voice," expanded to four pages, and in 1982 was launched as a stand-alone newspaper, distributed monthly in the parishes, in Hispanic markets and storefronts, and by subscription. At one point, from 2003-2005, it also was inserted every first Sunday in El Nuevo Herald. Its circulation reached 160,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. La Voz Católica ceased publication in April 2009 due to archdiocesan budget cuts but many of its issues have been preserved on the Web and in the archives of St. Thomas University.
Over 500 pilgrims from throughout the Archdiocese of Miami traveled to Krakow in July 2016 to celebrate World Youth Day with Pope Francis and over 2 million other Catholic young people.
The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life serves parishes, institutions, and agencies across the Archdiocese in their efforts at enhancing the spiritual and liturgical life of the Christian faithful within the universal law of the Church and the particular needs of the local Church.
This Office provides information, consultation, evaluation, implementation and leadership to promote the understanding of liturgical celebration and spiritual life. It promotes and implements liturgical guidelines that serve the needs of parish liturgical life.
Further, it serves as a resource center to the Archdiocese and to parishes regarding particular liturgical questions pertaining to special circumstances and ceremonies.
The Office is served by an Advisory Committee - The Worship Commission - composed of clergy, Religious and laity competent in matters of sacred liturgy and spiritual life.
Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Office of Worship holds regular training sessions for those wishing to serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion in their parishes. Following are the basic requirements:
Candidates will register through their parishes and must be recommended to the Office of Worship in a letter signed by their Pastor.
To be Commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion a person must:
Be designated by their Pastor or School Principal/Chaplain.
Be a Catholic at least 18 years of age, who has been Confirmed and leads a life in harmony with the Faith and the Ministry to be undertaken.
Holy Days of Obligation and Principal Moveable Feasts
2024 / 2025
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2024
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day obligation is suspended)
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024
Ash Wednesday (not obligatory)
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
Assumption (Holy Day obligation)
Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
All Saints Day (Holy Day obligation)
Monday, Dec. 8, 2024
Immaculate Conception (Holy Day obligation)
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Christmas - Nativity of our Lord (Holy Day obligation)
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day obligation)
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday (not obligatory)
Friday, Aug. 15, 2025
Assumption (Holy Day obligation)
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
All Saints (Holy Day obligation suspended)
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Immaculate Conception (Holy Day obligation)
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Christmas - Nativity of our Lord (Holy Day obligation)
Please schedule Vigil/Day Masses accordingly.
*With the exception of Christmas and the Immaculate Conception (national patroness), the holy day obligation is suspended in the USA when the solemnity falls on Saturday or Monday. When December 8 falls on a Sunday, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday. While the day remains a solemnity, the faithful are not obligated to attend Mass.
**In the Province of Miami, (Arch/Dioceses in the State of Florida), the Ascension is celebrated in place of the 7th Sunday of Easter.
Click here or look for Liturgical Formation in the Events calendar.
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The Archdiocese of Miami supports 61 Catholic schools and 3 stand-alone
preschools serving nearly 35,000 students. Our schools provide a rigorous
education rooted in our Catholic faith. Catholic schools in Miami-Dade,
Broward, and Monroe counties are ready to serve students from infancy through
12th grade.
We invite all families interested in a Catholic education to find out more
information, tour one of our schools, and join our Catholic school family.
I am very pleased to welcome you to the website for the Catholic schools
of the Archdiocese of Miami. We are very proud of the quality of
education and faith formation found in each of our Catholic schools.
Our schools have a long and well-deserved history of providing a strong
education that prepares children for college and success in life. A
Catholic school education is rooted in the love and compassion of our
Catholic faith, and enables each student to be welcomed, valued, and
validated.
We take seriously our partnership with each of our school families. I
invite you to look at our website in more detail and learn about our
schools. You are also encouraged to visit each school’s local website
and schedule a visit. I know you will enjoy your experiences with our
Catholic schools!
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Miami
Why Catholic Schools?
Catholic schools provide a top-notch education rooted in the Gospel
values of the Catholic faith. For generations, our Catholic schools have
successfully prepared young people for college, careers, and success in
life.
Each student in a Catholic school is surrounded in an environment of
welcoming and compassion. Our schools offer a rigorous, well-rounded
curriculum taught by teachers of exceptional skill and dedication.
Students in our schools consistently outperform other local schools on
nearly every academic measure.
Catholic school graduates can be found in positions of leadership and
prominence throughout the world. Numerous studies have shown that
Catholic school graduates are more likely to participate in community
service, more likely to attend church regularly, and more likely to vote
and participate in civic life. Catholic school graduates are 8 times
more likely to attend Mass as adults and 3 times more likely to discern
a religious or priestly vocation.
Radio Paz 830 AM: in Spanish: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.; Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m., (from St. Agnes, Key Biscayne); and in Portuguese: Sundays, 7 p.m., (from St. Vincent de Paul in Margate). View via their app, website, or listen at 830 AM.
Little Flower, Coral Gables: 8 a.m., Monday thru Saturday, in English; 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday in Spanish. http://www.facebook.com/cotlf/.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami Mondays through Fridays: 8:00 a.m. in English & 7:00 p.m. in Spanish. Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. in English & 9:00 a.m. in Spanish. Go to www.ololourdes.org
CatholicTV Network: Sunday through Friday in English, Sundays in Spanish. Go to: watchthemass.com.
Sunday Mass
On the archdiocesan website: in English (from Heart of the Nation) and in Spanish (produced locally) from 6 p.m. Saturday through all of Sunday; and from 4 p.m. Saturday through all of Sunday on our You Tube channel. The English Mass also can be viewed at 6:30 a.m. Sundays on WSFL-39. The Spanish Mass can be seen at 6:30 a.m. Sundays on WLTV 23-Univision and at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sundays on Canal Sur. Visit https://www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Television_Mass.
Synod is a greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. The two Greek words that make up synod are
syn meaning together and hodos meaning way or journey.
What is the Synod of Bishops?
A helpful short definition of the Synod of Bishops is a gathering of bishops that:
Fosters closer unity between the bishops and Pope.
Provides counsel to the Pope on matters of faith and morals, and discipline of the Church.
Studies questions concerning the Church in the world (c.f. Code of Canon Law c. 342).
Voting in the Synod of Bishops is limited to bishops present at the synod gathering. However, clergy, men and
women religious, theologians, catechists, canon lawyers, and lay experts all participate in the synod gathering
with bishops by providing their counsel.
The Consultive (Listening) Phase of the Synod
October through December 2021
Each parish will engage in its own consultation process
Consultive sessions for other groups will take place as well across the Archdiocese
Individuals will also have the opportunity to submit their input online and by mail
January 2022
A series of deanery meetings in January where findings are shared with the Archbishop and each other
“Young adults have many gifts to offer the Church: their faith, their hope, their desire to serve, their spiritual hunger, their vitality, their optimism and idealism, their talents and skills. The world also looks with hope to young adults to bring about a better future…” (National Directory of Catechesis, Chapter 7: 48c)
Young adulthood is both a time of great promise and great challenge, especially in today’s culture. The decisions young adults make made during this time could have long lasting or permanent effects on the rest of their lives: vocation, career, and choice of spouse are just some of the many possibilities.
It is important we communicate to our young adults how valued they are to us, that as Saint John Paul II said in his Homily at Sunday Mass on World Youth Day 1993 in Denver Colorado "The Church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your ideals, in order to make the Gospel of life penetrate the fabric of society, transforming people's hearts and the structures of society in order to create a civilization of true justice and love."
The Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami seeks and strives to serve our young adults by offering support, resources and opportunities to discover and enjoy the limitless possibilities that can be ours when we make faith an integral and vibrant part of our daily life.
We do this by:
Creating and/or supporting quality programming designed to meet the goals and strategies of “Sons and Daughters of the Light” by helping young adults encounter and grow closer to Jesus Christ, His Church and Her Mission, as well as their peers in a vibrant community of faith through spiritual formation, service and fellowship opportunities.
Building bridges of community, collaboration and lasting friendships between our various groups.
Assisting new parish groups with their startup processes or the revitalizing of existing groups
Supporting the many great young adult events provided throughout our Archdiocese and providing a forum for the sharing of these events.
And much more.
Check our EVENTS SECTION in this web site for details and upcoming dates for the events listed below
Contact our office for more information.
Programs & Events
Catholic Young Professionals Series - Miami
The CYP series is the first Monday of each month and is a great way to network with other young professionals in Miami and be inspired by experts in various professions on how to excel both in your work and faith life. Join us for the next talk and social! Come ready for a great speaker, fellowship, & free drinks.
CYP is a collaboration of the Archdiocese of Miami Office of Young Adult Ministry and the AgrupaciónCatolicaUniversitaria.
Every other month, come out to the TANK BREWERY () for a good local beer and well-known speaker that will enrich your faith. This is a great event to meet people from all over Miami and different young adult groups as well as enjoy a night out at a new beer and cigar lounge.
Apply to be on the next team of missionaries! This school provides an opportunity for young adults to be formed more deeply as missionary disciples and equipped to live on mission in their daily lives, especially through their witness and gifts shared with others. As the program progresses, each person will also further discern their own gifts and how the Lord is calling them to evangelization and outreach to other young people in our parishes, schools, workplaces and families in Miami. The program is 2.5 year commitment, the first 9 months focused on formation then young adults are sent on teams to create young adult ministry and outreaches where needed in the archdiocese.
For more information, please see the OVERVIEW HERE and APPLICATION or email Michelle at [email protected]
YA Night at the Marlins Baseball Game
Once a year young adults from all over gather with the Archbishop to root on the Marlins at one of their home games! Details and ticket info coming soon for 2018.
Other events
From sports outings like our annual Young Adult Night at the Marlins to so much more. In our widely diverse Archdiocese rich with groups and their corresponding events this is just a sampling of all that is available!
Trips & Pilgrimages
There are plentiful opportunities for young adults to join pilgrimages or service mission trips with other young adults with our office or other hosting ministries. Below is a sampling, or check the events section of this website for more opportunities throughout the Archdiocese.
There are multiple retreat opportunities offered for young adults throughout the year.
Annual Saint Vincent De Paul Seminary Young Adult Retreat
Join hundreds of young adults on February of each year for a day filled with learning, sharing, renewal and fellowship. This annual retreat is offered by the St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary.
Spring Retreats
Every Spring join us for a powerful weekend retreat that will renew your identity as a son or daughter of God the Father and empower you to live on mission in your daily life.
Island Adventure Retreat
This is a two day one night get away in the beauty of the keys to reconnect with God and share the journey of faith with other young adults.
Retiro anual en Español Para Jóvenes Adultos
Un tiempo de aprendizaje, crecimiento, renovación y mucha hermandad para nuestros jóvenes hispanos, abarcando temas diferentes cada año y como éstos se conectan con nuestra vida diaria y caminar espiritual.
More Retreats
Additional spiritual growth and renewal opportunities hosted by various parishes and groups throughout the Archdiocese of Miami may be found on the events section of this website, with retreats more specific to young adults found in the “youth and young adults” category of the events section.
Other Ministry Support Services
Training and mentoring of leaders or staff, assistance with young adult ministry staff recruiting and hiring, identifying and sharing resource and continuing formation opportunities, in addition to other support as needed. For upcoming training and support opportunities, visit the events section of this website under the “youth and young adults” category or invite us to conduct a session at your parish by contacting [email protected] or 305-762-1189.
"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.
It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”
-WYD Rome,19 August 2000
Este es en la plataforma de lanzamiento que aglutinar a los grupos activos de los Jovenes Adultos Hispanos.
The Pastoral Juvenil Hispana is a Young Adult Ministry Council composed of Hispanic young adults serving the Catholic Church as leaders in their diverse parish groups and movements of the Archdiocese of Miami. They serve as a connecting point between Young Adult groups to share events, information and resources, promoting unity and collaboration among young adults in our Archdiocese.
The mission of this Council is to encourage and promote evangelization processes which will allow Hispanic young adults in the Archdiocese of Miami to encounter Christ and lead them to an integral development, through formation, training, and living and celebrating our faith in a spirituality of communion and apostolic commitment. The PJH also hosts various events throughout the year such as an annual young adult group leaders’ retreat, their anniversary gala celebration, and PASCUA JOVEN … and much more.
“Young adults have many gifts to offer the Church: their faith, their hope, their desire to serve, their spiritual hunger, their vitality, their optimism and idealism, their talents and skills. The world also looks with hope to young adults to bring about a better future…” (National Directory of Catechesis, Chapter 7: 48c)
The Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Miami seeks and strives to serve our young adults by offering support, resources and opportunities to discover and enjoy the limitless possibilities that can be ours when we make faith an integral and vibrant part of our daily life.
Check our EVENTS SECTION in this web site for details and upcoming dates for the events listed below
Contact our office for more information.
Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (PJH)
The Pastoral Juvenil Hispana is a Young Adult Ministry Council composed of Hispanic young adults serving the Catholic Church as leaders in their diverse parish groups and movements of the Archdiocese of Miami. They serve as a connecting point between Young Adult groups to share events, information and resources, promoting unity and collaboration among young adults in our Archdiocese.
The mission of this Council is to encourage and promote evangelization processes which will allow Hispanic young adults in the Archdiocese of Miami to encounter Christ and lead them to an integral development, through formation, training, and living and celebrating our faith in a spirituality of communion and apostolic commitment. The PJH also hosts various events throughout the year such as an annual young adult group leaders’ retreat, their anniversary gala celebration, and PASCUA JOVEN … and much more.
Catholic Young Professionals Series - Miami and Broward
The CYP series is the first Monday of each month and is a great way to network with other young professionals in Miami and be inspired by experts in various professions on how to excel both in your work and faith life. Join us for the next talk and social! Come ready for a great speaker, fellowship, & free drinks.
CYP is a collaboration of the Archdiocese of Miami Office of Young Adult Ministry and the AgrupaciónCatolicaUniversitaria.
Every other month, come out to the tank brewing for a good local beer and well-known speaker that will enrich your faith. This is a great event to meet people from all over Miami and different young adult groups as well as enjoy a night out at a new beer and cigar lounge.
Apply to be on the next team of missionaries! This school provides an opportunity for young adults to be formed more deeply as missionary disciples and equipped to live on mission in their daily lives, especially through their witness and gifts shared with others. As the program progresses, each person will also further discern their own gifts and how the Lord is calling them to evangelization and outreach to other young people in our parishes, schools, workplaces and families in Miami. The program is 2.5 year commitment, the first 9 months focused on formation then young adults are sent on teams to create young adult ministry and outreaches where needed in the archdiocese.
This annual event is an awesome day filled with community, fellowship and good ol’ competition! Teams of 8 from different young adult groups across Miami battle it out against each other in a variety of different FIELD DAY games. Following the games will be a cookout and winner's ceremony.
For further date and details please visit: Facebook.
Mission Trips to Haiti (Summer and Advent)
During the Summer months and right before Christmas, we offer mission that are intense week long experience serving the poorest of the poor with the Missionaries of Charity sisters in Haiti.
In our widely diverse Archdiocese rich with groups and their corresponding events this is just a sampling of all that is available!
Trips & Pilgrimages
There are plentiful opportunities for young adults to join pilgrimages or service mission trips with other young adults with our office or other hosting ministries. Below is a sampling, or check the events section of this website for more opportunities throughout the Archdiocese.
There are multiple retreat opportunities offered for young adults throughout the year.
Annual Saint Vincent De Paul Seminary Young Adult Retreat
Join hundreds of young adults on February of each year for a day filled with learning, sharing, renewal and fellowship. This annual retreat is offered by the St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary.
Spring Retreats
Every Spring join us for a powerful weekend retreat that will renew your identity as a son or daughter of God the Father and empower you to live on mission in your daily life.
Island Adventure Retreat
This is a two day one night get away in the beauty of the keys to reconnect with God and share the journey of faith with other young adults.
Retiro anual en Español Para Jóvenes Adultos
Un tiempo de aprendizaje, crecimiento, renovación y mucha hermandad para nuestros jóvenes hispanos, abarcando temas diferentes cada año y como éstos se conectan con nuestra vida diaria y caminar espiritual.
More Retreats
Additional spiritual growth and renewal opportunities hosted by various parishes and groups throughout the Archdiocese of Miami may be found on the events section of this website, with retreats more specific to young adults found in the “youth and young adults” category of the events section.
Other Ministry Support Services
Training and mentoring of leaders or staff, assistance with young adult ministry staff recruiting and hiring, identifying and sharing resource and continuing formation opportunities, in addition to other support as needed. For upcoming training and support opportunities, visit the events section of this website under the “youth and young adults” category or invite us to conduct a session at your parish by contacting [email protected] or 305-762-1189.
"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.
It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”
-WYD Rome,19 August 2000
Young adolescents, teenagers, college students, and young adults are the Catholic Church of today and the future. They are energetic, passionate, and ready for action. They have questions, want experiences of God and are searching for a path in life. They need support and direction.
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry trains, equips and supports parishes for the tremendous challenge of ministering to, with, by and for our young Catholics. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry serves the 108 parishes of the Archdiocese in four primary ways:
Ignite
Comprehensive youth ministry is a product of the parish, with a role for everyone in the parish. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry offers the Ignite process to walk alongside a parish that is either launching or rebuilding its Youth Ministry. Want to know more about how to Ignite Youth Ministry at your parish?
Training
There is a huge knowledge base, a large tool belt of skills, and a variety of experiences necessary for successful ministry today. Our team offers effective training opportunities, according to your needs. Here is our training calendar.
Ministry Support
We assist in Youth and Young Adult Ministry recruiting and hiring, mentoring of staff, facilitation of volunteer certification for Steubenville and other events, in addition to other support as needed.
Events
Most programs and events can be offered at the parish but there are some that can only reach their full potential when parishes come together through the coordination of the diocesan ministries. We run many events through the year. Please visit one of the event pages to view more information about the particular event.
Love at the beginning: this is a movement for youths. It is designed to help and guide teenagers in their friendships with teenagers of the opposite sex. They are taught to respect one another, to communicate in a respectful manner and to make them people of prayer. Its objective is to help teenagers to have God as the center of their relationships of friendship as well as develop knowledge and live by Catholic moral values.
Encuentros Juveniles is a Youth Movement of the Archdiocese of Miami dedicated to the evangelization of the youth. Started in 1973, to promote the spiritual welfare of the Hispanic youth, Encuentros now caters to the spirituality of any young Catholic/Christian.
We call out to all the young persons in the Archdiocese of Miami from the ages of 16 to 23. When you feel that you have reached a point where you must find Christ or want to deepen your relationship with him, we invite you to our movement.
We are called to build the Civilization of Love. "How?" you may ask yourselves, by the evangelization of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We attend weekly formation meetings, monthly service projects, and retreats every few months; all geared at the goal of creating Christian leaders for our workforce, schools, families, parishes, and communities. We are not a youth group, but a YOUTH MOVEMENT.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Miami
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (La Ermita) 
Our Lady of Schoenstatt Shrine
St. Mary Star of the Sea Basilica
St. Clement’s Catholic Parish
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish
Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children and Vulnerable Adults
Mass for the Jubilee Year 2025
The Archdiocese of Miami in communion with the Universal Church and Pope Francis will open the Jubilee Year of 2025 with a solemn Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 7525 NW 2nd Ave on Saturday, December 28, at 5:30 PM. 
Archdiocese of Miami Designated Places of Prayer for Jubilee Year Pilgrims:
Basic conditions to gain an indulgence: 
Groups of faithful who wish to organize pilgrimages: 
Diocese of Miami is created, with 51 parishes; 65 diocesan priests; and 21 Religious Order clergy ministering to 185,000 Catholics in 16 counties in southern Florida. Most of the rest of the state is covered by the original Diocese of St. Augustine.
Bishop Coleman F. Carroll, formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, is installed as First Bishop of Miami.
First minor seminary in southeastern United States, St. John Vianney College Seminary, is established in Miami.
Tremendous program of expansion, due to influx of Cuban refugees as well as Catholics from the northern United States. The diocese bears the brunt of the Cuban exile exodus for a full year prior to receiving federal government assistance.
Msgr. John J. Fitzpatrick, former chancellor of the archdiocese, is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, and consecrated in August, 1968. He is the first archdiocesan priest to join the ranks of the U.S. hierarchy. (In April, 1971, he is appointed Bishop of Brownsville, Texas, where he retired in 1991.)
Bishop Rene H. Gracida is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, and consecrated January 25, 1972. (He is appointed first Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee on October 1, 1975; and bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 19, 1983. He retired in April, 1997.)
Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy, a native of Cincinnati and founding Bishop of Phoenix, arrives in Miami as coadjutor with right of succession to Archbishop Coleman Carroll.
Two new auxiliary bishops are appointed for Miami, including the first native Cuban to serve as a bishop in the U.S. in 200 years: Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman. His fellow Auxiliary Bishop is John J. Nevins, another Archdiocesan priest. Both of them are consecrated March 24, 1979. (Bishop Nevins is currently Bishop of Venice, FL).
Archbishop McCarthy announces the start of a five-year plan of evangelization. Mariel boatlift brings nearly 125,000 Cuban refugees to South Florida, and Haitians begin arriving in significant numbers as well. Throughout the next decade, the Archdiocese will speak forcefully on behalf of the Haitians' right to plead for asylum in this country, and against presidential directives that call for high-seas interdiction of boatloads of Haitian refugees.
Mother Teresa comes to Miami to open a shelter for homeless women.
Archbishop McCarthy convokes the first-ever Archdiocesan Synod and the first synod in Florida in 28 years. The Synod's goal is to renew the life of the Church in South Florida and plan for the 21st Century. The first step taken by the Synod is the commissioning of a scientific survey of South Florida Catholics, including their ethnic identity and their level of religiosity. Among the statistics:
Bishop Norbert L. Dorsey, a Passionist missionary originally from Massachusetts, is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Miami and ordained on March 19. (He is appointed Bishop of Orlando, Florida, in March 1990.)
Pope John Paul II visits Miami. After being greeted by President and Mrs. Reagan at the airport, he travels to St. Mary Cathedral, where he is formally greeted by Archbishop McCarthy and religious dignitaries, as well as a cheering throng of Haitians who gather outside. He then travels to St. Martha Church for a meeting with representatives of the nation’s priests; stops to greet Catholic employees and parishioners at the Pastoral Center next door; and parades through Biscayne Boulevard in his “popemobile” before retiring to the Archbishop's residence. The next morning, he meets with Jewish leaders and tours a Vatican Judaica exhibit at Miami’s Center for Fine Arts; then celebrates Mass for nearly a quarter-million people at the Dade County Youth Fairgrounds. Rain and lightning strikes force a premature end to the Mass, which is halted during the Pope’s homily. The Pope and bishops finish celebrating Mass in a nearby trailer. Before departing for the airport, the Pope returns to the outdoor altar to greet and bless a few hundred Catholics who have remained at the Mass site, hoping for another glimpse of the Pontiff.
Hurricane Andrew, the first Category 4 storm to hit a highly populated urban area in the United States, strikes South Florida, wreaking vast damage on the southernmost part of Dade County. The damage to Catholic facilities is estimated at $130 million. Archdiocesan personnel and volunteers from unaffected parishes flock to repair the damage and aid those left homeless. Dioceses in Florida and across the United States take up a collection for South Florida, and the Archdiocesan Hurricane Relief Fund reaches $3 million by the end of the year. The money is disbursed to families and individuals in need of housing, food and other assistance, especially migrant farmworkers left homeless and jobless because of the damage to farms and nurseries in the area. The task of rebuilding continues for months. To symbolize its unity with those affected by the storm, the Archdiocese marks its 34th anniversary in October with an outdoor Mass in South Dade; the altar is built out of hurricane debris.
Thousands of Cuban rafters take to the seas, fleeing Communism and dire economic conditions in their homeland. After being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, most are placed in temporary detainment camps in Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. They languish there while the Clinton Administration decides whether or not to admit them to the United States. The Archdiocese of Miami asks for Spanish-speaking priests to volunteer to work at the camps for rotating periods of time, and Archbishop McCarthy and Auxiliary Bishop Roman also travel to Cuba to visit and bring hope to the refugees.
Bishop John Clement Favalora, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana who has served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since 1989, is appointed to succeed retired Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy as Archbishop of Miami.
Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh, longtime director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese and a world-renown advocate of immigrants and refugees, retires after more than 40 years on the job. His plans include teaching a class in Oxford, England, on the needs of immigrants and refugees.
Radio Paz, the Spanish-language archdiocesan radio programming, begins broadcasting 24 hours a day on WACC-830 AM. The archdiocese at first leases the station, then purchases it a year later. Radio Peace, the English-language programming, will continue to air on WAXY 790-AM from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
Two new auxiliary bishops are appointed for the Archdiocese of Miami: Father Thomas Wenski, director of Catholic Charities and of the Ministry to Cultural Groups in the Archdiocese; and Father Gilberto Fernandez, longtime South Florida pastor and native of Cuba. The ceremony of episcopal ordination takes place Sept. 3 at the Miami Arena, with thousands of South Florida Catholics joyously participating.
Msgr. Felipe de Jesús Estevez, former pastor of St. Agatha Church in Miami (1987-2001) and spiritual director at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, is appointed the eighth auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, becoming the fourth Cuban to be appointed bishop in the United States in modern times. His ordination ceremony takes place Jan. 7, 2004, at St. Mary Cathedral.
Msgr. John Noonan, 54, who serves as rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary, is named the ninth auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami. He is the first Irish-born Florida priest to be named a bishop since the death of Bishop Patrick Barry in 1940. His ordination takes place Aug. 24, 2005.
On its 50th anniversary, the archdiocese consists of 111 parishes and 7 missions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. More than 750,000 registered Catholics are served by 264 diocesan priests, 89 religious order priests, 150 permanent deacons, 314 women religious and 55 men religious.
Father Fernando Isern, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kendall, is appointed bishop of Pueblo, Colo., becoming the 11th Miami priest to be named a bishop since the archdiocese was established.
Pope Benedict XVI names Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, a former Miami priest and auxiliary bishop, as the fourth Archbishop of Miami, accepting at the same time the retirement of Archbishop John C. Favalora, who will turn 75 — the Vatican-mandated retirement age — in December 2010. Archbishop-elect Wenski is installed June 1, 2010 at St. Mary Cathedral.
At the annual Chrism Mass with archdiocesan priests, Archbishop Wenski convokes a General Synod of the Archdiocese of Miami, the second in the local Church’s history. This one will only last about one year. It begins with 10 listening sessions June 15-30, 2012: five in English, three in Spanish and two in Creole; one in Monroe County, five in Miami-Dade and four in Broward. During the sessions, participants will be asked three questions: What is the Church of Miami doing well? What can the Church of Miami do better? What three priorities should the archdiocese focus on in the next three to four years? The listening sessions will last two hours and the archbishop will be present at all of them, simply to listen. Those who cannot attend a listening session in person can answer the same three questions in an online form. The listening period continues through the end of September, concluding with a listening session totally focused on youth and campus ministry.
The Synod continues with 15 Focus Area Teams, composed of between 8 and 10 volunteers each, beginning the work of compiling all the feedback, studying the results, and coming up with recommendations. Their task is to come up with “SMART” goals — specific and attainable — by March 2013. Then, an Integrated Planning Team will begin studying the proposed SMART goals and determining their attainability, given the resources of the archdiocese in terms of finances, buildings and personnel.
Miami gets a new auxiliary bishop, Peter Baldacchino, a native of Malta, product of the Neocatechumenal Way, and priest of the Archdiocese of Newark. Bishop Baldacchino is ordained to the episcopacy March 19, 2014.
The Holy See names a second auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese: Enrique Delgado, a native of Peru and Miami priest who is serving as pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Weston. He is ordained to the episcopacy Dec. 7, 2017.
Will start pursuing Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University in fall 2009
Joined Schott Communities in March 2008 after serving as Director of Religious Education at St. Bernadette Parish in Hollywood from 2000-2006. 
A native of Puerto Rico, the 15th in a family of 18 brothers and sisters
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 12, 2007.
Sister Mary Ann Walsh is Director of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
2 years at the Office of Social Advocacy
Involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for more than 25 years
Born in Miami, mother of two young men, grandmother of one grandson, member of Holy Redeemer Parish in Liberty City
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., Maria Teresa Perez attended Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Elementary School there; she then obtained a degree in elementary education from Florida International University, a master’s in primary education from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in educational leadership and administration from St Thomas University
A native of Green Bay, Wis., immersed in the world of communications since college at the University of Wisconsin
Born in upstate New York, spent most of her childhood until college in Marion, Iowa
ADOM POLICY
English
St. John Vianney College Seminary has for over 40 years
provided quality education in priestly formation. St. John is the only bilingual college seminary in the United
States, a factor which reflects the rich cultural diversity of the church in South Florida. 
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary was opened in 1963 and
serves not only the North American communities but also the Caribbean and South and Central America. Because of its
location and history, St. Vincent de Paul is the only bilingual and multicultural theologate in the United States.
Archbishop Wenski officially opened the Redemptoris Mater
Seminary on December 11, 2011 with a first group of 12 men. Once ordained, they will be incardinated in the
Archdiocese of Miami and work in the parishes of the Archdiocese or any other place in the world where the
Archbishop may decide to send them. The seminarians receive their academic formation at St. John Vianney Seminary or
at St. Vincent de Paul, according to their level of studies. These men came to discover their vocation through the
Neocatechumenal communities in their home parishes. The Neocatechumenal Way, which was defined by Pope John Paul II
as "an itinerary of Catholic formation, valid for our society and for our times," is an essential ingredient in the
formation of these seminarians. The RM Seminaries are a fruit of the Second Vatican Council and an inspiration of
the Blessed Pope John Paul II. The first RMS was opened in the Archdiocese of Rome in 1987. Today there are 100
seminaries throughout the world. Currently in the US there are eight RM seminaries: Boston, Brooklyn, Dallas,
Denver, Miami, Newark, Washington D.C., and the territory of Guam. 
Gerry with a G.
La Voz Católica was the Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami from 1958 to April 2009. It began as two-pages in Spanish within the English-language "The Voice," expanded to four pages, and in 1982 was launched as a stand-alone newspaper, distributed monthly in the parishes, in Hispanic markets and storefronts, and by subscription. At one point, from 2003-2005, it also was inserted every first Sunday in El Nuevo Herald. Its circulation reached 160,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. La Voz Católica ceased publication in April 2009 due to archdiocesan budget cuts but many of its issues have been preserved on the Web and in the archives of St. Thomas University.
