Our Diocese
Diocese of Savannah
St. Anne's Church, Columbus
St. Anne's and Pacelli Schools
Lectionary
(Find Readings for the Current Month, Next Month, and Previous Month, along with information to help lectors prepare for readings) |
Spiritual Resources and Links
Recommended by Father Madden:
The Monks of Adoration
Irish Jesuits' Daily Online Prayer
Catholic Answers
Christus Rex
Good News from the Irish Dominicans
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Home Page
-- Film Reviews
Remembering Pope John Paul II:
Vatican Website
Video Tribute to the Pope
Link passed on by Bruce Brooks |
The Vatican Website (in English)
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary
The Rosary
The Knights of Columbus
Harris County Habitat for Humanity
Remembering
Sister Philomena Fogarty, FMM
November 2, 1935 - March 25, 2003
Click here for a biography of Sister Philomena.
MASS FOR SISTER PHILOMENA: Thanks to everyone who participated in the Mass and the social event that followed. As evidenced by the "full house", we are all still grieving and miss Sister Philomena deeply, so this was a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together to honor her memory.
MASONS HONOR SISTER PHILOMENA: On December 6, the Masons Lodge of Harris County bestowed its first Sister Philomena Fogarty Award to FOCUS. Deacon John Quillen was honored to be the first presenter of the award, especially because it gave him an opportunity to talk of Sister Philomena's many charitable activities in this area. Parishioners representing FOCUS at the awards banquet were Emma Jayne Kretlow, Terry Gainey, and Linda an John Guerrero. Sister Philomena's chairty touched many lives without regard to religion, race, or economic status, and this award is a fitting tribute to her.
A Welcome Back...
After reading Sister’s biography, I felt I wanted to share a brief description of my time with her. It began when I entered the church, for the first time in a long time, and a sense of longed-for peace came over me. I’d been away for a while, and returning was less anxious than anticipated due in part to Sister Philomena introducing herself, and taking me by the hand back to where I left off. She was strong in her desire to welcome me back into the fold and led me gently into participating as an active Catholic once more. From there on, she encouraged me to complete the steps necessary to annul my first marriage, and stood by my side as my witness during the blessing of my marriage to my husband on our 20th wedding anniversary. Sr. Philomena waded through the paperwork and saw to it that my husband, who was baptized Catholic, but came from a mixed Catholic/Baptist family, made his First Communion and Confirmation. She was at the airport waiting for our return with our adopted daughter, and nurtured our children as her own; she saw both of them baptized, receive their first Communion, and my daughter confirmed. She introduced me to the world of Religious Education and after several years, “promoted” me to coordinate the program for our parish children. Sister was one to involve the entire family and my husband became an usher, my son an alter server, and my daughter a greeter. She was always there when I needed her, regardless of if it was a spiritual matter or a family matter that needed some attention or a mediator in some cases with the children. Sr. Philomena was my mentor. She was the one I could go to for solid, non-judgmental advice. She was the one who brought me back to my church family. I miss her greatly and only regret that I could not be there for her when she needed someone. I am comforted by knowing that she is with the One she served with her whole heart and soul, and someday I hope to see her again. --Judy
Watch for more reflections on what she has meant to Christ the King and Harris County in the near future, or contribute your own by emailing welcome@christthekingpinemountain.org
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