FEATURED

Bishops issue statement, Vote NO on Amendment 4

Florida Amendment 4, which will appear on Florida’s November 2024 ballot, is an extreme proposal that legalizes full-term abortion with no protections for the preborn child, including when the child is capable of feeling pain. This proposed amendment to our state constitution would prohibit all restrictions on abortion before viability and create a broad exception that any healthcare provider could exploit to allow abortion up to birth. For a copy of the full statement from the Florida Catholic Bishops post, select and click below.

For a pdf in English, click here. For a pdf in Spanish, click here.

For a prayer card in English, click here. For a prayer card in Spanish, click here.

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Nationwide Invitation to Prayer for the End of Abortion and for the Protection of Women and Pre-Born Children, through June 2024

WASHINGTON – On March 26, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in a case that has the potential to make a major impact in the widespread accessibility of chemical abortion (abortion pills). Chemical abortions are now the most common form of abortion in the United States. Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities have announced a nationwide invitation to prayer beginning on March 25 (the eve of the oral arguments), through June 2024, when the court’s decision is expected.

Invitation may be viewed here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/nationwide-invitation-to-prayer.pdf.

Background information may be found here: https://www.usccb.org/prolife/nationwide-invitation-prayer.

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Save your marriage

If your marriage has become troubled and stressed, unloving or uncaring; if you have grown cold and distant; even if you are divorced or separated, or are thinking about it, Retrouvaille can help, as it has helped thousands of others. For more information and registration call 352-274-4614. All calls and names held in strictest confidence. Not counseling or group therapy. And please see our website at Retrouvaille.org.

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EVENTS WITH BISHOP NOONAN

Ordination to the Priesthood, May 25

Join Bishop John Noonan as he celebrates the Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacons Michael Batista and Phillip Mills, Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.-noon at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. View via livestream on the Diocese of Orlando Facebook page or the Diocese of Orlando YouTube channel. For more information, call 407-246-4875.

For a graphic click here.

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The Gift of Sacred Mystery, June 1

Bishop John Noonan invites all to the Eucharistic Pilgrimage, The Gift of Sacred Mystery. The event welcomes three laudable speakers touching on the topics of Communion, Participation, and Mission.

Father Brian Campbell will speak about communion. Father Campbell was ordained by Bishop Gerald Barbarito in the Diocese of Palm Beach in 2009 and has been writing Sunday Word articles for Florida Catholic since 2015.

Sister Kathleen Harmon, SNDdeN, Ph.D. will speak on the topic of participation at Mass. She is noted for her writings and presentations on the role of music in the liturgy and the spirituality which must guide the liturgical musician. Her books include The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing; The Ministry of Music; The Ministry of Cantors and Becoming the Psalms: A Spirituality of Singing and Praying the Psalms. 

Dr. Rosemary Laird, MD, MHSA will speak about Mission. Dr. Laird was the Executive Medical Director of the AdventHealth Senior Health Program in Orlando for six years. She has more than 20 years of experience in patient care with an emphasis in senior healthcare. Dr. Laird brings years of experience and insight she uses with her patients every day to her speaking on patient care, compassion & empathy, as well as caring for the caregivers.

Following the presentations Bishop Noonan will process to various altars of repose from different countries in honor of the Feast of Corpus Christi. The event will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, June 1, 9 a.m.-noon.

Click here for a jpg or pdf flyer of the event.

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18 men to be ordained as deacons, June 8

Bishop John Noonan invites all the faithful to attend the ordination of 18 men to the Order of Deacon on June 8, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The celebration of Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. For those who are unable to attend, the Mass will also be available to view online via livestream on the Diocese of Orlando Facebook page or the Diocese of Orlando YouTube channel. Join in prayer and thanksgiving as we celebrate this joyous occasion.

For a graphic, click here.

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DIOCESAN EVENTS AND MORE

Catholic Mental Health Gathering-Finding Peace in His Care, May 18

The Catholic Mental Health Gathering aims to bring together professionals, clergy, and lay ministers to foster dialogue, share pastoral insights, and promote ministerial strategies for mental health challenges that come up in parish ministry. Keynote speakers: Deacon Ed Schoener, president of the Assoc. of Catholic Mental Health Ministries, and Catherine Galda, director of Behavioral Health Services for Catholic Charities of Central Florida. $20, priests and clergy are free. The event takes place Saturday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando. To sign up go to https://cmhg2024.eventbrite.com

For a graphic, click here.

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Host a mission student this fall

The Diocese of Orlando Mission Office invites you to consider hosting a student from our sister Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic. The students will be attending Melbourne Central Catholic High School this fall 2024. The benefits of hosting an international student include: Making a difference in the life of an impoverished young person by opening the door to education and experiences otherwise impossible; to enhance the lives of your own family by adding a new family member to love; and to increase cultural awareness within your home and community. For more information contact Zwamy Parra, Coordinator of Mission Services at zparra@orlandodiocese.org, 407-246-4893.

For a pdf flyer/graphic, click here. For a jpg flyer/graphic, click here.

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Subscribe to E-Scroll

Enkindle a deeper faith in your heart and mind, become a leader in Christ, and help us harmonize ministries to the mission of the Catholic Church by signing up for E-Scroll, the Diocese of Orlando online newsletter. Go to www.orlandodiocese.org/e-scroll/ to subscribe for free.

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Queen of Angels Cemetery

For a Catholic, burial in a Catholic cemetery is a final act of faith, to one’s belief in the resurrection of the body and everlasting life. The Catholic cemetery is a sacred place set aside by the Church for the burial of the faithful. The bodies of those buried there rest under the watchful eye of the local Bishop until the last day. The Catholic cemetery is an extension of the parish community where those who have worshipped together in life now rest together in peace, awaiting Christ’s return in glory. Though the character and charism of a Catholic cemetery is different from that of commercial and municipal cemeteries, Catholics buried in non-Catholic cemeteries lie in ground, crypt or niche that was made sacred during the Rite of Committal. Learn more by visiting https://catholiccemeteriescfl.org

For a post, click here.

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Our Catholic Appeal 2024

Each year the Diocese of Orlando appeals to parishes to share in assisting grow the Kingdom of God and be good stewards of all that God has given us. For all Our Catholic Appeal related flyers, postings, banners, guides, in English and Spanish, please click here. For more information, go to OurCatholicAppeal.org.

BASILICA

These events are at Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando.

First Friday Divine Mercy Chaplet, May 3

Come and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The chaplet is prayed monthly on the first Friday. For a graphic, click here.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Mental Health First Aid Trainings

Learn to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need. Total of 6.5 hours. Part 1: 2 hours on your own, online, completed before taking Part 2. Access to Part 1 after registering for a Part 2 date. Part 2: 4.5 hours with Instructors from Behavioral
Health Services, via Zoom. Contact Kyle Osborn at kosborn@cflcc.org

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Project Rachel Helpline/Upcoming retreats

If you or someone you know has been impacted by an abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available through the Diocese of Orlando’s Project Rachel helpline. Call or text (407) 222-8584 or email projectrachel@cflcc.org. There are upcoming retreats available in English and Spanish. For more information, please visit cflcc.org/culture-of-life.

Bulletin editors: For a graphic in English, click here. For a graphic in Spanish, click here.

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Mental health services available

Catholic Charities of Central Florida Behavioral Health Services is offering mental health counseling services and psychiatric evaluations free of charge to people who reside in Polk County. This grant is focusing on those who might not seek mental health treatment due to cost or other financial restrictions. This grant focuses on those without health insurance or those who are underinsured. This is the initial phase of the multi-year grant. If you or a loved one are in need of mental health counseling services, please contact Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services at 407-658-1818 Ext: 1069.

For a flyer of services, click here.

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Medical Clinics need volunteers-Now more than ever

Catholic Charities of Central Florida is seeking MDs, PAs, RNs, OBGYNs, EKG Technicians, endocrinologists, orthopedic surgeons, certified health educators, general and nurse practitioners to volunteer at the Lazarus Free Medical Clinic located at the San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Mission in Wildwood, Monday through Thursday.

Please help us to bring forth God’s mercy to those who are ill and are struggling financially. Our clients are uninsured and living at 200% or below the poverty level. To learn more about serving at the Lazarus Free Medical Clinic, please contact  Myrta.Aviles@cflcc.org. Also seeking volunteers: St. Luke Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Eustis, and La Guadalupana Clinic in Ocala. Please contact Erin.Burley@cflcc.org . For St. Thomas Free Medical Clinic in St. Cloud,  Kelly.Bender@cflcc.org.

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Volunteers are needed to prevent Homelessness

Clerical and administrative volunteers are needed in Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Family Stability Program in Orlando, Winter Haven, and Cocoa. Volunteers help with a variety of areas that can range from answering phones, greeting guests, scheduling appointments, operating copy machines, assisting with data entry, copying, filing and organization. Volunteer hours range between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information visit cflcc.org/volunteer/.

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Catholic Charities Needs Food Distribution Volunteers

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to help distribute food at its Agape Mission Markets in Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Visit cflcc.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up.

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Catholic Charities Website

Check out Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s website for news, volunteer information, services and more. cflcc.org

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Be a mentor. Change a life.

Catholic Charities of Central Florida Refugee Youth Services Program is seeking adults to serve as mentors for refugee children.  Many of the children we serve have suffered traumatic violence, loss of family and friends, war, and life in a refugee camp. They need your help.

Mentors help our youth with: learning English, understanding homework assignments, and making sense of a new culture. But most of all, mentors are a caring friend and positive role model.

Mentor Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, participate in mentor training and safe environment training, background check and commit to volunteer at least three hours per week.

Sign-up to make a difference today! Contact Jacob: Jacob.miller@cflcc.org, 410-218-4041.

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St. Luke Medical and Dental Clinic needs professional volunteers

Catholic Charities of Central Florida operates medical and dental clinics throughout the Diocese of Orlando – including the St. Luke Medical and Dental Clinic in Eustis. It is supported by volunteer medical and dental practitioners. To offer your time, please visit cflcc.org/volunteer or call (352) 602-4640.

For a jpg announcement, please click here.

SAN PEDRO SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The following events can be found at 95 Bishop Grady Ln., Winter Park (same location, new address) https://www.sanpedrocenter.org/upcoming-eve

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Totus Tuus, Marian Retreat for Consecration to Jesus Through Mary, May 11

Learn more about the power of Consecration to Jesus through Mary and prepare your heart to enter into the 33-day preparation. Saturday, May 11, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., St. Francis Hall. $45, includes all meals

For a graphic, click here.

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Mother’s Day Brunch, May 12

San Pedro celebrates mothers with a special Mother’s Day Brunch. Families are welcome to come and enjoy the beautiful property, walk out to the dock and reflect while walking along the labyrinth. The brunch will be held in St. Anthony of Padua Hall! $42 Full Registration for Adults, $22 Full Registration for Children Ages 6-12. Free for children Ages 0-5. The menu includes omelet, waffle and ham carving stations, bacon, sausage, pastries, fruit, roasted vegetables, potatoes and more.

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VIVET – Youth and Young Adult Adoration, Wednesday, May 15

All youth and young adults are invited to join the Servants of the Pierced Heart of Jesus and Mary for Adoration, Praise, Worship and Prayer! Wednesday, May 15 7:30 PM  8:30 PM. VIVET happens on the Third Wednesday of every month. No registration required.

For a jpg graphic option 1, click here. For a graphic option 2, click here.

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Fill Your Cup – Franciscan Mystics and the Secret to Their Way of Life, May 23

Over the centuries there have been mystics within the Franciscan Orders. What makes them mystics and what can they teach us about getting closer to God even in our Modern Times? We will explore their prayers, life and interaction with others as a means of discovering how we can become mystics today. There will be time for reflection, interaction and input during this event. Come and explore this Franciscan Way with Louis Cantor. Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., St. Augustine Building 100. Cost: $12 per person.

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Monthly Memorial Mass, May 24

Join Queen of Angels Cemetery staff each month for a Memorial Mass at Mary, Mother of God Chapel, San Pedro Spiritual Development Center, 95 Bishop Grady Ln., Winter Park. Mass includes special intercession for those who are buried in Queen of Angels Cemetery since the previous Memorial Mass and for the deceased diocesan priests and deacons remembered during that month. Liturgy of the Hours is at 8 a.m.; 8:30 a.m. Mass. The next Mass is May 24.

Please pray for the following deceased clergy and for the souls recently laid to rest at Queen of Angels Cemetery.
Please consider including this list in your parish bulletin during the month of May.

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San Pedro is open for wedding receptions

Are wedding bells ringing in your future? Now you can celebrate that momentous occasion at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center’s newly renovated St. Anthony of Padua Hall. The entire hall was revamped and modified with new flooring, lighting, two indoor bathrooms, a catering kitchen and room for 192 people. Exterior bungalow style columns were added along with modern outdoor lighting. Guests may roam the beautiful grounds or sit out on the porch. San Pedro is perfectly located in Winter Park along Lake Howell. Package includes bakery, DJ, lighting and florist vendors. In addition, San Pedro Center has 48 guest rooms and three private cabins available for you and your overnight guests (subject to availability). To make this serene setting the backdrop to your wedding reception, call Dina McKee at 407-671-6322, ext. 109 or email her at dina@sanpedrocenter.org.

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Free At-Home Retreats through San Pedro 

San Pedro Spiritual Development Center is providing virtual retreats to facilitate ongoing spiritual growth throughout and beyond this pandemic. A retreat is an opportunity to draw away from the world for intentional time of prayer and reflection. Our At-Home Retreats offer similar content to our in person retreats by offering an online forum of presentation, discussion, and Q&A. To see what retreats are available virtually go to https://www.sanpedrocenter.org/at-home-retreats or https://www.sanpedrocenter.org/spiritualresources for the free at-home retreats.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MERCY

Prison Ministry Volunteers Needed

“For I was imprisoned and you visited me… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:36, 40). St Peter Claver Prison Ministry is an Orlando Council St. Vincent DePaul Special Works mentorship program that encourages prisoners and newly released citizens on becoming self-sufficient. For more information contact: Carlos Benitez, Program Manager at (407) 614-2355 and see their website www.spcpmorlando.org.

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Volunteers Needed at the JMJ Pregnancy Center

Do you have a passion for helping women and babies in need?  JMJ Pregnancy Centers are looking for volunteer ultrasound technicians. Bilingual is a plus!  Must be a Certified Ultrasound Technician proficient in abdominal ultrasound imaging and measurements. Visit jmjpc.org or email info@jmjpc.org.

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Become a Catholic Volunteer

Catholic Volunteers in Florida is accepting applications for a year of full-time service beginning August 2019. Applicants should have college degree or equivalent life experience, and a heart for serving marginalized communities in Florida or the Dominican Republic. Volunteers serve in teaching, community development, special education, social work, youth programs, immigration and legal services, and more. Benefits include housing, health insurance, monthly living stipend, quarterly retreats, leadership training, and AmeriCorps Education Award for qualifying positions. Apply now at cvif.org.

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St. Vincent de Paul Orlando Needs You – Great service hours!

Volunteer opportunities are available in our stores and food pantries – great for young people needing community service hours! Continues through the end of July. Check us out at svdporlando.org

We are also accepting your donations. Our new Resupply app allows you to schedule a FREE pick up of large appliances or furniture directly from your smart phone. We’ve partnered with Resupply to make donating more convenient. Or, call our Donation Hotline at 888.986.4483 or schedule via svdporlando.org. Visit us at St. Vincent de Paul Orlando Thrift Store in Apopka at 770 S. Orange Blossom Trail or St. Vincent de Paul Orlando Thrift Store in Clermont at 601 E. Highway 50. Thank you for helping us help others!

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Clinics calling all dentists and dental hygienists

St. Luke Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Eustis, and Lazarus Free Dental Clinic at St. Paul’s Parish in Leesburg  are looking for volunteer dentists and dental hygienists. Join a team of dedicated people helping our neighbors in need! If interested, please contact Myrta Aviles at 352-748-4567 or contact Erin.Burley@cflcc.org

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Car Donations Help Those in Need

That old clunker sitting in the garage helps St. Vincent de Paul Society of Orlando help others. Donating your vehicle is simple; the pick-up is free and we provide a tax receipt. Please contact us now: 800.322.8284 or visit svdporlando.org

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Legal Immigration Assistance Available in Polk County

Catholic Charities of Central Florida is provides Legal Immigration Services in Polk County. Family-based services include consultations, preparation of immigration applications, and legal representation. The goal is to ensure that all individuals and families have access to affordable and professional legal immigration services. Appointments are available with case managers at our Lakeland office (801 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland) by appointment only. To make an appointment, email legalservices@cflcc.org or call (863) 686-7153. For more information visit http://cflcc.org/legal-immigration-services.

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Considering Adoption? Catholic Charities Can Help!

For the life of your precious baby, consider adoption and Catholic Charities can help. Adoption counselors from Catholic Charities of Central Florida help birth mothers who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and are seeking life for their child.

We provide caring, nonjudgmental and loving support to educate birth mothers about the adoption process and to honor their requests regarding the many options that are available for open and closed adoptions.

Our adoption counselors are licensed counselors with extensive training on the adoption process. We travel throughout the nine counties of the Central Florida. For more information, call: 866-973-8638 or visit http://ccadoptfl.org/

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Donations needed for Agape Mission Markets – Orlando and Lake Wales

Catholic Charities’ Agape Mission Markets in Orlando and Lake Wales need donations. Please consider donating personal care items such as: tooth brushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hand soap, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, feminine care products, toilet paper, diapers and baby wipes. Many of these items can be found in the travel aisle of your local Target, Publix or Walmart. Agape Mission Market, 1771 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando. Donations accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 407-658-1818, ext. 2335 and Agape Mission Market, 644 S 9th St, Lake Wales on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. and  Fridays, 5-7 p.m. 863-676-1556.

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Agape Mission Markets in Orlando and Lake Wales need volunteers

Catholic Charities of Central Florida is looking for hospitality volunteers to staff the front desk of their Mission Market (formerly the food pantry) in Orlando. Volunteers are needed 3-4 hours each week to greet guests, gather food bags, organize the reception area and restock the front counter.

The markets are also looking for individuals or groups (maximum of five) to sort and stock food donations.
-Volunteer shifts in Orlando are at 1771 N. Semoran Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information, call 407-658-1818 ext. 2335.
-Volunteer shifts in Lake Wales are at 644 S. 9th St., on Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more information, call 863-676-1556.

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Donate to St. Vincent de Paul Orlando

Help us help others! You can make a difference by donating or shopping at any St. Vincent de Paul Orlando Thrift Store. Your donations allow us to provide furniture and furnishings at no cost to families in need and your purchases provide us the resources to help keep the lights on and people in their homes. Check us out at www.svdporlando.org. To make a tax-deductible donation of large furniture or appliances that help people in need, call our Donation Hotline at 888-986-4483.

COMMUNICATIONS

Florida Catholic – NEW ADS FOR BULLETINS

Enjoy Catholic news online any time at www.thefloridacatholic.org. The Florida Catholic offers reports, videos and commentary revolving around news and topics of concern to the Catholic faithful. Whether it is from a local parish or school, a state issue or a national or international event, turn to the Florida Catholic for news that educates, inspires and enriches the faith life of everyday Catholics.

Our site is free of charge to visitors, but if you would like to donate to this important mission, call 1-888-275-9953.  For a graphic, click here.

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