FEATURED

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. Our next program begins in Winter Park September 29-October1, 2023. Other dates also available. 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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Do not sign petition

Pro-abortion groups are actively seeking to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot that would erase decades or pro-life gains and permit abortion through birth. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops’ encourages you to offer the attached “Decline to Sign” half-page bulletin announcement for your bulletins and newsletter.  The announcement  incorporates one of the very strong messages that helps move likely voters away from support of the proposed amendment.  While it is still not clear the proposal will reach the ballot, it will be helpful to begin messaging against it as early as possible.

For a half-page announcement in English, click here.

For a half-page announcement in Spanish, click here.

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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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State Events

Florida Culture of Life Conference-A Eucharistic Way of Reconciling Love, Oct. 13-14

Formerly known as the State Respect Life Conference, the conference reflects the Church’s teaching that all human life has dignity and is to be protected. The conference will cover the Church’s response to societal injustices such as the death penalty, abortion, human trafficking, mental health and care for creation through speakers Friar Mario Serrano, OFM Conv., Gloria Purvis, Dr. Tom Neal, Maria Liberato, Esq.

This is a great opportunity to meet other Catholics and talk about projects to protect God’s creation. Friar Mario Serrano is a CRS fellow and will talk about Catholic Social teaching and the environment! It is difficult for many Catholics to see climate change as a life issue and we hope this conference will provide some clarity on this topic.  Learn more about this conference here:  Florida Culture of Life Conference ” A Eucharistic way of reconciling love”  | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee | Pensacola, Florida (ptdiocese.org) or call 850-435-3504. St. Sylvester Parish, 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze FL

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DIOCESAN EVENTS AND INFO

Ministry to the Sick & Homebound Formation Workshops, Oct. 28 & Nov. 4

The Diocesan Ministry to the Sick and Homebound formation workshop is a specialized training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation necessary to minister effectively to the sick and homebound members of the community. If you are interested, please fill out the MTS Application and be approved by your pastor. The application should be submitted to the SLFL – Office of Pastoral Ministry. You can find the application here.

Workshop dates and locations: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Cloud on Oct. 28; St. Faustina, Clermont on Nov. 4. All events are from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For more information, please contact us at slfl@orlandodiocese.org or 407-246-4882 if you have any questions. 

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Diaconate Discernment Nights

Did you ever consider becoming a deacon? Is God calling you to serve Him in a different way? Join us at a Diaconate Discernment Night and learn more about the diaconate.

The Diocese of Orlando, Office of the Permanent Diaconate is calling on the Church community to bring forth reputable men, servants, filled with the Spirit, to discern a call to the permanent diaconate. The Diaconate Information Night is the first step.

Information nights:
10/3 (Tuesday) – St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera
10/5 (Thursday) – St. James Cathedral, Orlando
10/11 (Wednesday) 10/11 – St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Lakeland
10/12 (Thursday) – Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Port Orange

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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

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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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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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Our Catholic Appeal 2023

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.

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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.

Click for NEW graphics: 2X4 (1), 2X4(2), 300X250(1), 300X250(2)

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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-events

Transitus, Oct. 3

Join the Secular Franciscan Community at San Pedro for this celebration of St. Francis’ passage from life to death. This event will also be live-streamed via Zoom.

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Eucharistic Cenacle: In the Fire of the Pierced Hearts, Oct. 6

Join the Servants of the Pierced Heart of Jesus and Mary for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship, and prayer. 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 95 Bishop Grady Lane, Orlando, FL 32792

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Sharing the Franciscan Charm, Oct. 7

Come take a look at the three Franciscan Orders and their shared charism of Poverty. Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John the Apostle, Building 300. $40

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San Damiano Society-My Soul Magnifies the Greatness of the Lord, Oct. 12

Join Isabel Fernandez, Ph.D., the Secretariat for Laity, Family, and Life as we journey through Mary’s Magnificat, learn what it means, and how we can glorify the greatness of the Lord. Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in St. Anthony Main Hall. We will contemplate through the Word and imagine some of the final words uttered by Christ, which bring us to the very heart of the Gospel way of life. $18.

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VIVET — Youth and Young Adult Adoration, Oct. 18

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7-8:30 p.m., Mary, Mother of God Chapel. Join us every third Wednesday for Eucharistic Adoration and praise led by the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. No registration required. Free. https://www.sanpedrocenter.org/upcoming-events/vivet

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‘Fill Your Cup’ – The Heart of St. John Paul II: His Life and Legacy – Salvific Doloris Divini Amoris Scientia,  Oct. 26

Thursday, Oct. 26, 7-9 p.m., St. John the Apostle Building 300. Join the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary as they go deeper into the Heart, Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II, pondering the treasures of his Magisterium through his writings, Encyclicals (Redemptor Hominis – To All Men and Women of Goodwill) and Apostolic letters. $10

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Monthly Memorial Mass, Oct. 27

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 Oct. 27.

Please consider including this list in your parish bulletin during the month of October. 

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Fiat- Young Women’s Discernment Retreat, Oct. 21

The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary offer a Discernment retreat for young women from the ages of 16–35 who are interested in learning more about the religious life of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Must pre-register, $25.

Saturday, October 21, 8 AM< – 8 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Convent at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center. If you or someone you know would like to join them, simply contact Sr. Kristi Bergman via email or call the Convent Landline: (407) 960-2423.

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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.

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Free Spiritual Resources

Check out our free spiritual resources on our website.  

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Catholic Charities of Central Florida

Soup Bowl Supper Volunteers Needed

Soup Bowl Supper supporting Pathways to Care returns to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church Parish Life Center, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL on September 30.  We are looking for a number of volunteers on both Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, to make this event a huge success. To Sign up, please select one or more job/time slots and click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page.  If available, you are encouraged to sign up for more than one job slot.  Thank You! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054ea5ad2ba6f58-soup1#/

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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.

For a graphic of this announcement, click here.

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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

Bulletin editors: For a graphic click here.

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Project Rachel Helpline

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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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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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.

Click here for a bulletin ad.

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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.

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Opportunities for Mercy

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.

Bulletin Editors: Download a full page flyer as a pdf.

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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 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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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.

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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.

Click here for a bulletin ad.

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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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Water system mission, Sept. 16-23

Be a part of the Construction Mission trip that will complete a new water system in the Dominican Republic, Saturday, Sept. 16 – Saturday, Sept. 23. For more information email Zwamy Parra, zparra@orlandodiocese.org or call 407-246-4890.

For a graphic, click here.

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Communications

Nothing at this time.