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Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. Mass times for ashes are 8:15AM and 7 PM.

The 2012 Marriage Retreat was an enormous success! 31 couples enjoyed a weekend full of the Holy Spirit- Mass, Confession, talks and praise and worship. At Sunday's Mass, each couple renewed their marriage vows overlooking the beautiful and serene St. John River.

Chris and Linda Padgett were the guest speakers for the weekend and provided insight, challenges and encouragement to each couple. A weekend that changed many people's outlook and brought each person closer to Christ. Some of the comments we received: "Our conversation on the way home was MUCH different than going up!" "Confession never meant as much to me as it did this weekend." "Sitting in Adoration next to my husband changed everything for me." and the number one question...."When is the next retreat?"

The next retreat is already in the works. Mark your calendars for March 8-10, 2013! Following all Masses on March 3/4 there will be a table for those couples interested in next year's Marriage Retreat. Because there is limited space and there is a fee for reserving the retreat center, we ask that each couple give a $100 deposit to hold their spot. Do not allow this to be your deciding factor. Ask any of the 31 couples who attended about their experience. It will be in their response that you will know!

This weekend World Marriage Day is celebrated worldwide. It honors the lifelong commitment of husband and wife. This celebration is held each year, on the second weekend in February.

Please pray for the 31 couples that leave for a Marriage Retreat in St. John for the weekend-  that each couple is filled with the Holy Spirit and the outpouring of His graces.

We invite all CRHP Alumni, Retreatants and Friends to a night of praise & worship in the church on Tuesday, February 28th! Following adoration Fr. George will lead a teaching with praise and worship led by Mr. Brian Boudreault. The evening begins at 7 PM and will conclude with fellowship in the Parish Center at 8 PM.

Side dishes for the potluck can be dropped in the Parish Center from 6:30-7:00PM. We look forward to seeing you all...and feel free to bring a friend or neighbor!

by Matthew Arnold 

Listen as a former new ager and Catholic convert Matthew Arnold shares his incredible journey from darkness into the light. Learn how this magic consultant and performer in the entertainment industry came to the truth that set him free from the powers of the occult as he talks about new age practices and their incompatibility with the timeless teachings of Christ and His Church.

The 2012 Diocesan Services Appeal recently launched in parishes across the Diocese. There are many ministries and programs supported by this annual appeal. Because of the DSA, and your generosity, the Diocese can continue to support the many aspects of our larger Church, including the 53 parishes and missions, and our 19 schools. The DSA is the primary source of funding for the Diocese, providing more than 70 percent of the annual operating income.

Read more at...DSA page.

Watch the DSA video.

It's that time....we are recruiting volunteers to participate in our 5th Annual Passion Play!

We are looking for adults (high school and up) to participate in The Passion Play. There are many roles- stage help, lighting, sound, costumes, acting (speaking and non-speaking roles) and much more! If you are interested, please contact the parish office and watch for announcements on practice dates and times.

The Republican Primary is being held on Tuesday, January 31st. Florida is a key state in this national election. Early voting is already underway so let your voice be heard! Vote today!

Need help? Click here to see where the candidates stand on IMPORTANT ISSUES.

by Patrick Madrid

For those who aren't Catholic, it may not be apparent why one should embrace the Catholic Faith. Best-selling author Patrick Madrid, director of the Envoy Institute of Belmont Abbey College, gives compelling biblical and historical reasons for why he is a lifelong Catholic. He shares valuable insights into the beauty of the Catholic Church and its claim to contain the fullness of the deposit of faith given by Christ.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 28th. Fr. George will be leading a Day of Reflection in Miami!

This trip is in jeopardy of being canceled. The bus has not been filled as of January 26th. A final count will be taken on Monday, January 30th. A decision will be made at that time on whether we will be forced to cancel.

Details: We will board a coach bus bound for Miami where our day will begin at the Chapel by the Bay. Mass will be celebrated at noon, followed by a boxed lunch. We board the bus again to John Paul II Retreat House for some spiritual talks, reflection, confessions and spiritual music before an evening of fun.

When night falls, we will be dining at Ft. Lauderdale's premier restaurant...MAI KAI. Feast on island fare while enjoying an evening of entertainment by their renowned Polynesian dancers.

Unwind while being chauffeured back to the church (around 11 PM).

The total cost for this trip is $105 per person. The fee includes transportation, materials, the chapel, all food and all gratuities.

Payment is due by Friday, February 1st. We only have room for 40 people! Contact Darlene in the Parish Office for more information- 461-2233.

The Florida Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, January 31st. Early voting begins Saturday, January 21st. If you have questions about where the candidates stand on IMPORTANT issues, check out the Florida Family Action website for Voter Guides!

Lord God, 

we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city, state, and country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.

We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

More than the Game

by Darrell Miller 

This powerful message was given to 3,000 men at the 2009 Men of Christ Conference in Milwaukee by former Major League baseball player Darrell Miller. While playing for the California Angels, Miller began a journey that led to his conversion to the Catholic Faith. Miller is a devoted family man, a leader in various major youth ministries, and speaks at conferences around the world.

Don't forget this Saturday, January 21st is the 2nd Annual Treasure Coast March for Life!

Fr. George will be both walking and speaking at City Hall. We hope you ALL can attend and support LIFE!

ITINERARY:
11:30 a.m. - Meet at the corner of 12th & Delaware in front of  A Woman's World Abortion Mill for Silent Prayer (park on Delaware Ave.)

12:00 p.m. - Peaceful March from Abortion Clinic to
Ft. Pierce City Hall (0.8 mile)  
(Those who do not want to walk can drive and park at the parking garage at City Hall)

12:30 p.m. - Local Pro-Life Advocates and Clergy will speak on the Sanctity of Human Life at City Hall

1:30-1:45 p.m. - Marchers will walk or be shuttled back to vehicles 

FOR MORE INFO: Jim Thoma at 240-6168 or  jimthoma@comcast.net

Interested in learning more about Natural Family Planning? Allen and Bonnie Ruppert will be holding a 3 class series in February for interested Parishioners.

Contact Bonnie at 772-332-6817 for more information!

Start Lent with..

A Day of Enrichment

For all men and women February 6, 2012 (Monday) 8:30-2:30 at St. John the Cross Church.

8:30- Mass in the Chapel 7550 26th Street, Vero Beach

9:30-2:30- Parish Hall 2355 82nd Ave, Vero Beach

Guest Speakers:

Brian Gail, author of Fatherless, Motherless and Childless, a trilogy that traces the impact of the "contraceptive menatility" on American society and the Catholic Church. Brian is a Knight of the Immaculate, a co-founder of three catholic classical academies, and a speaker on matters of faith and family.

Rick and Carrie Huebner Carrie is a Fertility Care Practitioner at St. Gianna's Center for women's health and fertility care in Melbourne. They will share the story of their confrontation and eventual embrace of the Church's teachings on marriage and family, and on the Creighton Model of family planning.

Tickets ($5) which inclides a box lunch, must be purchased by January 30th from Sandy Reardon 772-770-3599, Carol Bella 772-562-7436, or the church office 772-563-0057 (office hours: Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3:30 PM).