This is graduation “season” for many students, whether live in-person, or online. I remember my son Aidan’s graduation from Boca High School a decade ago. At the commencement ceremony at the Fairgrounds, the school principal, in his “speech,” twice quoted St. Paul. What got my attention was his quotation of the famous line from First Corinthians, “Faith, Hope, and Love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” The primary theme of the Principal’s address was to encourage the graduates to do the loving and right thing throughout their adult life. This seems to be contrary to so many graduation speeches where the speaker advises the students, “Follow your dreams, find yourself, and do what makes you happy.”

I remember as a college chaplain in New England, during the recession in the early 1980’s, hearing what I still consider the worst graduation speech ever. Basically, this professor from a well-known business school in the northeast told the graduates that “You’re not going to find a job; your time in college was basically worthless; your education won’t guarantee happiness in the real world,” and gave them no hope that things could ever get better! After such a despondent message, when it came time for the benediction, I approached the podium, and simply said, “May God bless you with a sense of hope and a sense of humor. Amen,” and sat down. (Cardinal Medeiros, the Archbishop of Boston who was a featured speaker and sitting next to me on the dais, whispered “That’s the best benediction I’ve ever heard!” (LOL, it was certainly the shortest.)

Growing up into adulthood means taking on more responsibility and learning, sometimes the hard way, that life is not “all about us.” Some people may grow older, but never mature! Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. One of the primary messages of our celebration of the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, is that “we’re all in this together.” Like every parish, we are all challenged to change a culture that asks “What’s in it for me?” to an attitude of “ It’s not about us.” The Church exists for those who have yet to become members. This past year has forced us all to be more considerate of those who are in need of the things we often take for granted: not necessarily material things, either. Maybe one of the greatest gifts we as Christians can offer is the gift of encouragement, knowing that, in the words of St. Francis, “ It is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

NOTICES:

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

ECW Raffle is ongoing. Please return completed ticket stubs with your check by May 30 for drawing. Tickets stubs can be placed in offering plates or mailed to the office. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. Thanks for your support. Thanks. Linda

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to https://www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Volunteers to Deliver Flowers: We are in need of volunteers to deliver flowers to our sick and shut-in members after our Sunday 10am services two to three times a year. It is such a nice ministry that brightens people’s lives and easy to do. Hope we can get more volunteers so we can continue this ministry. Please contact Linda McKeown if you are available at 561-254-3902, or email llmckeown51@comcast.net

Sunday School: There is no Sunday school this week.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 am.
Wednesdays: Eucharistic Adoration 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Donna, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Miguel, Mike, Oscar. For the departed: Robert Norene. For birthday celebrations: Charles Sandell, Grace Hadicke, Victoria Wolliston. For our expectant mother: Meghan.

Is anyone shocked watching the violent pictures coming out of Israel, and in the Middle East? What about other acts of violence on a daily basis closer to home – spousal or child abuse, murders, rapes. We watch on television or read daily news reports of people being killed thousands of miles away, as we help ourselves to a second helping of ice cream or pour another glass of wine. Are we so immune to violence that we simply turn a blind eye? Are we anesthetized to the violence that even our own culture seems to sanction? We’ve glorified violence in movies, rap music and videos: how about sports – football, boxing, hockey, NASCAR? Are you one of those folks who actually anticipates violent car crashes and bench-emptying brawls? And in different degrees, our own government sanctions the destruction of life: capital punishment, abortion, assisted suicide. And then we wonder how parents in Muslim countries can strap bombs onto their children.

The first ten chapters of Genesis are all about the disintegration of relationships: Adam and Eve’s falling out with God, Cain and Abel, a symbol of the disintegration of relationships within the family, the tower of Babel symbolic of the disenfranchisement of communities and nations. From the calling of Abraham and Sarah in chapter eleven, straight through to the restoration of all peoples in the final chapter of Revelation, the Bible is the story of God’s plan to rectify a situation that got out of hand.

With the polarization of our political life, the misunderstanding that exists between warring nations, and the subsequent abuse of the weakest members of society, doesn’t the Christian Gospel in general have something to say? Israel waited for God’s redemption for three millennia, and in the middle of the first century St. Paul told the Corinthian Christians that the world will know that we are Christians by our love and how we manifest the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. So maybe we don’t know what to do about starving refugees in Africa or the government imposed “gender selection” of children in China. However, you can say your prayers, faithfully receive the sacraments, study the scriptures, and live a life worthy of our calling as a Christian.

As we conclude the season of Easter, let us not be distracted by the indifference to the Christian Gospel. Ask for an extra dose of patience, as we await the final consummation of God’s justice and peace. During the uncertainly of our times, look for God’s presence in the “here and now” and remind yourself of those things of eternal value. Finally, remember the words of St. Francis, “You may be the only Gospel your neighbor ever reads.”

NOTICES:

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Please note that our Vestry voted at its most recent meeting to lift the requirement on wearing masks inside the church and parish hall, leaving it up to the discretion of each individual.

Graduations: Congratulations to our graduating high school and college students from St. David’s: Daniel Melton, Hannah Gardner, and Danielle Kiminyo. God bless them as they move on in their life of faith and service.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

ECW Raffle is ongoing. Please return completed ticket stubs with your check by May 30 for drawing. Tickets stubs can be placed in offering plates or mailed to the office. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. Thanks for your support. Thanks. Linda

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to https://www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Volunteers to Deliver Flowers: We are in need of volunteers to deliver flowers to our sick and shut-in members after our Sunday 10am services two to three times a year. It is such a nice ministry that brightens people’s lives and easy to do. Hope we can get more volunteers so we can continue this ministry. Please contact Linda McKeown if you are available at 561-254-3902, or email llmckeown51@comcast.net

Sunday School is still in operation with the necessary protocols in place. There will be no Sunday school on May 30th.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 am.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 pm.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Donna, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Miguel, Mike. For the departed: Laurel Tarr. For birthday celebrations: Debra Gonzalez, Laura Lee Montross, Jordyn Beresford, John Webber. For wedding anniversary celebration: The Rev. Steven and Erin Thomas.

A group of teenagers were working on a Habitat project. By the end of a long week, they were pretty scruffy looking sitting on their duffels waiting for their parents to come and collect them. “What is this?” a passerby asked. They were exhausted, worn out, looked terrible and smelled worse. Then one of the “passersby” said to the boys: “Are you tired?” to which one of the teens replied, “Whew! Am I tired!” Then he added: “But this is the best tired I have ever been.” In the Bible it’s called joy.

On this Sunday after the Ascension, and one week before we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we do well to remember that salvation came with a price. Even though the “Admission Fee” into heaven has been paid by Our Lord, we need to take steps in the right direction to claim our inheritance with the saints and angels who inhabit that Kingdom where there is no death, nor crying, but the fullness of joy which comes by getting off our “duffel bags” and traveling along that road that leads to everlasting life. Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending; because even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

NOTICES:

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Please note that our Vestry voted at its most recent meeting to lift the requirement on wearing masks inside the church and parish hall, leaving it up to the discretion of each individual.

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to https://www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

ECW Raffle is ongoing. Please return completed ticket stubs with your check by May 30 for drawing. Tickets stubs can be placed in offering plates or mailed to the office. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. Thanks for your support. Thanks. Linda

Help Needed: Pay is low but result is top of the scale. We need help on Saturday, May 22 at 8:30 to finish the trimming of the palmettos. With some more help, we could be finished in 2-2 1/2 hours so please try to come even for one hour. Water provided and a snack. Bring a chain saw or other electric or battery operated cutting devices.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday School is still in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 am.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 pm.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Donna, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Miguel, Mike. For birthday celebrations: James Belden Sr., Andrew Elmore, Denise Wilson, Virginia Barley, Angelica Cortez-Bennett. For anniversary celebrations: Wally and Cindy Hernandez, Debbie and Joseph Piconcelli, James and Erika Belden, Laurie and Irwin Cohen.

On this Mother’s Day weekend, I’ll share a favorite and familiar poem which speaks volumes about the love of a mother.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you hung my first painting on the refrigerator and I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you baked a birthday cake just for me and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you said a prayer and I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you kissed me goodnight and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt but that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked and I wanted to say thanks for all the things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking.

God bless our mothers, living and departed.

NOTICES:

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to https://www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

Help Needed: Pay is low but result is top of the scale. We need help on Saturday, May 22 at 8:30 to finish the trimming of the palmettos. With some more help, we could be finished in 2-2 1/2 hours so please try to come even for one hour. Water provided and a snack. Bring a chain saw or other electric or battery operated cutting devices.

New Procedure: Starting this week, we will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday School is still in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 am.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 pm.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Alberto, Andi, Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Donna, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Mike, Miguel, Patricia, Shelby. For birthday celebrations: Helena Bresnahan, Megan Muir, Michel Guillaume, Jacqueline Algood, George Pinnock, Chris LaBorde. For anniversary celebration: Jackie and John Algood.