Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank you for your enthusiasm for the 2014 Fall Festival on October 10th, 11th and 12th! I am grateful for all who have signed up to volunteer, bring desserts, donate auction items, participate in the raffle, etc. If you have not decided yet how you will be a part of the 2014 Fall Festival, please visit www.annunciationorlando.org to get involved. Remember…. it feels great to volunteer!
Last weekend I introduced Edwin Cardona at the Masses. Edwin is a Seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando and will be spending his Pastoral Year (through Spring) with us at Annunciation. He has completed two years of post-graduate theological studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and is scheduled to be ordained a Priest in 2017. Thank you for your hospitality to Edwin and for praying as well for the Seminarians of our parish, Matthew Hawkins and Thomas Coppola.
The photo on the right was taken in my younger days (at least ten years ago) when I visited our Sister Diocese in the Dominican Republic. I had the distinct opportunity to participate in one of the construction missions and then to return a few months later to bless 37 houses in one day. The homes were built by parishioners from our nine county Diocese of Orlando. Every year we have the opportunity to be updated on the various areas of outreach that are ongoing in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana. Perhaps you would consider sharing your time and talent on a mission trip to our Sister Diocese? I would also like to thank you for your generous financial support of our diocesan sponsored activities that assist our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.
When you come before the Lord, please whisper my name to the Almighty. Know that I will continue to pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor