In September 2011, Fr. Vincent Youngberg, C.P., former Retreat Director from 1972-1980, will once again take up residence at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. Fr. Youngberg has conducted retreats and parish missions around the world, from the United States to the Philippines, Europe, the West Indies and Africa.
More about Fr. Vincent Youngberg: http://bit.ly/pqRB5U
Coming back from a tough day, I was in a really down mood. It felt like I wasn’t making any progress and almost as if I didn’t belong here. As I reached the church grounds, I saw a few kids from St Theresa’s Basic School. San Jay and Kemara, two five year olds, came running out to greet me. “Uncle Sean ! Uncle Sean!.” No matter what mood I’m in, it’s really difficult to stay that way when in the presence of these children.
They were both very insistent that I come to their classroom. This usually happens anytime I go there but today was different. Today, they were really insistent. I needed to get my mind off the rest of the day anyway, so I decided to go with them. As we walked down the sidewalk, Kemara went running into the classroom and then quickly returned. Something was going on but I couldn’t figure it out. Getting closer and closer, I started to hear chanting from the classroom. Being caught off guard, I continued to try and make out what they were saying. “SEAN A COME. SEAN A COME!!” They were chanting for me. As I walked into the classroom, all forty kids let out a big YAAAAAAYYYYY!!!! They came sprinting and practically knocked me off my feet as they came to hug me. I felt like a rock star. It’s almost like they knew I had a tough day and wanted me to know that they appreciated me being there.
I’ve always loved working with kids. There is a genuine happiness associated with them that sometimes gets lost as we grow older. Even being surrounded with so much negativity and heartache, these children find a way to be happy.
My role as a volunteer is to be present to the people. In being present, we give a dignity and hope to people who might have lost it at some point along the way. Sometimes, I need that hope restored too. These children do that for me. They bring back the smile to my face when it’s hard to have one. They bring back the hope when it seems like there isn’t much. What do I do for them? I show up and spend time with them, and that’s all they want. I’ll take that deal any day of the week.
Sean Clores has just completed a year of service in Jamaica and is extending his service for a second year.
This gallery contains 5 photos.
Orientation for our 2011-2012 Passionist Volunteers is underway in Jamaica! They took a break to celebrate July 4th with a BBQ at the volunteers’ house. Newly ordained Fr. Michael Rowe, C.P. and Fr. Paul Ruttle, C.P. and Bro. Michael were all … Continue reading
We would like to introduce you to a remarkable man – Father Michael Rowe, C.P.
Fr. Michael Rowe, C.P. and Bishop Neil Tiedemann, C.P.
Fr. Michael was born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies and we are excited to share the news that he was ordained as a Passionist priest on June 25!
Several hundred people including Passionists from the USA, diocesan priests of Jamaica, religious men and women along with many laity gathered for the ordination ceremony at 11 AM. Bishop Neil Tiedemann, C.P., bishop of Mandeville was the ordaining prelate. Retired Archbishop Edgerton Clarke graciously attended because of his great esteem for the Passionist Community since our arrival in Jamaica in April 1955.
Several busloads of parishioners from Kingston made the long journey at great personal sacrifice. Overcast skies provided shade from the summer sun with no rain while a light breeze helped to make the two-hour celebration pleasant. A dozen members of the Archdiocesan choir of Kingston who share their talents at a number of churches led the congregation in songs of praise and gratitude on this occasion of joy for all the Catholic people of Jamaica.
Following the ceremony there was time for individual blessings of participants by newly ordained Fr. Michael. Everyone enjoyed a lunch of fish, pork, ‘Jamaican rice and peas’ with salad and refreshments. At this point, the celebration shifted to Kingston for Sunday, June 26, for the feast of Corpus Christi. Fr. Michael presided at liturgy at St. Jude’s parish where he had worshiped before joining the Passionist
Fr. Michael and first communion children and teacher
Community. Later that morning, he presided at a second Eucharist at St. Elizabeth parish which has been served by the Passionist Community since 1955. At both Masses, young people received the Holy Eucharist for the first time, which added a special note of reflection on the gift of the Eucharist for the whole community.
Bishop Tiedemann urged Fr. Michael to keep a spirit of generous service as he begins his priestly ministry. Fr. Michael has begun his life as a servant of Christ among the poor and suffering in parts of Jamaica most of us will never see. The Jamaica most of us know is sunny, surrounded by ocean beaches and alive with music and a rich blend of cultures. It’s a favorite stopping place for cruise ships and tourists in the Caribbean.
But Fr. Michael knows another side to this beautiful island.
“I was no stranger to economic hardship because both my parents were working class people who found it particularly challenging to keep the family adequately provided for and the children supplied with all that was necessary for quality education.”
Fr. Michael and family members
Fr. Michael has a deep personal compassion for people who struggle with the challenges each day brings – poverty, hunger, unemployment and violence. He knows their hunger for knowing the love of Jesus crucified and risen.
He has been assigned to Mt. Calvary Retreat House to begin his internship in retreats along with the Director, Sr. Bernadette Hughes, C.P. Mt. Calvary ministers to over 2000 men, women and youths every year.
“I look forward with great anticipation and excitement to return to the ground where the seed of my vocation was planted and to minister with the same enthusiasm as I experienced many years ago.
It was while on one of these retreats that I became really interested in the Passionists because I was truly inspired by two Jamaican Passionists who really demonstrated a lot of joy and enthusiasm in their religious vocation.”
Our Provincial, Fr. Robert Joerger, C.P. writes, “ It is exciting for me to witness how God is raising up new servants of Christ within communities where Passionist missionaries are at work. And it’s even more exciting that men like Fr. Michael are being called and prepared to spread the Gospel in the very communities and neighborhoods where they grew up.
Fr. Michael speaks confidently about the ministry and challenges he has been preparing for. “I grew up with a certain conviction instilled by my grandmother that ‘God would always provide.’”
Fr. Michael blesses Fr. Richard Award, C.P.
Will your generosity be one of the ways that God provides for this ministry?
Traveling around Jamaica is not easy. It brings to mind the expression, “You can’t get there from here!” Fr. Michael needs a reliable vehicle now to get to villages scattered throughout the country.
We need your help to provide Fr. Michael with this necessary tool for his ministry. Our goal is to raise $25,000 immediately to purchase the vehicle in Jamaica and to offset the costs of fuel, insurance, maintenance and other expenses. Can you help?
We look forward, as you do, to the stories that will grow out of Fr. Michael’s ministry in Jamaica. May the Lord bless Fr. Michael Rowe, C.P. in his life and ministry for many years to come!
Please consider a donation to help purchase a vehicle for Fr. Michael. Please make checks payable to PASSIONIST MISSIONARIES.
Passionist Missionaries Inc.
526 Monastery Place
Union City NJ 07087-3398
Tel:888/806-6606
E-mail:AGardiner@cpprov.org
Donate on-line by clicking the button below.
The Donate Now button will redirect you to Caring Habits,Inc. (CHI) which is the credit card processing company for The Passionist Missionaries website. Choose vehicle for Fr. Michael from the drop-down menu.
Now you can order Passionist Mass Cards, enroll a loved one and arrange to have a Mass Card sent, all on-line!
Whether you wish to have prayers said for someone who has died, someone who is ill, or someone who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary, a Passionist Mass Card is an excellent way to show that you care. Your loved one will be prayed for at Masses celebrated by the Passionist Community here in the United States and in the missions. Give the gift of prayer: that’s what your loved one – and the world – need right now.
Your donations for these cards go to support the work of the Passionists.
To order a Mass Card, visit: http://thepassionists.org/masscards/
