WELCOME

have their own Contact Person who can speak to folks interested in your Ministry.  Once you have gathered this information, please send it to Deacon Dennis at;  beau1717@bellsouth.net so it can be added to this page.                                                 

                     ALTAR SERVERS

What better way for a youth of our parish to serve than as an Altar Server? This position is open to boys and girls! First Holy Communion is required. Altar Servers must be at least 7 years of age and must have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. For those who are a bit older, serving as an Altar Server, fulfills your “Service Requirements” in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is also a plus when applying for scholarships for college. 

For further information, please contact Deacon Dennis at 772-563-0057.

ALTAR SOCIETY

We meet on Saturdays following the 8:30 Mass. People are scheduled once a month.  The glass-ware on the altar in the main church and in the Chapel are cleaned, candles and linens are changed. Linens are also washed and ironed. This too, is assigned on a once a month schedule. 

Call Ann McCabe 772-538-3158 for further information.

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME PROGRAM

want to become more active. Catholics Returning Home is one of twelve model programs listed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) directory “A Time to Listen…A Time to Heal.” The program is used throughout the US and other countries.  The six Catholics Returning Home sessions provide information. mainly via DVDs, on the basics of Catholicism in an informal atmosphere. Sessions are conducted at the convenience of participants and some parishioners attend the sessions to help them acclimate back to Catholicism and parish activities.  

For further information contact Pat Kester at 772 299 7351.

DAILY ROSARY

The rosary ministry handles the recitation of the rosary before all daily and weekend Masses. If you are gifted with a good voice, are able to project your words well and are comfortable praying the rosary, consider this ministry!

For a 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass assignment, please call Janice Freeman at 569-7179. 
For a 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Vigil Mass assignment, please call Rita Geary at 567-2227.

DIVINE WILL CENACLE

For more information, please call the Office, 563-0057.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS OF

HOLY COMMUNION at MASS

Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Some also take the Eucharist to shut-ins in homes and nursing homes and sometimes to those in the hospital. Volunteers for this ministry receive basic training by the diocese and specific training by Deacon Dennis, the Coordinator of this ministry.

If you have an interest in becoming an Eucharistic Minister, please contact Deacon Dennis, Coordinator at 563-0057.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS OF

HOLY COMMUNION

for the SICK & HOMEBOUND
 

“For I was Hungry and you gave me Food”

A wonderful and Blessed way to be involved in Parish Ministry is to bring the Eucharist to the sick, the homebound and those who may be in Rehab facilities or Convalescent Homes.  However, prior to being able to do this, those wishing to be part of this Ministry, must first contact our Parish Office and speak with Susan.  There are certain steps that must be completed first; 
A).  there are certain forms that you must fill out, that are required by the diocese.
B). You must be fingerprinted, (which is done at St. John of the Cross by appointment). 
C).  You must view a Film concerning Vulnerable Adults. 
D).  You must meet with Deacon Dennis prior to your first visit in the field.  

There is no better way to practice our Faith, then to bring the Body of Christ to those who are unable to come to Mass. 
For more information, please call the Parish Office – Susan – 772-563-0057.

FATIMA PILGRIM STATUE

Welcome the Blessed Mother into your home for a week of intimate Prayer.  The beautiful statue of Our Lady, that was brought here from Fatima is available for you to take to your home for devotion and prayer – alone or with family and /or friends. 

Please call Cathy Mesley @ 772-562-9971 to schedule your week with Mary in your home. 

FOOD PANTRY

The Food Pantry Ministry distributes food to the needy every other Friday from 9 AM to 11 AM.  People must be approved by Pat Dimesa before they receive food. The food is donated by parishioners and is placed in the Pantry Box in the front lobby.  Cereal, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables, canned meat or tuna are some of the typical food items that are distributed.  Cash donations are also accepted. 

For further information, call Cathi Kester at 772-299-7351

GIFT'S OF GRACE RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
 

We invite you to come and view the many Religious Items that we now have available.  Whether you are looking for that special item for yourself or perhaps if you know someone who is going thru a difficult time and you would like to lift their spirits  with a Spiritual Gift or if you know someone who is preparing to receive one of the Sacraments, we have many items to choose from, from our selection of Religious Books and Bibles to the many Medals, Rosary’s and Statues – you are sure to find something.  And if we don’t have what you are looking for, we would be happy to order it for you.  We would be happy to assist you  with your needs Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 3:00pm.  And if one of the Priests or Deacons is available, your special item can be Blessed so that when you take it home or give it as a Gift, it comes with that Special Grace of God.  So stop by and see us – we look forward to assisting you with picking out that special gift!!!  We also have Gift Certificates available if you are not quite sure what to select for someone. 

HOSPITAL MINISTRY

JOY OF THE FAMILY

 The Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Marriage and Family Life Announces a New Multi-Year Mission - Joy of the Family.  You are invited to join the Mission.  Whether we are married, single, divorced, widowed, clergy, professed, young or simply young at heart, we come from and belong to a Family - the Domestic Church.  We also belong to the broader family of famiies - the Catholic Church.  Whether our Family is flawed, intact or seperated, family is the "School of Love", where we learn how to love God and others, so we can live our lives with Joy!  So join the Mission and explore the deeper meaning of Family and of Life....discover the Joy of the Family!  For more information, please contact our Parish Liaison to the Diocese.....

Erin & Joe Refsland - (414-477-0530)

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic Fraternal Order chartered and designed to benefit the Church;  the Clergy, parishioners and all society.  The Order is true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.  Members of the Knights of Columbus (Knights) volunteer their time and talents furthering our purpose of assisting members, families and others whenever and wherever we can.   We have rendered financial aid to numerous organizations and individuals.  We have provided assistance to the sick, disabled and those in need as well as their families.

Our programs focus on the following:

1) The Church
2) The Family
3) The Community
4) The Youth
5) The Culture of Life
6) The Council

are welcome to join the Fourth Degree Honor Guard, but it is not a requirement. Many Knights are involved in activities and events but avoid the spotlight of the Fourth Degree.   Members are encouraged to do as much as their time and interests allow.   We are a VOLUNTEER Organization — so the more volunteers we have the easier the load becomes.  We invite you to consider joining the Knights of Columbus.   Please visit our Council  Web-site:  www.KofC13153.org  and browse the site for answers to your questions.  

You may also call Roger Potvin at 772-913-3785 or e-mail fs13153@gmail.com., for further information.

MEETING SCHEDULE
Officers Meeting
2nd Wednesday of the month at 5 pm
Council Business Meeting
2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 pm

MEETING LOCATION
St. John of the Cross
New Parish Hall, (Adjacent to Church)

MAILING ADDRESS
Knights of Columbus Council #13153
1275 US Hwy 1, Suite 2, PMB153
Vero Beach, FL 32960

LECTORS

Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the first two readings at weekend Masses and the first reading at daily Masses. Schedules are published 3 months ahead of time so Lectors know the date and time when they are to assist at Mass. If you are a good reader and project your voice well, please consider this wonderful Ministry in Proclaiming the Word of God!

For further information, please contact Deacon Dennis @ 772-563-0057.

LEGION OF MARY

A World-Wide organization of the lay apostolate, in which Catholic men and women sanctify themselves through prayer and spiritual work in union with Mary, the Mother of God, under the guidance of our Spiritual Director, to do any spiritual work and corporal works for mercy assigned by our Pastor.  Our purpose is to raise the spiritual level of the entire community though direct contact with and interest in every member of the Mystical Body of Christ and to seek the needs of others within our parish.  Any practicing Catholic, who is willing to fulfill the obligations of membership in the proper spirit, may join this wonderful Ministry.   Members over 18 are considered Senior Members, and those under 18 are Junior Members. 

The Legion of Mary meets in the Senior Room at the Church on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm, for more information, please contact Suzanne Kekich at 772-564-9673.

LIBRARY MINISTRY

The Library Ministry maintains our Catholic Library, which is located in the Choir Room.  The library consists of an extensive collection of Books, DVDs, and CDs which are categorized according to the Dewey Decimal System.  The ministry collects and categorizes the donated media items. Items may be borrowed using a sign-out book. 

 For further information contact Pat Kester at 772 299 7351.

LITURGICAL MUSIC

This ministry involves the singing of hymns, Responsorial Psalms and other music which will enhance the quality of the celebration of Mass. The choir group welcomes all those who would like to participate in this ministry!  Choir meets weekly for rehearsal.  Experienced Cantors are also welcome.  Cantors sing at scheduled Masses as well as Funerals and Weddings. Those able to play an instrument are also welcome. 

Please contact Ryan Kasten, Music Director at (772)-584-9744 or Music.Director@stjohnotc.org

LITURGY OF THE HOURS

Liturgy of the Hours, Divine Office, Brieviary and Canonical Hours are all names used to describe one of the oldest prayers of the Church.  It is the official prayer of the Church offered at various times during the day. St. Basil the Great described Morning Prayer (sometimes referred to as Lauds), in these words: “…It (Morning Prayer), is said in the morning in order that the first stirrings of our mind and will may be consecrated to God….”. Morning Prayer only takes about 15 minutes to pray.  We gather Monday thru Friday, in the Cry Room, immediately following the 8:30am Mass.  All are welcome.  A Christian Prayer Book, which contains the Psalms and Readings of the day will be provided. 

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call the Parish Office at 772-563-0057.

MAGDALENE’S JOY

The mission of Magdalene’s Joy is defined as a Christian Organization dedicated to the support, education, healing and restoration of men and women impacted by the harmful effects of abortion, abuses or other hurtful life choices.  As part of this mission, we will continue the work of Rachel’s Vineyard with hosting Post-Abortion Healing Retreats. 

For more information concerning this Ministry or the schedule of upcoming Retreats, please contact Donna Gardner, (formerly with Rachel’s Vineyard) at 561-602-4778 or email her at: Isaiah61@bellsouth.net

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

The Men's Group meets every Wednesday morning from 6:30a.m. to 7:45a.m. in the Music Room. A variety of topics are discussed including the "That Man Is You" program which is two 13 week programs each year. The format is a 20 minute video followed by group discussion. The topics focus on issues pertinent to Catholic men of all ages. We also cover other topics including weekly scripture passages. Coffee and donuts are provided each week.

For more information please contact Gerry Koziel at 772-770-3390  (home) or 772-766-3496 (cell) or simply join us any Wednesday morning. These sessions will have a very positive impact on your life!

MINISTRY OF SACRISTAN

The Ministry of Sacristan is a beautiful way to serve the Parish.  A Sacristan arrives at least 45 minutes prior to Mass and is involved with setting up for the Liturgy:

• Setting the Lectionary for Readings
• Setting Book of the Gospels for Readings
• Preparing the appropriate Chalice for Mass
• Preparing the Linens for Mass
• Preparing the Gifts for Mass, (Wine, Water, Hosts)
• Monitoring # of Ministers of Communion
• Purifying the Sacred Vessels
• Preparing any additional Liturgical Items that may be needed for any given Service
• Lighting Candles
• Sacristans may also serve as Ministers of Communion from time to time.

Sacristans are fully trained, prior to serving on their own.  Serving as a Sacristan in the preparation of the Liturgy is very much like the Apostles did – as Jesus sent them to prepare the Room for the Last Supper – one of the most Sacred Traditions in our Faith…..it is a beautiful way to serve God and the Church. 

If you would like to join the Ministry of Sacristans, please contact Deacon Dennis 772-563-0057 or Ann McCabe at 772-770-2374.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The Ministry of Social Media is responsible for keeping all of the Church's online media - Facebook, Instagram, main website, and app - up to date with relevant information and updates.

For more information, or if you wish to make an announcement or update on the Church's Facebook page, please contact Alana Geary at stjohnverobeach@gmail.com or (772) 563-0057.

NEW EVANGELIZATION MINISTRY

Before his Ascension into Heaven, Christ commissioned his disciples, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).  In doing so, the Lord handed on to the Church his own mission of drawing the world into a living and saving relationship with himself.  Indeed, the Church exists for this mission, she exists to evangelize. She is the living and efficacious sign of God’s desire for man’s salvation and her mission is to gather the world into the embrace of God in Christ. Nowhere is this mission more present than in the parish. The parish is where the gift of salvation in Christ reaches out and touches the concrete lives of the men and women of every time and place. In the parish, the human race finds the doorway into the saving mystery of God’s love. It is in the parish, then, that evangelization finds its privileged place of expression. We can say in the same spirit of Pope Paul VI that the parish “exists to evangelize.” Echoing this, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops calls its parishes to:

1. Consider how to give their present ministries a clearer evangelizing focus.
2. Create new ministries to achieve the goals of the Evangelization document.
3. Develop an evangelization team.
4. Designate a trained person as a coordinator of evangelization. (Go Make Disciples 136)

Parishes are called to look to three groups in their work of evangelization.  First, practicing Catholics are called to deeper and deeper transformation in their life with Christ.  Second, the parish is called to reach out to those Catholics who have fallen away from the practice of their faith.  Third, the parish is called to reach out to those who do not yet know the love of Christ, who do not believe in God, or who find faith irrelevant to everyday life. The parish must assume it as her fundamental identity to bring Christ’s love to people who find themselves in any of these situations. 

PLease call the Parish Office at 563-0057 for more information.

N.O.E.L.  -  NOTICE OF ETERNAL LIFE

So often, when someone passes away, we find that on the day of the Mass of Christian Burial, very few are present to offer support to those left behind.  By being part of this Ministry, when our Office receives the final arrangements of someone’s services, we send out an email to those on the N.O.E.L. List, so they can:

Attend the Wake Service (if there is one)
Attend the Funeral Mass
Pray for the Family, (whether you attend or not)
Perhaps have a Mass said for the Deceased
Send a Card of Condolence

All of these options are extremely important to a family who had lost someone, either after their Loved One had been sick for quite some time or passes away very suddenly.  How often do we say;  “If only I had known, I would have been there”.  This is a great way of achieving that goal.  When we email those on the N.O.E.L. List, the information is sent as a Blind Copy, so your personal email information is not shared with anyone else.  Your contact information is kept confidential.  We invite you to join this Wonderful Ministry in an effort to support those in their time of need. 

To join the N.O.E.L. Family, send your email information to Deacon Dennis at; beau1717@bellsouth.net.  Simply request that you be added to the list.

PARISH COUNCIL

The parish council assists the pastor in the coordination of all parish activities as well as other functions as described in the Parish Council Constitution. Council membership is comprised of Ex Officio Members (the leaders of the ministries), Extraordinary Members, and At-Large Elected Members (18 years of age or older and not to exceed 4 persons).

If you would like to serve on the Parish Council as an At-Large Elected Member, please contact our Parish Office at 772-563-0057, to get your name on the list for the next election cycle.

PERMANENT DEACONS

Is God calling you to serve Him as a Permanent Deacon?

The thought has crossed your mind, or perhaps others have suggested that you consider looking into the possibility of becoming a “Permanent Deacon”.

Just what does this entail? Well for starters, the Second Vatican Council, as the Council of Trent before it. called for the restoration of the Permanent Diaconate as one among three permanent and independent orders within the sacrament of Holy Orders. The words “Deacon” and “Diaconate” come from the Greek word Diakonia which means “Service” or “Ministry”. A Deacon then, is ordained by the Church for what the Second Vatican Council synthesized as service to the word, service to the altar, and service to charity.

The process of becoming a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Palm Beach begins with your discernment or God’s call through prayer and reflection. The next step is to discuss your interest and questions with your Spiritual Director and then your Pastor. If your Pastor approves, you may download the application from the Deacon Formation Web Page or call the Office of Permanent Diaconate Formation".

For more information concerning the Permanent Diaconate, you may contact the Office of Diaconate of Formation at 561-775-9540.   If you have questions, you may also speak with Deacon Dennis Beauregard, Administrator of Deacons. 

Currently the process entails five years of study, prayer, human and pastoral preparation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.

Men applying for the Permanent Deacon Program should be aware of the 
following General Requirements:

• Be recommended by your Pastor
• Between the ages of 35-55. Case by case consideration will be made for men up to the age of 60.
• If married, you need the consent of your wife.  If you are not married, you must be willing to promise celibacy at Ordination.
• Children must all be over 5 years of age.
• While College is preferred, we will accept men who have completed high school. College graduates will complete a Master of Arts in Theology at the Seminary during their training. Others will receive a Certificate of Studies.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Be functionally literate in the English language.
• Be a resident of the Diocese of Palm Beach, ideally active in your parish for a period of 3-5 years at the time of your application.
• Be in good health and be willing to submit to psychological evaluations.
• Have no criminal record (felony)
• Never have attempted marriage outside of the Catholic Church, even civilly. This means that if you married in a civil ceremony while awaiting a decree of nullity, you are not eligible for Holy Orders.
• Never have cooperated in voluntary homicide or abortion even indirectly.
• Never left the Catholic Church by a formal act or by publicly endorsing teachings contrary to the faith.
• Not in public or private religious vows

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

A Prayer Shawl is a soft, warm, shawl. It is knitted or crocheted, and is given to persons who are celebrating a blessing or needing special support.  Prayer Shawl Ministry meetings begin and end with prayers for ourselves, for our work and for those who receive the Prayer Shawls. The Prayer Shawls are blessed by a priest or deacon, spend time at Mass, and then are distributed.  We also make other items:  christening blankets for Baptism, baby blankets and hats for the Women’s Care Center, chemo hats, warm hats for the military, and hats, mittens, and scarves for mission churches. Prayer Shawl Meetings are a wonderful opportunity for fellowship.  If you knit or crochet, or want to learn, bring your needles and hooks and yarn and join us.  We welcome any and all newcomers.  Typically the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 3rd Monday of the month in the Cry Room at 9:30am.  See Parish Bulletin for confirmed times.  This Ministry does not meet during the months of July and August.

 For more information, please contact: Elaine  Reeners - Elaine4prayershawl@gmail.com

PROJECT RACHEL

Project Rachel is a program, provided through Catholic Charities, serving men and woman, who have experienced any emotional, spiritual and/or psychological impact by an abortion. Project Rachel  incorporates an integrated approach to healing, which means the program utilizes different ways and means to help the individual acknowledge what they are feeling and help begin to heal post abortion/s. The program offers services in English and Spanish: support groups, therapy groups, individual/ couples counseling, day retreats and additional activities. Through Project Rachel, we share that there is hope, there is healing and there is forgiveness.  The cost for services vary.  

For further information/ details or if you have questions, Susan Polo can be reached at: 561-360-3325. You can email her at:(Spolo@ccdpb.org) ‎

PROTECTION OF GOD’S CHILDREN, (VIRTUS)

As stated by the Office of Safe EnviornmentsEducation & Training of Adults, Children & Youth:

Personal safety for our students is our highest priority, especially when it comes to protecting children from sexual misconduct and violence.  Every member of Diocese of Palm Beach faculty and staff – including teachers, priests, deacons, and even volunteers, must undergo rigorous background investigation and complete Safe Environment Training sessions if they are in contact with children. These measures ensure everyone working with children at schools and parishes can uphold the moral standards set by our Pastoral Code of Conduct. As part of its effort to protect all children from harm as well as to create safe environments in which children can learn and grow in faith, the Diocese of Palm Beach will provide annual safe environment training to all children enrolled in diocesan Catholic schools and parish religious education programs.  In age appropriate lessons, the children will learn about God’s love for them; personal space; treating ourselves and others with respect and care; safe and unsafe touches; and how to get help from a trusted adult if needed.  The lessons will be taught every year. Parents may request that their child(ren) NOT participate in the Children and Youth training by using an "opt out" form which may be obtained by contacting the church or school in which their child is enrolled.
The following Safe Environment Training programs are used in the Diocese of Palm Beach.

VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults
VIRTUS Teaching Safety
Netsmartz
Kidsmartz
Digital Citizenship
VIRTUS Protecting Vulnerable Adults
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound Vulnerable Adult Program

Compliance Officer for the Parish:

Josie Holtzclaw

If you have questions regarding training programs contact the Administrator of Education and Training of the Office of Safe Environments by calling 561-775-9593 or via email. 

For further information, you may also contact the Parish Office at 772-563-0057

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Each year, the Parish of St. John of the Cross offers to our families – Faith Study Classes for the purpose of our younger parishioners – ages 6 – 17, learning about their Faith and preparing for the Sacraments of Penance, First Communion, Confirmation and in some cases, even Baptism.  Classes typically begin at the end of September and run thru the first week in May.  Classes meet in the Church on Monday evenings beginning at 5:30pm and run thru 6:45pm.  In order for those attending classes, parents must Register their children prior to the children attending classes.  Registration for the Religious Education Program begins on August 1st and ends on Aug. 31st, of any given year. Sacramental Preparation for both First Communion and Confirmation is a two year process, as required by the Diocese.  We encourage Students to have  attended 5-6 Years of Faith Study Classes, prior to Confirmation Prep., which is a two year process, once the student is enrolled in the Confirmation Prep. Program.  Now, we can accomplish this in a variety of different ways, the main issue is keeping your child plugged into the Religious Education program. Students must be at least 13 years of age when they enter Confirmation Prep. 1.  If we are truly to live the Gospel - in putting God and our Faith first and foremost in our lives, it is vital that we teach our children, during these formative years, what their Faith is all about and the true meaning of being a disciple.

For more information concerning the Faith Study Program or the various ways to keep your children "Connected in Learning Their Faith" or if you would like to teach Religious Education, please contact Jessica Geary at the Parish Office at 772-563-0057.  What better way to Evangelize than to teach the young of our Parish about their Faith. 

Jessica Geary, PCL, (Parish Catechetical Leader)

RESPECT LIFE

The Respect Life Program mission is to assist in the education of parishioners on a broad range of Catholic moral teaching and principles, especially that of the respect for life from the moment of conception to natural death. The program coordinator brings focus to these moral issues by increasing awareness among the faithful so that they are led to function as good stewards of Church teaching as they function within our society.

If you are, or want to be, a champion of respect life issues, please contact Ginny Frederick, at 567-6131.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

FOR ADULTS – (R.C.I.A.)

This ministry calls us to share our faith with those interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith or considering becoming a member of the Catholic Faith. There are approximately 25 sessions covering the basics of the Catholic Faith.  Each participant receives a Bible, the Catholic Catechism and a text book covering all the subjects and additional information. 

Jessica Geary - (772)-563-0057.

SACRAMENTAL PRAYER GROUP

The Sacramental Rosary is a group which meets on Thursday evening at 7PM in the cry room at St John Of the Cross.  We begin by asking the intentions of the participants. Why are we saying the Rosary?. What are their hopes and their petitions to our Blessed Mother ? The power of the Rosary is multiplied by the participation of the many who do honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We focus on the Mystery in keeping with the season.  A meditation is read before each decade to help us reflect on the meaning of the Mystery.  Then using the book Scriptural Rosary ,we reflect on an explanation before each Hail Mary.

Our Goals
1. We call our members to examine the meaning of each Mystery
2. We share the power of prayer with others
3. We focus on sharing the power of God in our lives
4. We are encouraged to spend time with each other to share our joys, our gratitude. our trials, and our difficulties, knowing that the power of God is working in our lives through the intercession of our Blessed Mother. 

For more inform ation on this wonderful Ministry, please contact:  Annette Gekle @ 772-299-3603.

SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES

To be a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, once answers a “calling” to a form of Consecrated Life in the Church.  Considered, in every way, a Vocation, members are comprised of Friars, Nuns and Seculars.  Those who make up the Secular Branch of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus are practicing members of the Catholic Church, who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, make a commitment to the Order – to seek the face of God – for the sake of the Church and the world.  Because a Secular Carmelite is considered a Vocation, there is a discernment process as well as a period of formation of 6 years, that eventually culminates with the person making a solemn promise and in some cases a vow. Seculars are referred to OCDS.

At present, there are 16 OCDS communities in the state of Florida. A community is designated by the City in which they meet. Each community has a Religious title that is usually named after a Carmelite Saint.

The name of our Province is “The Washington Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

In our Province, we have over 146 OCDS communities. The Discalced Carmelite Order is all over the world.  We have Constitutions and Statutes that we live by. The Community that has been meeting at the Saint John of the Cross Parish is recognized by Rome and is Canonical. We are designated as the Vero Beach Florida OCDS Community.

Although the foundation and essence of our vocation is prayer, we are not considered a “prayer group”.

According to our Provincial Statutes: A Secular Carmelite is to:

1. Practice mental prayer for at least 30 minutes each day in an atmosphere of Interior silence and solitude.

1. Participate and unite their prayers with those of the universal Church by participating in the Church’s liturgical celebrations. Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer of the liturgy of the hours are to be prayed each day. The praying of Night Prayer is highly encouraged.
2. They will seek, within the limits imposed by their secular state, to participate in daily Mass whenever possible.
3. Engage in daily examination of conscience, ideally just before retiring or at the beginning of Night prayer.
4. Participate frequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
5. Attend at least one retreat per year- Preferably a Carmelite retreat when possible.
6. Faithfully attend monthly meetings of the community
7. All Secular Carmelites have a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother

If you feel a “Call”  to the vocation of the OCDS, Please contact Amy Powers for further information.

While the Parish center is being built at SJOTC Church, we are meeting at St. Helen Catholic Church. We meet one Saturday per month.

Amy Powers, President
Vero Beach, FL. OCDS Community
Contact Phone Number: 561-307-5622

USHERS

Ushers assist in the seating of parishioners, handle the collections during Offertory, offer Parish Bulletins to exiting parishioners, and other duties as called upon. New volunteers for Ushering are always welcomed.

Please call the Parish Office at 563-0057 if you have an interest in becoming an Usher or see Deacon Dennis

WELLNESS PROGRAM

The goal of the Wellness Ministry is to reach out to all those who are in need of  spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental healing. Volunteers seek to serve those  most vulnerable in our communities such as the frail, elderly and those without access to quality healthcare due to financial or cultural barriers. Services are provided primarily to our own parishioners. This free service is for all in the community regardless of sex, race, religion or any other factor.

If you are a nurse or someone who can sit and give comfort to a person, please call Pat Dimesa at 563-0057. 

Do not be afraid to say YES to helping out those in need in our community! Start living a “Beatitude” today!

WOMEN’S CARE CENTER PRAYER GROUP

Be a part in making miracles happen.  Step into Holy Ground by coming to the WCC to pray the Pro-Life Rosary for the Center. It’s employees, our Director, the Board of Directors, our benefactors large and small and above all, our clients who come to us seeking help for their pregnancy.  We meet every Thursday, starting promptly at 9:30am and end about 10:05am.  Only about 35 minutes weekly to be a part of miracles!  We are located at the corner of Rt. 60 eastbound lanes and 31^st Avenue, where there is a large PINK sign as marker.  Park in front or at the rear of the building.  Just enter through the first PINK DOOR on your left.  All are welcome. 

Contact Tom Frederick at 772-567-6131, if you have any questions.

WOMEN’S GUILD

This ministry is involved in fund raisers in support of the Building Fund, the Soup Bowl and Publix Gift Certificates to be used in the Wellness Ministry. The Women's Guild is always there to step in where the Parish or other Ministries need them.  We also Host many Guest Speakers in an effort to Evangelize and educate members concerning our Faith, in line with Catholic Teaching.

For further information, please contact: Terri Spytek, President at 772-559-3100