May Crowning of the Virgin Mary at St. Raphael Catholic Church

Photos by T. Allan Smith 

Here are photos of the traditional May Crowning Mass at St. Raphael Catholic Church, organized by the St. Raphael Chapter of the Council of Catholic Women.

CCW Fashion Show --Lollipops & Roses -- 02.15.14

Photos by Jane Winstead

Kay Yennie selected Handmaiden of the Lord for 2014

Kay Yennie and her daughters: From left, Mary Jo Cillian, Kay Yennie, Lois Turnwald, and Niki Smith. All attended the CCW luncheon.

These remarks were prepared for the presentation of the Handmaiden of the Lord Award to CCW member Kay Yennie, who joined the parish in 1969.

Mary Kay Yennie was born in February 2, 1932 to John and Otillia Kearney in Galveston, Texas. She grew up in Galveston and Eagle Lake, Texas. She had no siblings. Her father was a railroad man and her mother was a newspaper editor, so it is no wonder she was destined to travel and tell all the news.

As a child, she seemed headed for stardom as a featured dancer in the mold of Shirley Temple, or a world-class majorette, complete with twirly baton. She was raised as a good Catholic girl who rarely got in trouble (except for the time she and her friends were caught by Sister Mary Agnes smoking in the Girls Room).

She graduated from Dominican High School and went on to study education at the University of Texas in Austin. While she was a student, she met a handsome young Air Force cadet, Eugene Verne Yennie, at a beach party in Galveston one fine summer evening. She almost didn’t go to the beach party but her mother bought her a new outfit so, of course, she went to show it off.

She was smitten. and she and Gene became inseparable for the rest of his training at Ellington Air Force Base. He was shipped off to the war in Korea, but he called her from Tokyo a short time later to propose. Her answer was YES! YES! YES! and they were married July 5, 1952, while he was on leave.

They were stationed at a tiny air field near Great Falls, Montana, where their beautiful and talented daughter Niki was born. Then, they were stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California, where handsome and clever son John and beautiful and talented daughter Lois were born. After a few years in California, word came that the family was to be stationed in England but first there was a brief stop in Galveston, where their beautiful and talented daughter Mary Jo was born.

Then, equipped with a newborn and three toddlers, Kay set off for England by herself. Gene was already there, or so she thought. Turned out Gene met her at Grand Central Station in New York City to accompany the family  to London. Whew!

Life in England was elegant. Kay regularly visited Buckingham Palace, where she had tea with the Queen. Well, she DID visit Buckingham Palace once, as a tourist. (And, through connections, got a special behind-the-scenes tour). Never heard that story? Ask Kay, she’ll tell you.

While in England, Kay and Gene visited all the fabulous capitals of Europe. When, at last, they bid a fond farewell to jolly old England, they returned to California for a brief time. There followed a series of assignments that culminated at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The family moved to St. Petersburg and that’s when Kay first came to the little Spanish-style mission church on Snell Isle that was St. Raphael. The year was 1969.

In those days, St. Raphael was pretty quiet. In fact, they used to roll up the sidewalks after Sunday Mass, at least as Kay remembers it. Activities during the week were rare but Kay loved her little church with the blue ceiling and bright red altar piece. It was a cozy place and Kay felt right at home.

But the life of an Air Force family is all about moving, and it wasn’t long that Kay and Gene would be moving to Panama for a brief stay. After that, the Pentagon called and the family was off to Washington D.C. But Gene was coming up on three decades in the Air Force and it was time for a change. One cold winter evening, Gene had had enough of the snow and ice of the nation’s capitol, and of service in the Air Force. He asked Kay where she would like to retire. She didn’t hesitate. “St. Raphael,” she exclaimed.

Kay and Gene returned to St. Raphael (and, incidentally, St. Petersburg) in 1978. By then, the parish had grown considerably and there were many church activities. Kay became immersed in St. Raphael parish life. She joined the Women’s Guild. She was on Altar Care. She cooked for the first Christ Renews His Parish women’s group and participated in the second one. She taught CCD. She volunteered at the school. There was practically nothing Kay wasn’t involved in. And this went on for 30-plus years before she cut back a little bit.

When the new church was built, Kay organized the Holy Hoovers, a group of volunteers who spruced up the church every Saturday for about seven years.

Even today, at the age of 82, Mary Kay Yennie still models in CCW fashion shows and participates in other CCW activities. She attends daily Mass, which is only a short walk from her condo overlooking the St. Raphael parking lot. She has a front-row seat at 9:30 Mass on Sundays and rarely misses coffee and donuts afterward.

Kay and Gene, both only children, had three beautiful and talented daughters and one handsome and clever son. They now have ten grandchildren, and thirty great-grandchildren.

As a child, Mary Kay Yennie seemed destined to travel the world and tell all the news. She and Gene are frequently on the go visiting their widely scattered family. Kay has also been to the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico, England, all over Europe — and Rome twice to see the Pope.

And she’s still telling all the news.

CCW Lenten Mass and Retreat

Photos by Jane Winstead

CCW May Crowning

Photos by Mary Stoft

CCW-K of C luncheon card party

Photos by Jane Winstead

The Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus sponsored a lunchtime card party on Saturday, October 15, in the Parish Center. Participants played bridge, rummy, poker and other games. Numerous people won great door prizes. Chris Winstead was surprised with a special birthday cake.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

The St. Petersburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention in Tampa Monday featured a murder mystery. CCW members from St. Raphael parish portrayed the suspects. Photographer Jane Winstead captured the frivolity in the slide show above. The culprit was unmasked, we hear, but the solution to the murder mystery may be known only to those present for the performance.

In the meantime, for the edification of the sleuths among us, Saint Raphael Messenger, through no fault of its own, has obtained what has been labeled PS to the Murder Mystery.

PS to the Murder Mystery

The following cleverly color-coded statements, purportedly from the suspects in the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater presented at the St. Petersburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women convention in Tampa on Monday, have been obtained by the Saint Raphael Messenger (through no effort of its own, we might add). Perhaps they shed some light on said murder mystery. Perhaps not. In any case, they most assuredly are supplemented by the slide show from the convention.

From Jade: Well, well, well, Quite a fun little night you had, didn't you, Ms. White? To think, your guests thought I was the one to do our beloved Black in....Ha! You weren't the sweet little socialite they thought you were after all! Well done. XO

From Violet: And to think I was on everyone's hit list!! They hadn't a clue that I would be the next Mr. Black. I do miss you all!!! Remember to take your Benefiber daily!!! Love and Blessings

From CC to Violet: Mr. Black?!! Is your next operation to be a sex change? At your age I should think you could live out the rest of your life as MS. Plum unless you're plum crazy.

From Jade:Oh my goodness, VIOLET, how could I have forgotten to mention you in my email. Or is it that I've chosen to put the hemorrhoid queen behind me, hmmmmm. ;-)

From Ms White:To Prudence Buffy Violet Jade and CC and Rose, I guess by now you know that I have been released from custody but what you don't know is I am with Black spending his billions. He of course was just pretending to be dead with a little help from a few good people we pulled it off .SO LONG SUCKERS !!!!!!!!!!!! Mrs. BLACK aka Ms White

From Buffy: I have decided to relocate to St Pete FL permanently since Uncle Black eloped with White, and I just couldn't see going back to NY by myself. I really have grown quite fond of Jade, Rosy, CC, Prudence, and even Violet (She would be so proud of me, I took my fiber by eating cheetos tonight) I know White and Black will be back one day, and perhaps they will stay at my home from time to time, if they dare... BTW Uncle Black bought me a GORGEOUS house before he left (through Brophy Realty, of course), but it is RIGHT next door to a fire station and there are fire alarms in every room....They also bought my McMansion close to St Raphael's Church in hopes that I might stumble in those doors and become a NEW person. Yes, there is hope for someone even as messed up as me... Maybe Black will start an the Film Production company and we will all live happily ever after, no more crime or violence????

From Ms White/Mrs Black to Buffy: Dear Buffy, will you ever forgive me. I am so sorry that I gave you away at birth but my parents made me do it as it would have been a social disgrace to have you out of wedlock. Your Dad (Black) and I want to make it up to you. We have changed our will and you are our sole heir. the only reason I was so mean to you was to hide my love for you.We want you to come live with us and make up for lost time. (the only rule is no matches or lighters) I can plan a huge coming out ball for you and I have arranged with a plastic surgeon friend of mine to get you laser treatments to remove your tattoos. Please find it in your heart to forgive me and give me a chance to be the mother you deserve xxxMom (Mrs. Black aka Ms White)

From Black, who surprisingly enough is not dead after all: To my gang, I hope all of you are enjoying yourselves and staying out of trouble; of course that doesn’t apply to Buffy who seems to always be in the thick of things. Buffy is always looking for a party as you all know. I am enjoying my time away from the gang and enjoying my water view property, but there may come a time when I request all of you to be present for another job. Especially due to your unique skill sets. In fact, Black’s Film Production maybe a place that calls upon those unique talents that all of you possess. However right now I am enjoying some much needed peace and relaxation. Furthermore, although I am a patient man, never forget that you’re dealing with a genius who foiled your plot for my demise. Trust must be re-established and an oath of loyalty must be reaffirmed before I take any of you back, but then I always have been a quite forgivable and loving Boss. Sincerely, Mr. Black

From CC: Dear Buffy, As a former security agent for both Mr. Black and Ms. White, I would warn you not to get too close to either of them. You can trust what they say to be the exact opposite to what they mean.

From Ms White/Mrs Black to Buffy: My Dearest Buffy, Please do not pay any attention to a thing C.C. says as she is green with envy, full of jealousy and just plan MAD that my Husband(black) and I are finally doing the right thing. xxxxxooooMom P.S. look in your driveway as you will find a late 25th Belated birthday present from your Dad and I. YES it is a brand New Mercedes convertible

St. Raphael CCW on Facebook

Count on hearing regularly from the Council of Catholic Women at St. Raphael now that there's a new Facebook page. Check it out. In fact, if you're on Facebook, stop by the page and LIKE it. You'll be glad you did.

CCW Fashion Show a huge success

By Louise Barrett

Reporting: More angels around our parish.
I know for a fact, this time, that the ones I am writing about are real people, not angels in disguise. They acted like angels this past Saturday at our Fashion Show, and I thought I almost saw wings. These ladies/children will remain anonymous because their acts of charity were done from the goodness God has cultivated within them and the acts were done with no desire for recognition.

The scene: Our Parish center filled with 155 women and 3 brave men.
The tables are filled nearly to capacity with a vacant seat or two scattered and it was difficult to see where there was a vacancy. A beautiful family needing nine seats arrived looking for a table together.

The Problem: No empty table for nine
Like the ones who came to Jesus at the wedding in Cana when the wine ran out, intercessors for the family's need approached the Fashion Show Committee when the seating "ran out". It was an impossible task. There were no empty tables, never mind more then two seats at a table open, anywhere in the Parish Center. It was a moment to close one's eyes, compose one's thoughts, and then smile and say, "Of course we will find someplace to seat you, but we will have to divide your group." I assure you, there was NO PLACE to put this group and we had no idea how we would do this.

The solution: It is good to work with the Lord. There was a table with two open seats, or so we thought. The ones who belonged in the seats we thought were empty, (but weren't after all) graciously joined friends at another table and three other groups of two women at this about to be blessed table relocated to new tables, where they were welcomed warmly by people they were about to meet for the first time. Gracious, smiling faces, happy to move so others could be together. Gracious, smiling faces, happy to accept changes and meet new friends. Suddenly, there was a table available for nine. It was truly God at work through the kindness of our CCW ladies.

Icing on the cake: The Fashion show desserts were amazingly delicious.
So was this: one of the ladies who moved to another table bought opportunity tickets for the kids of the newly seated "nine group" as a special treat. One of those tickets ended up being a winning ticket: the party of nine won both a gift basket and a gift certificate from Patchingtons. The child, in turn, gave the gift certificate to the kind woman who had vacated the table earlier and given the child the ticket to begin with! At this point, the fashion show became THE place to be – so much love it was contagious!

Epilogue: Everyone live happily ever after (at least for the rest of the afternoon) filled with a delicious lunch, the pleasure of being together, having watched the amazing models (our very own CCW members and some of the cutest kids in the universe and even a bride with her wedding party) and the Fashion Show made a great profit. Marty Foreman and Chris Winstead are hereby recognized for master minding the menu and cooking the food. Claudia Soucy, Rosemary Early, Roseanna Costa, and Kathy Guckenberger co-chaired the event. To the many others who attended, donated gifts, set up, helped cook, or clean up. Thank you! You make our Parish a beautiful place, and I imagine your guardian angel and mine are very happy to come with us to St Raphael.

Pack Rat Rummage Sale earns $4,221

Bargain hunters scooped up treasures galore at the annual Pack Rat Rummage Sale on Saturday, January 22 in the Parish Hall. The sale earned $4,221, which will go to support projects of the St. Raphael chapter of the Council of Catholic Women.

CCW plans Pack Rat rummage sale

You have to opportunity to begin the new year burdened with less "stuff" if you donate unwanted or seldom used items to the upcoming rummage sale.

Or you could end up with more "stuff" if you buy at the rummage sale.

Or you could end up with different "stuff" if you donate your unwanted items and buy some of the incredible treasures that are bound to be there.

In any case, you'll be helping.

The St. Raphael chapter of the Council of Catholic Women will hold its Annual Pack Rat Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, in the Parish Center.

Setup and drop off will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 21 but there is some limited space for storage ahead of the event.

Transportation arrangements are being made for those who may need items picked up.

Volunteers are needed for advance pick up of donations and for setup and sorting on Friday, January 21. Volunteers are also needed for the sale and cleanup on Saturday, January 22.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to support CCW projects.

If you have questions, donations or wish to volunteer, call Denise DeBord at (727) 526‐7580 or send her an email at wdebord727@yahoo.com

For CCW, a Christmas Breakfast –– and more

The Christmas season is always so busy and this one is no exception ––especially for the St. Raphael chapter of the Council of Catholic Women. The annual catered December CCW Christmas Breakfast is on Saturday, December 11 but there’s more than eating on the agenda.

It’s about giving. The CCW is collecting gifts for the Shore Acres Nursing Home residents.

Nursing home residents need shirts, sweaters, robes, slippers, lotion and other clothing and toiletry items. Participants should bring a wrapped gift with a tag marked with the item and its size.

The goal is to have enough gifts so that each of the more than 100 residents receives at least one present.

There also will be a member gift exchange at the breakfast. Participation is optional but if you want to be included bring a $10 gift to be exchanged.

All women in the parish are welcome at the CCW event. Make reservations for the event as soon as possible. Parishioner and CCW member Celeste Brown is cooking so you know the meal will be delicious.

Send your check for $7 per person (payable to CCW) to Louise Barrrett, 820 24th Avenue N, St. Petersburg FL 33704 or drop it in an envelope marked “CCW Christmas Breakfast” and put it into the collection this Sunday, December 5.

The work of Maggie Moren

Reprinted from the Council of Catholic Women November newsletter

The Saint Jude Medal was established in 1999 by our Bishop Lynch to recognize the contributions of laity throughout our diocese. The individuals (who are recommended by their Pastor) have given “exemplary service and shown extraordinary dedication to their parish”.

Congratulations to CCW member Maggie Moren, who will be awarded the 2010 St Jude Medal for St. Raphael Parish on the Feast of Christ the King, Nov. 21. Maggie has served St. Raphael since 1995.

Maggie’s working background is in Human Resources both at John Knox in Missouri, and Target in both Missouri and Florida (She helped open 10 stores in Florida.) She also worked for four years as a parish administrator at St. Patrick Church in Tampa when her husband was transferred to this area.

Maggie began working almost full time as a volunteer at St. Raphael after she retired in 2000, later volunteering to help at Catholic Charities and Pregnancy Plus Medical. She and her husband Rod have four grown children and three grandchildren.

At St. Raphael, Maggie worked many years as an RCIA team member. Maggie now serves as head sacristan and is on the liturgy committee.

She has been a CCW member since 2002, and has held several offices in the group. Maggie has cooked, shopped, set up, organized and cleaned up for numerous CCW events. Maggie has been a part of St Raphael Bible studies.

Maggie is also an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, altar server and reader at weekday and weekend Masses. Maggie is part of the Adoration ministry, Communion to the homebound, and the Rosary ministry. Maggie has taken Holy Communion to those at Shore Acres Nursing home and helped with the monthly Mass there for many years.

She has been the Respect Life co‐chair, believing firmly in the dignity of life from the womb to the tomb. She has organized the Baby Bottle fundraiser at St Raphael and at other parishes and helped organize baby showers for Pregnancy Plus Medical and Mary's Outreach.

Maggie was a major organizer of our Parish/Diocesan 40 Days for Life Program, connecting with other Catholic Parishes and Protestant Churches.

In addition, Maggie volunteered at Catholic Charities after Hurricane Katrina helping those who came to the St. Pete area as refugees. Maggie was so effective that she was hired as a temporary staff member for the relocation project.

Maggie has been on the board of Pregnancy Plus Medical for the last three years. She is now able pursue one of her dreams by returning to her love of art. Maggie uses oils and pastels. Some of her beautiful works have been donated to the charities she supports.

We are honored to have Maggie recognized for her faith-filled love and service to St Raphael and the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Past St Jude’s Medal Recipients include Bernadine Quartetti (09), Don and Ruth Mattick (08), Vivian Frank (07), Lu Perrin (06), Ofelia Hoeppner (05), Terry Hamm (04), Bernadette Bailey (03), Celeste Brown (02), Truus Stuimer (01), Ginny Hansen (00), Jeanette Bolich (99).

A fitting place for St. Joseph

• This article has been updated with additional information about the St. Joseph shrine.

Parishioner Greg Creamer has completed the altar for the statue of St. Joseph now installed on the south side of the church near the tabernacle.

The statue of St. Joseph and the baby Jesus now stands atop a three-foot mound of lava rock, cedar stone, river rock and slate in a fittingly masculine setting.

The two-day project began with a trip to the stone yard Friday afternoon to select materials. Greg knew what to look for because he would be matching the look of the altar for the statue of the Blessed Mother on the opposite side of the church.

Though he was using the same materials, Greg selected larger pieces to achieve the masculine look he wanted. It took two trips to the stone yard to get what he needed. He used about 1,200 pounds of material for the project.

A plywood base supports the whole structure and the statue is bolted to the stand. It’s a creative process to place the rocks just right to achieve the desired look but for Greg, who owns Artistic Flowers and supplies arrangements for the St. Raphael altar, that is a welcome challenge.

Each stone, with its unique shape and character, adds to the overall effect. Greg placed stones and removed them with an eye for the details and an understanding of what each piece added to the composition. He assembled the project in about two hours Saturday afternoon.

Greg built the altar for the Blessed Mother five years ago at the request of Monsignor Caverly. When Father Tim and Deacon Jim asked him to create an altar for St. Joseph using similar materials he was happy to oblige.

“It’s a blessing to be able to do this project for our parish,” he said. “Many people work many hours to make our church what it is and I am glad to do whatever I can to help.”

The shrine was made possible by the St. Raphael chapter of the Council of Catholic Women through a $3,000 bequest from CCW member Lily Manfredo Riconda. St. Joseph has special meaning for Lily, whose late husband, Leo Joseph Riconda, was born on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph.

• Click on photo of St. Joseph above to enlarge | Photos by Jane Winstead

Inside the CCW card party

Video by Louise Barrett

Ever wondered what happens at a Council of Catholic Women card party? Videographer Louise Barrett takes you inside the card party that was held on Saturday, October 16, at the Parish Center. Take a look to see what all the excitement is about. Proceeds from the card party and other CCW events are used to support the parish in various ways. Music: Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds.

Below, see a slide show from the CCW card party.

Photos by Jane Winstead