40 Days for Life campaign kickoff

Photo by Jane Winstead

Faithful Catholics gathered on Tuesday on Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg for the kickoff of the 40 Days for Life campaign. The prayer campaign to end abortion is conducted each year in front of the All Women's Health Center, an abortion clinic. Father Dominic lead the group in prayer. Parishioners are invited to participate in the campaign and represent St. Raphael in prayer vigils on Saturday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 11. Your one hour on either of those days can help. | View slide show

Women's CRHP weekend retreat

Photo by Jane Winstead

Women of the parish completed the Christ Renews His Parish fall retreat on Sunday. Women were treated to a weekend of prayer, reflection and pampering. Watch for announcements of the next Women' CRHP weekend.

Aloha from the Father-Daughter Dance

Photos by Jane Winstead

Dads and their daughters at St. Raphael Catholic School were all decked out in island garb for the annual Father-Daughter Dance on Sept. 16. There were hula hoop contests, games, food, conga lines, limbo contests, and, of course, lots of dancing to while the night away.

Those who teach the Catholic faith

Photos by Jane Winstead

The parish celebrated Catechetical Sunday to honor and bless those who teach the Catholic faith. Father Tim asked teachers of St. Raphael Catholic School, our Faith Formation Program in both home and school and the RCIA Youth and Adult programs. Father Tim offered a blessing for all the teachers.

What's proper for Communion

Photo by Jane Winstead

Father Tim explained Sunday that non-Catholics or Catholics not properly catechized should not receive Communion but may come up with their arms crossed over their chest for a blessing by the priest or to receive a short prayer by a lay minister. Receiving Communion is special and sacred for Catholics. The consecrated host is the Body of Christ. Catholics who receive Communion should consume the host. Hosts have been found in hymnals and outside the church in the front area recently. The issue was addressed in June and August but incidents have occurred since then.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Photo by Jane Winstead

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study meets in the St. Joseph Room each Wednesday. It not too late to join the group. Check the new St. Raphael Bible Study Page for regular updates.

Meeting in the new Parish Hall

Photo by Jane Winstead

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study group met in the new Parish Hall for the first time on Wednesday, September 14. The new hall, formerly the original St. Raphael church, will provide much-needed meeting space for parishioners.

Join us for Wednesday Bible Study

Photo by Jane Winstead

Father Tim speaks to the Wednesday Morning Bible Study group.

Thinking you don’t have time to fit one more thing in your schedule? You are not alone. But please consider one of the most important things we can do as Christians … learn more about what Christ said and did through scripture study. The only way to know him and to pass this on and teach our children is to spend time with him. | Read more on our new Bible Study page.

Have they taken the FUN out of the FEST?

You may be out of the habit of seeing nuns wearing the traditional black clothing, but for the next few weeks, at least, chances are good that you'll spot the nun in the logo above somewhere around town.

It's all part of the festivities leading up to the newly named St. Raphael Festival (Oct. 21-23), which is really the old Fun Fest, leading some wags to note that they've taken the FUN out of FUN FEST! But really, this festival seems to be shaping up to be as much fun as the previous events, only more so.

You'll want to keep up with the antics of the St. Raphael Festival Nun, so you won't miss out on any of the fun. Expect to see the St. Raphael Festival Nun in the most unexpected places. That's all we're saying for now.

For people who like food but don't care much for fair food, there are some new twists coming. The details will be available soon but here's an early tip: Saturday night and Sunday night will have special themed dinners with great menus that haven't been part of the festival before. Furthermore, there will be new food booths this year, so there will be more choices.

If you love the corn dogs and can't wait to savor all that sugary fried dough, never fear. Traditional fair food will be available, too.

There are other surprises in store as well. This community-wide event is an important fundraiser for St. Raphael Catholic School and it is shaping up to be the most fun-filled St. Raphael Festival ever, regardless of whether FUN is in the name. It'll be anything but FUN in name only.

Okay, enough with the FUN PUNS.

St. Raphael Festival looking for volunteers

You could have a fun-filled weekend in October, meeting parishioners you never knew existed and working hard for a good cause. The annual parish event formerly known as St. Raphael Fun Fest is looking for a few good workers. There are all kinds of jobs available — food preparation, food booths, game booths, sports games, beer and wine booth.

Sign up online at Sign Up Genius. It's easy. Just click on the FIND A SIGN UP tab, enter akacproski@upcic.com, then click on Festival 2011. Pick the date, time and booth. That's all there is to it.

Except for showing up, of course. Please arrive 15 minutes before your shift to check in at the Volunteer Table and receive instruction. And don't forget to check out at the Volunteer Table at the end of your shift.

Then you can stick around to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the St. Raphael Festival, a major fundraiser for St. Raphael Catholic School.

Sign up for Women's CRHP

Photo by Jane Winstead

It's nearly time for Women's CRHP. The Christ Renews His Parish program is a retreat offering a relaxed invironment for women with a bit of pampering, a chance to make friends, enjoy some quiet time, and connect with Christ. Coe let Jesus fill that void. If you're interested, call Suzanne Tredo at (727) 4243-4544, or email at suzanne@teachingu.net.

New Roman Missal information sessions

For many people, change does not come easy. Change requires us to stop doing things a certain way in order to do something else. But change is also an opportunity to stop and reflect on what we are doing and to come to a better understanding of God, who does not change. To learn more about the Roman Missal changes that will be taking place, plan on attending one of three information sessions.

• Tuesday, September 13 — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. — St. Joseph Room
• Wednesday, September 21 — 7:30 p.m to 9 p.m. — Marion Room
• Monday, September 26 — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — St. Joseph Room.