Boots N Bling Western Fling Saturday

Photos by Jane Winstead

Wow! Just look at that amazing collection on gift baskets. One of them could be yours if you sign up for the gift basket raffle that's part of Boots N Bling Western Fling set for Saturday, February 24 in the Parish Center.

Here's what's in those gift baskets:

• The Ultimate Family Movie Night Basket: Family-friendly DVDs, a popcorn maker, candy and more!

• Tennis Anyone?: This basket has ll you need to take your game to the next level, including lessons! Also includes water bottles, tennis balls, sunscreen and lunch for two.

• Beautiful Wine Basket: A fabulous variety for your sipping pleasure.

• Beers of the World Basket: The name says it all.

• Beach Basket: Everything you need for fun in the sun with your family.

Saddle up and join us for the St. Raphael Annual Auction to benefit St. Raphael Catholic School.

The western themed gala event will include bull riding, line dancing, a silent auction and a live auction. Tickets are $55 per person. That includes dinner, beer and wine. A full bar is available with a $15 cost for each endless cup.

Don't forget to sign up for raffle tickets at $50 each for a $2,500 cash prize. Dad's Club tickets are $25 each.

Boots N Bling Western Fling runs 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, February 25 in the St. Raphael Parish Center.

Jane Winstead: What CRHP means to me

I was asked to attend CRHP weekends for several years and I made excuses not to attend. After a few years of saying, “No” I finally said, “Yes” and it was the best decision I had ever made.

I first attended a CRHP weekend in 1993. The weekend opened my eyes to a new dimension of spiritually. I realized how much God loves me and how much He wanted to heal me in every aspect of my life.

The weekend gave me an opportunity to meet wonderful women and bond with them spiritually and emotionally. God called me to continue with the formation for the next CRHP weekend. During those six months was a journey of love, healing and spiritual renewal with my CRHP team.

I also was part of the Team for CRHP in 2003 and 2005. Every time I was a part of another team, God blessed me and healed me. I was able to make friends with wonderful women.

My CRHP Sisters have touched my life in a very beautiful way. I thank God for CRHP and my beautiful sisters in Christ. The priests were also a very special part of my journey in CRHP.

-- Jane Winstead

INTERESTED?: The St. Raphael Catholic Church Women's CRHP Weekend will be March 10 and 11. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Jocelyn Pedalino at jocelynp619@gmail.com

Final weekend of Annual Pastoral Appeal

Photos by Jane Winstead

Deacon Peter Burns speaks at 9:30 a.m. Mass about the value of APA.

Deacon Peter Burns of St. Timothy Parish and the Diocese spoke passionately last weekend about the Annual Pastoral Appeal, which helps fund programs at the Diocese level to help people. This weekend will be the final weekend for the APA.

Here are is an explanation from Father Tim about Deacon Burns’ visit:

“Deacon Peter’s responsibilities in the Diocese put him directly in touch with the importance and value of APA. This appeal is used to help the Church reach out to those in need.

“I heartily ask you to do one of two things. If you haven’t given to APA in the past, please do so; your generosity is very important and it is used to share the goodness of God in many ways through our Diocese.

“If you have given in the past, I encourage you to increase your offering, even if only a little bit. A 5% increase will go a long way to help us meet our commitment and to benefit those throughout the area. This year our APA Assessment (amount we must send to the Diocese) and our APA Goal (amount offered directly by parish members) is $237,552. Yes, it is a lot of money, but we have come close and I know we can do it this year.”

This weekend, Father Tim will share facts about the APA and St. Raphael’s participation.

From Father Tim: “No one likes to ask for money, especially me. However, not only do your direct contributions to APA go to good use, they help relieve the parish from increasing its diocesan debt.

“This year the Diocese changed the APA Home Appeal Process. If you haven’t received your Direct Letter by now, please, please take one of the envelopes in the pews, marked for St. Raphael, and use this for your pledge and/or gift. It is important to use envelopes that have our Parish APA Number: 410. This will ensure credit is given to the parish. We are now posting the 2012 APA collection numbers in our bulletin.”

As of February 14, 43 families had given $8,575 to the 2012 Annual Pastoral Appeal.

Nicole Dambroski: What CRHP means to me

I can't really say enough about what CRHP has meant to me. When I was invited to attend the CRHP weekend, I was a little hesitant because I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know anyone who was attending, and I really didn't know what the weekend was about.

I was new to Florida, and new to the parish, and although I enjoyed coming to Mass at St Raphael's, I wouldn't say that I knew very many people at all. But CRHP completely changed all of that. I got to meet so many amazing women, and make so many new friends, that I can't believe I was ever apprehensive about it at all. Everyone was so welcoming. The weekend was truly an eye-opening experience and it completely changed the way I thought about my faith. 


It meant so much to me that I even went through the process a second time! Whether you're looking to deepen your faith, make some new friends in the parish, or just take a weekend for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

The Lord knows the things that we need, and CRHP is definitely what I needed... it may be just what you need too! It's such a blessing to have this ministry at St Raphael's, and I hope you take the opportunity to be blessed by CRHP in the same way that I was!

-- Nicole Dambroski

INTERESTED?: The St. Raphael Catholic Church Women's CRHP Weekend will be March 10 and 11. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Jocelyn Pedalino at jocelynp619@gmail.com

Louise Barrett: What CRHP means to me

I made my CRHP weekend back in 1986, right after I joined St. Raphael's with two toddlers. It came at the perfect time for me, as I really needed a retreat and the support of other women as a mother of young children.

At the weekend CRHP Retreat, I met women who became my special friends at St. Raphael's for the past 25 years. Because of the CRHP weekend, I felt part of the Parish and learned that my Parish was a special place for me.

During the follow up after the retreat, my 54-year-old dad died unexpectedly. My CRHP sisters surrounded me with love and prayers. I will always be grateful for this very special program. It gave me so many blessings and the strength to endure the loss of my father.

I hope you have the chance to make this weekend, too.

-- Louise Barrett

The St. Raphael Catholic Church Women's CRHP Weekend will be March 10 and 11. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Jocelyn Pedalino at jocelynp619@gmail.com