Church guide

At yesterday's service a few of the 10 children that St. Luke's Church sponsored for Church Camp gave a brief explanation of their week at camp. St. Luke's also had 1 adult counselor who gave a very touching report.

Father Shawn returns from Italy to St. Luke's. Like the temperatures at St. George's Church in southern Italy - St. Luke's church was very hot. One of the air-conditioners at St. Luke's church had stopped working and no repairmen could come until next week due to the 4th of July holiday. At St. Luke's church no windows can be opened and you don't get the sea breezes. Father Shawn did purchase 2 new large fans that were used for both services on Sunday which was helpful.

Father Shawn's wife ordered and brought with them to Italy new signs for St. George's church. Thanks to Franco helping at the top gate and Salvatore at the bottom gate.

Father Shawn and his wife visited the cemetery with a parishioner of St. George's Church. They also visited the English Chapel in the graveyard.

A new cross was replaced at the top entry gate of the church (St. Geroge's). It was destroyed many years ago when a tree fell on it. This is the exact design of the previous cross. Father Shawn blessed the cross prior to his departure.

Sunday night there was a potluck "Bring & Share" meal at St. George's Church. Getting ready picture.

Sunday, June 30, 2019 Father Shawn's final service for the year at St. George's Church.

On Friday, Fr. Shawn had the privilege of attending the ordination of 6 priests for the Diocese of Messina. The service was presided over by the Archbishop of Messina, Msgr. Giovanni Accolla. The ordination, with its traditional elements, was executed differently from our custom. For example, after the laying on of hands by the Archbishop, followed by the Auxiliary Bishop, each presbyter laid hands on each ordinand individually (this took some time as there were around 300 presbyters present). Similarly, after the anointing of hands, each presbyter passed by to the kiss the hands of the newly ordained. Father Shawn was part of the ecumenical delegation was seated near the altar resulting in amazing view of the proceedings. He was greeted at the Peace by the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop. We were also treated to the music of a fantastic choir and a very powerful organ (rather unusual for Italy). Over three hours later, we were on our way back to Taormina (45 min. drive 1 way).

Father Shawn and his wife have been attending many religious events this week. Father Shawn was invited to a presentation by a professor from the University of Catania about the Council of the Nicea & Council of Constantinople. Also joining us was a Franciscan Nun and St. George’s Ecumenical Relations Representative.

Video of Corpus Christi procession which took several hours as they stop at each church in the town. Note none of the decorations are distributed. The priest and band members are the only ones allowed to step on the detailed decorations. Earlier in the day you may see adults watching over the decorations. The next day everything is cleaned up.

This past Sunday was Corpus Christi. Here are a few of the decorations. Father Shawn was asked to participate in a procession but other comments keep him from participating.

A meeting and visit with the Catholic Ecumenical Officer (Sister Tarcisia) and 2 members of St. George's Church. Then a delicious dinner.

Movie night at St. George's Church on Wednesday evening. Father Shawn provided refreshments for all who attended. Joining was a group of German students who had been studying Theology in Rome for the past year. After the movie off to have pizza with the German students, German Lutheran pastor and a German member of the Lutheran congregation.

Been a very busy week for Father Shawn. A trip to visit a parishioner of St. George's Church who lives about 2 hours and 40 minutes from the church. The lovely lady provided a wonderful lunch for Father Shawn, his wife and another parishioner of St. George's. More to come about the week.

Today it was warm at St. Geroge's Church. Flowers for the altar were picked from the church garden.

Father Shawn visited another beautiful city yesterday - many churches.

Evening before last, Father Shawn did a beach side Wedding - Renewal of Vows. The couple were from USA - Arizona.

Pentecost @ St. George's Church. It was very hot today (90) at time of service and no air- condition.

Several of St. Luke's parishioners have been asking Father Shawn about the eruption of the volcano in Sicily -Italy. Here is a picture from yesterday Mt. Etna, Sicily - Italy

Today shopping trip for plants for St. George's Church garden. Father Shawn packing the large plant through the market. The last photo is a neighboring village.

Video of Corpus Christi procession which took several hours as they stop at each church in the town. Note none of the decorations are distributed. The priest and band members are the only ones allowed to step on the detailed decorations. Earlier in the day you may see adults watching over the decorations. The next day everything is cleaned up.

St. Luke’s parishioners share their musical gifts last night before Christmas Eve Mass.

"We Break This Bread"