MINISTRY OF SERVICE extends the resources of the parish to the needs of others and demonstrates a commitment to works of compassion and justice.


KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus is an Order of Catholic men dedicated to serving the Church, our families, our youth and our community. Our four principals are: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Order has 1.7 million Knights in the United States and other countries. Last year, the Knights contributed over $143 million to charity and more than 60 million hours in service to others. Since its early history the Knights of Columbus has maintained close ties with the Holy See. Our Order is open to any man age 18 or over who is baptized into our faith, is a practicing Catholic, and receives communion with our Priest and our Bishops.

Blessed Sacrament’s Knights of Columbus Council #13240 meets the first Thursday of each month in John Bosco Hall at 7:00pm. The 3rd Thursday of each month there is a Social at various restaurants in town or in John Bosco Hall. For further information, please call Grand Knight, Frank Frangella, (352)243-3643.

•BLESSED SACRAMENT ASSEMBLY: The Assembly is the Fourth Degree arm of the Knights of Columbus who, when called upon, readily serve as honor guard at religious and civic functions, in support of our Priests and Bishops. The Fourth Degree Knights' primary purpose is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "Assemblies"). Members are committed to display themselves honorably as Christian gentlemen in their private and public lives, as well as acting patriotically for the good of their nations, displaying reverence for the Eucharist, the Pope, Bishops and hierarchy of the Church, publicly demonstrating willingness to protect the Church and priests and to live a good Christian life.

Blessed Sacrament Assembly #3025 meets the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Social Hall, at 7:00 p.m. For further information, please call Rosario Sulsenti, Faithful Navigator at 407-469-3939 or e-mail <grace.sulsenti@verizon.net>

•KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SQUIRES: For all Roman Catholic young men between ages 10 and 17 who want to be upcoming leaders in our community. Meets the second Saturday of the month in Classroom #4 at 10:00 am. For more information please call Eric Palmer at (352)394-5004.


MARRIAGE

Arrangements for marriage are to be made a minimum of six months prior to setting a marriage date. Registration in the parish is required and ongoing practice of the faith is presumed.

Blessed Sacrament utilizes the FOCCUS instrument [Facilitating Open Couple Communication] to assist engaged couples in their exploration of their expectations and their communication and problem solving skills. A married facilitator couple meets with the engaged to facilitate discussion.


•FOCCUS: Facilitating Open Couple Communication: The Foccus Ministry, a highly successful and very rewarding ministry for Catholic married couples, needs couples to assist with sessions of dialogue with those who plan to get married. The couples would meet with future couples twice for two hour sessions each. Your influence will have a lasting effect on the lives of others.

Diocesan Requirements to be a Foccus Couple: 1) Married for at least five years; 2) Be in a valid Catholic Marriage; 3) Practicing their faith on a regular basis; 4) Attend an appropriate training on the use of Foccus.

Once a Foccus couple meets the requirements they will be placed on a list maintained by the office. The Foccus couple can meet with one or more couples at their home or arrange in advance to meet in one of the classrooms in the parish. The couples would meet with future couples twice for two hour sessions each. Once the sessions are completed a certificate of completion for that couple is provided.


•ANNULMENTS: Marriage has been designed by God to last forever. Yet, sometimes marriages fail. Perhaps a valid sacramental union did not exist in that marriage. If you would like to look into the possibility of seeking an annulment through the Catholic Church, contact us.

For any of the above contact Deacon Fred Molina at the parish office (352)394-3562, ext. 104 (fmolina@blessedsacramentcc.com).


MINISTRY TO SENIORS, PERSONAL & MEDICAL ADVOCACY & VOCATION COUNSELING

This ministry involves advocacy and advisement to the elderly in the areas of health issues and medical education, bereavement and end-of-life concerns. It also provides counseling for matters of faith and the tenets of the Catholic Church attendant to this. Questions and interest in Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, or Religious Life can be addressed on a one-to-one basis. Contact Sister Elizabeth Demirgian, O.P. at (352)394-6640 or cell (352)394-6680. E-Mail (srelizabeth@blessedsacramentcc.com)


MINISTRY TO THE SICK & SHUT-IN:

This ministry is comprised of caring and prayerful parishioners, committed to bringing the Body of Christ and the Word of God to those unable to join their faith community at the Table of the Lord. They visit local nursing homes, assisted living centers, the hospital, and the homes of the sick and shut-in by scheduled weekly arrangement.

Ministers to the Sick continue their educational and spiritual enrichment by participating in diocesan presentations and parish programs. We are always seeking opportunities to increase our knowledge and skills and to enhance our relations with God as well as those entrusted to our spiritual care. Please contact Pete Connelly at (352)243-1129 or Don Navara at (352)243-5444.


MOMS & TOTS PLAYGROUP

This group for stay-at-home moms and pre-school children meets Wednesday mornings at 10:00am for park visits, crafts, monthly field trips, and holiday and birthday celebrations. For more information call Kate Bedford at (352)423-8709.


NURSERY

The Nursery Ministry provides a safe and clean environment for children 6 months thru 4 years so that parents can participate fully in the life of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community. This growing ministry currently provides services by loving, responsible and experienced volunteers on Sundays at the 10:00am Mass, the 12:00pm Mass, and the 5:00pm Mass. With the help of more volunteers, childcare will be available during special parish events, and for ministry meetings. The Nursery is located in Classroom #8, across from the playground. Volunteers and donations are always accepted and appreciated. For more information call Kelly Nowak at (352)242-6360 or email (Kan100@earthlink.net).


PRAISE & PETITION TELEPHONE PRAYER LINE MINISTRY

If you can use a telephone then you can serve in this ministry. This is an at home ministry which provides a network of prayerful support for anyone in need of prayers for a special intention or need. This group will also pray for those listed in on the Parish Web Site as well as for our priests and for vocations. If you would like to join this ministry, please call Gale Dreves (352)323-3492, Maria Valle (352)243-9456 (Bi-lingual), Caroline Painter (352)787-8017, or Oria Russe (352)242-3730 (Bi-lingual), for more information.

•PRAYER REQUESTS: If you or a friend are in need of prayers or you want to give praise and thanks to God, please call one of the contact people listed. Calls are taken seven days a week from 9:00am to 9:00pm. You can also email your request to gpd2@comcast.net. Within a matter of a few minutes people will be praying for you. You may also call the Parish Office and your request will be sent to the Prayer Line.

•LA LINEA TELEFONICA: Si sabe de alguien que necesite oracion o quiere alabar a Dios, por favor pongase en contacto con las siguientes personas: Maria D. Valle (352)243-9456 o Oria Russe (352)242-3730. Hay dos personas bi-lingues, si una no contesta, trate la otra. Cuando las llamadas entran a este ministerio, dentro de pocos minutos muchas personas se ponen en oracion. Tambien se ora por las personas que estan en el boletin. Las llamadas se reciben los siete dias de la semana de 9am hasta 9pm. Gracias por su apoyo a este nuevo ministerio que es tan valioso.


ST. THÉRÉSE' CIRCLE

Motivated by the life of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, St. Thérèse Circle women are dedicated to making a difference in our parish community through our "Small Acts of Love" that make a big difference. The Giving Angel Christmas Tree, Rosary Making Ministry and support for young unwed mothers and their families are the primary service activities for St. Therese' Circle. We find our mission through scripture; 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For the love of Christ impels us!”

This women’s group is ideally designed for the women of our parish who can meet once a month in the evening. Activities and meetings offer spiritual enrichment, fellowship and service. St. Thérèse Circle meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in Room #4 September through May. For more information call Kitty Holt at (352)242-9677 (kah20@aol.com) or Meg Traynor at (352)242-4467 (mitraynor@msn.com).


ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is to assist those in need. Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of the month in John Bosco Hall at 7:00pm. Proceeds from the poor box and newspaper and magazine recycling help support SVDP. Please be generous and remember to deposit your newspapers and magazines in the large container in the parking lot.

Please contact Barbara Cybulski at the Parish Office if you are interested in belonging to this ministry. If you are in need of assistance please call (352)394-3562, ext. 113.

Newspaper and Magazine Recycling Bin: Please bring your newspapers and magazines to the green container on the northwest corner of the parking lot. Please do not use plastic bags or paper bags.

Second Home Store: (352)242-0344. Please remember the St Vincent de Paul Second Home Store for all of your quality pre-owned furnishings and appliances.

En Español: Se reúnen cada segundo jueves del mes en el Salón Social a las 7:00pm. Necesitamos voluntarios que se dediquen a asistir a personas que necesitan ayuda en nuestra comunidad. Para más información o si necesita ayuda puede llamar a la oficina (352)394-3562, ext.113.


SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

What is Spiritual Direction? Spiritual Direction is help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God's personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.

Who needs Spiritual Direction? Anyone who wants to develop a deeper relationship with God. Anyone who would like to have a companion who listens and asks questions that promote understanding and discernment about that journey to a deeper relationship.

What you can expect of a Spiritual Director? You can expect one to two hour monthly meetings in a casual, comfortable, confidential setting. You can expect a good director to keep the focus on the directee's relationship with God. You can expect a good director to be caring and accepting of your journey and your feelings about God. A good director will allow God to be the counselor and not give his or her personal opinions about a course of action for the directee.

If you have any questions or would like spiritual direction contact Jean Wojciechowicz at (352)223-7287 (wojojean@aol.com) or Patricia Sibons at (352)242-1938.