Dear Friends in Christ,                                                                         

 

           As you know, in April I had the privilege of being in Washington to welcome Pope Benedict XVI on his first pastoral visit to the United States   It was a true joy to be united to the Holy Father whose mission was to proclaim the simple message: “Christ Our Hope!”  The visit gave me a chance to reflect upon our local history as the only Catholic parish in Plant City .

   

           The first consistent celebration of Catholic Mass took place in Plant City in 1912 thanks to the missionary efforts of the Jesuits.  The dedication of our first “little brick” church in downtown Plant City occurred in 1931.  In 1974 a group of 40 parishioners began the now famous “Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake” booth.  As our parish grew, a new church center which included a multi-purpose building was completed in 1977.  As I mentioned in this column last weekend, I arrived here as a young seminarian for a short ten week summer assignment in 1988.  I never dared to dream that I would return as pastor one day, but I must admit that I am thrilled that it happened.  With the continued growth of our parish, the only Catholic Church in Plant City , a new large church was dedicated in 1998. 

          In commemoration of this special occasion, the 10th Anniversary of our church dedication, and the feast day of St. Clement, our patron saint, we are planning a weekend of celebration November 21-23, 2008.  On Friday 11/21/08 we will celebrate the Eucharist together along with as many of the previous pastors and priests who have served here over the years as can join us.  There will be a fancy fundraiser the following evening at the Red Rose Inn & Suites with a $ 100.00 a plate dinner along with a silent & live auction.  The evening will include a 1 in 300 chance of winning $ 5,000.00.  Sunday 11/23/08 will bring us to the actual Feast Day of St. Clement of Rome after whom we are named but it falls on the Solemnity of Christ the King, hence the necessity of a grand liturgy on Friday evening.  If you are interested in helping out with the committee working on this grand celebration please call Carol Rodriguez @ 727-5214 or MaryAnn Fontaine @ 717-3294.

 

 

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Tom J. Anastasia

Pastor 

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