• Please remember to wear your masks at all times, wash your hands frequently, and social distancing is still in effect.
  • Vatican News
  • Seven Days Sanctuary Lamp Devotion: The Sanctuary Lamp which burns in the Sanctuary of our church, the reminder of the Lord’s Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist, will burn from November 25 through December 1 for the Repose of Soul of Ted Bast, requested by Betty Bast.
    • Parishioners are encouraged to schedule the Sanctuary Lamp for a loved one or a special event in your life or family. Contact the church office to schedule your intention(s). The stipend amount is $25.00.
  • Bishop’s Appeal: His Excellency, Bishop Jerome Feudjio wishes to express his gratitude to all the dedicated clergy and generous donors for their unwavering commitment in supporting the annual Bishop’s Appeal. As of October 23, 2023, the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal received $139,368.88 in contributions, representing a 22% increase compared to 2022. Donations to the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal will officially close at the end of December 2023. Your continued contributions are crucial in sustaining our vital work in serving others and strengthening our faith community.
    • Holy Family’s contribution was $14,315.22, or 10% of the total.
  • December is the Month of Christmas.
    • Advent candles will be lit every Sunday at every mass, either by a family, a group or a designated ministry.
    • During Advent, there will be no musical instruments at mass. Let’s accompany the singing by clapping our hands.
  • Processions and blessings:
    • There will be a procession and blessing inside the church November 25 – 26, the Feast of Christ the King, after each mass with the Blessed Sacrament.
    • For the closing of the Month of the Dead, there will be a procession and blessing of the graves at Eastern Cemetery on Thursday November 31stafter the 7:00 am mass. Transportation will be available from the church.
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Wednesday, November 29, 2023: Columban Hall Board will be meeting at 6:00 pm in the lower Columban Hall.
    • Thursday, November 30, 2023: Father Modeste will meet with the Cleaning and Decoration Ministries at 6:00 pm in lower Columban Hall.
    • Saturday, December 2, 2023: There will be a Lectors’ Workshop from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in upper Columban Hall. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Registration fee for the workshop is $12.00, which includes books and materials.
    • Friday, December 8 Invitation: The priest invites all sick people in the homes to the mass of the Immaculate Conception of Mary at the Cassi Hill Shrine at 7:00 am or 6:00 pm according to their possibilities.
    • Saturday, December 9, 2023: Advent Women’s Retreat, St. Anne’s Parish, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Confessions will start at 9:30 am.
    • Sunday, December 17, 2023: Ministries are invited to join the CCD Ministry, the Youth Ministry, and the Young St. Vincentians at 3:00 pm in the upper Columban Hall as we “Deck the Halls with Christmas Carols.” With a donation of $25 per ministry, you can decorate a table to represent your favorite Christmas Carol. Contact the CCD Ministry for additional information.
    • Monday, December 25: Infant Baptisms at 9:00 am mass. Register your children now.
  • Non-Perishable Food Items: Non-perishable food items will be collected this weekend, November 25 – 26, at each Holy Mass during offertory. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities and shut-ins of our Parish. We thank you for your generosity
  • Monthly Liturgical Master Schedule: The liturgical schedule is not available because some of the ministries have not submitted the necessary information.
  • The 250th Jubilee Committee will be holding a Holiday Soup Sale on Saturday, December 2, 2023 in the Hospitality Lounge. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at our church office.
  • Christmas Concert: St. Joseph Workers and the CCD Program will be presenting a Christmas Concert on December 3 at 5 pm in the upper Columban Hall. Tickets are $25 and available at the church office.
  • 2nd Banns of Marriage:There is a promise of marriage between Brenda Lee Sutton and Khana Spencer Smith. If you know of an impediment to this marriage, please contact the pastor. The celebration will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
  • Catechesis for Adults and Youth Ages 12 and Up: Continues every Tuesday and Friday at 6 pm in Columban Hall. Please make every effort to attend the sessions; your attendance will be greatly appreciated.
  • Friday Masses: Mass continues at the Shrine every Friday at 7:00 am. All parishioners are invited to attend.
  • Job Vacancy: Catholic Charities of the VI has an opening for a Case Manager. Multilingual and knowledge of different resources available in the community is a plus. Please submit resume to info@catholiccharitiesvi.org, or call the main office at 340-777-8518.
  • Life in the Spirit Seminar: Holy Family Church, in conjunction with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, is conducting a 7 week Life in the Spirit Seminar which began on Monday, October 16, 2023 and will end on Monday, December 4, 2023. The goal of this seminar is to introduce the Holy Spirit to those in the community who have not yet experienced his love and his power in their lives. The Lord is calling us into a deeper relationship with him. Come and experience his love. Forms can be obtained from the back of the church.
  • Saint Vincent de Paul Youth Conference: The SVdP Youth conference provides an excellent organization in which young people can grow spiritually as well as give service. It is an opportunity for Youth to use their talents to make a difference in others’ lives. We invite the young people of the parish to join the Society.
  • Sts. Peter & Paul Alumni: Save the dates: March 16th and 17th, 2024 for Jaguars Alumni Reunion events. Please email your class graduation year, name – first, maiden, last and email address to stspeterpaulalumni@gmail.com. More information will be sent to you.
  • Restrooms: We are asking for people with plumbing skills to assist with the building of the new restrooms, and for donations of 3 toilets, 2 urinals, and 2 face basins. Thanks for your generosity.
  • Weekday Offerings: Collections will be taken up at the 7 am Wednesday Masses and feast days.
  • Infant Baptisms: Infant Baptisms will take place the third Sunday of every month.
  • The Holy Family Prayer Group meets every Monday in the church from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join in praise and worship and intercessory prayers as we lift our personal petitions and those of the entire Church community to the Lord.
  • Holy Water: Parishioners are asked to refrain from filling large bottles at the holy water container. Appropriate bottles (8 ounces) are available for sale at the office.
  • Paper Donation: We are in need of 11 × 17 copying paper for printing the weekly bulletin. Thank you for your contribution.
  • Catholic Charities is desperately in need of 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms rental apartments in the St. Thomas/St. John district. All interested landlords/individuals please call the administrative office at 340-777-8515 for additional information. Thank you for your interest in this important matter.
  • Security Fencing: Help is urgently needed with the security fencing of the church property. Balbo Construction is presently doing the work at NO charge to the church. We’re asking all available men to come out and assist. Runners are also needed to pick up material and other items. Women, you too can assist by supplying water, ice, juices, and sandwiches or to just pass blocks to the men. No offer of help will be turned down. Please, we would not want to have a work stoppage due to the lack of help. Put on your boots, put on your hats, grab a shovel, and let’s get to work!
  • Maintenance Person: We continue to seek a maintenance person, with a good knowledge about plumbing and electricity works, in good health and fear of God. Let all parishioners help to have someone in this position.
  • Mass Schedule Change: Effective July 3, 2023, there is no Monday Mass, and Friday Mass has returned to 7:00 am. We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause. Please note: the Charismatic Prayer Group continues to meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church; all are encouraged to attend.
  • The Catholic Voice—Every Wednesday at 5:00 pm: We are pleased to announce that our diocese has been blessed with a new weekly television and radio program, titled “The Catholic Voice.” We will be airing our program every Wednesday at 5:00 pm and replay on Sunday at 1:30 pm on television, and on Sundays at 6:00 pm on CBN (Caribbean Super Station) radio frequency 90.9 FM to promote our mission, visions and its objectives. Tune in!
  • Bishop’s Appeal 2023: The public phase of our Bishop’s Appeal 2023 concluded the weekend of May 27 – 28. As of May 23, 2023, the parishes have raised $83,578.55.
    • We are grateful to all those who have donated to the Bishop’s Appeal. Our schools, Catholic Charities, and Evangelization efforts still need everyone’s support! Your gift helps feed the hungry and gives safe shelter to mothers and children in desperate need. For your convenience, you can still make a pledge and pay it in installments. The Bishop’s Appeal will formally end on December 31, 2023, so you have ample time to fulfill your pledge.
  • Church Office Hours: The Parish Community is reminded that the church office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please be guided accordingly.
  • Columban Hall Rental Fees have been updated, effective immediately. The new rates are:
    • Deposit: $500.00
    • Events with admission fee: $1,500.00
    • Funeral reception: $1,000.00
    • Special events: $1,650.00
    • Registered active parishioner discount: 15%
    • Extra day setup fee (#28 in contract): $500.00
  • Altar Servers: The Holy Family Parish is in need of additional Altar Servers to serve at its various masses. Training for current and new Altar Servers are held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays, following the CCD classes. Please contact Mr. Austin Walters if your child has made 1st Communion and is willing to serve in this important ministry. Applications can be found in the back of the church.
  • Church Announcements: Effective immediately, all church announcements must be submitted to the Church Office via email by Tuesday. Announcements received after this time will not be accepted.
  • Sons of Abraham: The men of our church continue to meet on Thursdays, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lower Columban Hall.
  • Personal Items: Please note the Church is not responsible for any personal items left in the church. Parishioners are being asked to check for items before exiting the church.
  • Devotional Candles: Good news! The candles are here! You can purchase your candles(s) at the Sacristy (before or after Mass) or at the office. Candle sale is limited to five (5) candles per person; candles will not be sold by the case. We thank you for your cooperation and your patience while awaiting the arrival and delivery of the candles.
  • Offertory Envelopes: Parishioners who are not registered for envelopes are invited to do so at the office.
  • Ministry Meetings: Ministry Leaders are being asked to give the office a courtesy call if your ministry will not be meeting on its scheduled date. This is to ensure that the gates will not remain open unnecessarily.
  • Price Increases: Parishioners be advised of the following increases: Eternal Candle is now $25, Weddings $800, and Funerals $600. These increases are effective July 1, 2022.
  • Parish Council and Finance Committee: After a moment of prayer, scrutiny and consultation with Fr. Kerly, the following parishioners have been selected as members of:
    • Parish Council Members: Adriana Casimir; Marie Myrtha Bourdeau; Marguerite Rene; McFarlane Babulal; Glendia Caines; Joseph Toussaint; Vincia St-Jean; Josette St. Jean; Ilma Gumbs-St. Louis; Austin Walters; Carmen White; Rose Labadie.
    • Parish Finance Committee Members: Lucia Thomas, Betty Bast, Claudia Winston, Yvonne Freeman, Silia Erilis, Hilda Celestine.
  • Parish Activities and COVID-19 Protocols’ Update
    • Columban Hall
      • No need to seek Department of Health’s permit if you have less than 1000 guests attending the event.
    • Holy Mass
      • No temperature check at the church doors.
      • Effective Christmas Midnight Holy Mass, there will be two lectors assigned to proclaim the Word of God at Holy Mass.
    • Funeral Services
      • Viewing in church and Rite of Committal at the cemetery resumed on December 23rd’s funeral service.
      • Please note social distancing, mask wearing, and personal efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease are still required.
  • Ministry of the Word: Sign up: Registration for new members is in progress. Please consider joining this ministry by signing up your name on the sheet provided on the desk at the rear of the Church. Existing lectors do not need to sign up again.
  • Altar of Sacrifice: Our Altar of Sacrifice will be removed temporarily from the sanctuary for refurbishing. In addition, our sanctuary will be robed with a few new and refurbished  liturgical and sacred apparels to enhance the sacredness and the dignity of this sacred space of our church.
  • Gratitude: We have been receiving offertory envelops from our home bound parishioners by mail and hand delivery. We thank you for keeping up with your sacrificial commitment. We also extend our thanks to our online contributors. May God reward your generosity.
  • Protection of Children: The Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is committed to protecting children from all harm. If you have knowledge of any member of the clergy or other church worker who may have abused a minor, please contact the diocesan child protection coordinator, Callista Julien at 340-772-4214.
  • Pastoral Letter: A message from Bishop Jerome Feudjio, June 2021.
  • Altar Servers Albs: As we are preparing new Altar Servers for installation, we are asking parents who are keeping Altar Server’s Albs to please return them in in the Sacristy or in the Church Office anytime during Office Hours. There are only two albs in the Sacristy. We thank you for your cooperation
  • Parish Secretary: We welcome aboard Ms. Carmen A. White as our new Parish Secretary. We thank parishioners for the patience you endured. Looking forward to reconnecting with you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We take this opportunity to thank Carmen for accepting this appointment. May God’s spiritual blessings accompany you throughout your service in the Church office. Reminder, our gift store is open during Office Hours.
  • Parish Accountant: We welcome onboard Ms. Penrose as our new Church Accountant. The imperative need to improve and update our accounting system services has added a significant load of works that exceeds the available time for Mona who served in this capacity for many years as a volunteer. Taking this opportunity to thank her for her service and for facilitating a smooth transition. God bless you!
  • Holy Water Fountain: Holy Water Fountain is available at Marian Side. Please note, Holy Water is a sacramental; kindly refrain yourself from using drinking water bottle to keep Holy Water; instead use Holy Water bottle. Holy Water bottles are available for sale in our Gift Store.
  • Gift Store Relocation: Our gift store will relocate in the Church Office. It will be open during Office Hours.
  • Parish Ministry Leaders’ Homework: Fr. Boniface invites every ministry leader of our parish to:
    1. make a pastoral phone call to reach out to their respective members;
    2. set up a meeting; and
    3. submit an update list of members in the church office sometime before the end of October.
      It is only then that we will launch the enrollment campaign of parishioners in different ministries of our parish. We thank you for your cooperation.
  • Weekend Offerings Appeal: In view of the current financial challenge our parish is facing to meet its financial obligation, I prayerfully urge parishioners to discern ways you can do to help your church during this time by maintaining your offertory commitment. As it is now, Sunday collection is the sole revenue we rely on to meet our financial obligation. We thank you for considering this sacrificial commitment.
  • COVID-Delta Protocol: Following the recent press release of the Governor of the US Virgin Islands concerning houses of worship COVID-19 protocols, please take note of the recommendations that all protocols on restrictions must be observed, to ensure that sanitization, face covering, monitoring of body temperature and social distancing are strictly implemented in all the facilities and all the churches of the diocese.
  • Holy Communion Stations: The reception of Holy Communion is one of the most profound moments of the liturgy following the Eucharistic Prayer. We are prayerfully discerning adequate ways to join the Communion line and to worthily distribute Holy Communion without compromising the safety and care for those who are unable to join Communion line.
    • There will be only two communion stations at the center aisle. Communion lines will start with side aisles’ last pews. Please note, the last pews on both sides of center aisle will be reserved for those who will receive Holy Communion from their pews. I kindly urge parishioners to follow the instructions from the ministers of hospitality in this matter. I thank you!
  • Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Classes: Classes are held every Saturday during the school year and begin with attendance and instruction in the lower level of Columban Hall at 9:00 a.m.
  • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Classes: RCIA is the journey of faith by which interested persons become members of the Roman Catholic Church. The program instructs adults to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church through Baptism and/or Confirmation and Holy Communion. To register, please call the church office at (340) 775-1650.
  • Candles: Please note that the cost for candles is now five dollars ($5.00) each.
  • Catholic Charities: Are you behind on your rent or utility bills due to the COVID-19? The Emergency Rental Assistance Program has been created just for you. If your income was reduced due to layoff, less hours or you had to stay home due to COVID-19, please call Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands at 340-777-8518 or info@catholiccharitiesvi.org.
    Who is eligible:
    • Household owes at least one month of rent or utility bill or anticipates need for future rental assistance.
    • One or more household members at risk of homelessness due to non-payment of rent.
    • Household head or co-head suffered loss of income due to COVID-19.
    • Household annual income is at or below 80% of area median income.
  • Church Bulletin: Please be reminded that the church bulletin can be viewed or accessed online at www.holyfamilystt.com or via myParish app. Access the App Store, download the myParish App, and then put in the name of your parish (Holy Family). Please be guided accordingly.
  • On Line Giving: Visit our website: www.holyfamilystt.com and select online giving. Holy Family offers a mobile version of our online giving page to make it easy for you to give anytime from your smart phone, using “GIVE PLUS” mobile app. Thanks to all those who are using online giving; may God continue to bless you richly.
  • Funeral Services: To continue to adhere to the guidelines issued by the CDC and the Department of Health, and with that in mind, we must emphasize that our funeral services are for registered active parishioners only and are limited to one hundred (100) persons. We would, however, assist any family with the burial at the cemetery. Please be guided accordingly.
  • Devotional Candles: Please be reminded that blue and red globes are provided for you to place your candles. If the globes are all filled, please refrain from putting your candles on the shelf of our Blessed Mother and the shelf of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
  • Church Office: Please note that the church office is open. Kindly wear your mask if you have to do business with the church office. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. It is better to be safe than sorry.
  • Televised Mass: Sunday mass is streamed on Cathedralvi.com and televised on channel 7 on Sunday at 10 a.m. from the cathedral. Also every weekday morning at 7:00 a.m. mass is televised and streamed from the cathedral.
  • Let us all continue to practice social distancing and pray for each other.
  • Holy Family Registration: Parishioners who are 18 years and older are invited to register at the Church Office as well as become active and contributing members. We would like to maintain an up-to-date listing of all Holy Family parishioners. Registration also helps in providing quick services for the request and proof of miscellaneous church letters for individuals, Baptism, Confirmation, etc.
  • At Holy Family: Please check out our new website at www.holyfamilystt.com and our Facebook page at Holy Familyvi.
    (1) Log on to FORMED.ORG/REGISTRATION then use the parish code QMPGC4. (2) MYPARISHAPP: Access the App Store, download the MYPARISH APP, put in the name of your parish (Holy Family).
  • Online Giving: Visit our website: www.holyfamilystt.com and select Online Giving from the main menu or Support our parish at the bottom of the page. Holy Family offers a mobile version of our online giving page to make it easy for you to give anytime from your smart phone, using “GIVE PLUS” mobile app. Thanks to all those who are using online giving; may God continue to bless you richly.
  • RCIA: Adults who wish to join the Catholic church or know their faith more are encouraged to attend classes on Wednesdays, at 7:00 p.m. in Lower Columban Hall.