I enjoy so much coming back to DeLand from New York, not only for the reason that one might think - SNOW. but to get back to my Catholic Family in DeLand is fantastic. The church is filled with wonderful giving and loving people. It is hard for me to relate to the priest at this church - He is such a wonderful leader - people simply follow his lead. He, most of the time, is alone in this parish. He celebrates a number of Masses each week, that would make my beloved northern priest shutter. Fr. Tom does surround himself with people that are 'able' to assist in administrative and educational matters - he is a super busy man - but one can see by his witness that he is a man deeply guided by his prayer life. His attention to serving the poor - and his love for the Perpetual Adoration Chapel make him a standout. He seems to never say, ""it cannot be done.' He just encourages others and leads them into the 'it can be done' mode. This parish family is worth a visit - and like me - you may wish to stay around and join the family. Oh, one other thing, I didn't think that I would like video screens in a Catholic Church. I was very wrong. The screens are very large, but out of the way of the sanctuary. They are located in areas around the church - where you can read the words to songs. You hear no clunking of books or people trying to find a page - asking someone next to you, what did they say the number was, etc. etc. One only has to move one's eyes to the screen and sing out. Fr. Tom also uses the video from time to time as a teaching tool. At the time of your arrival at church, you will be able to read bibical passages on these video screens (that is if you get to church early enough. If you come to church really early enough, you will be blessed with a time of Adoration, followed by an annointing and then Divine Praises. We go to 7:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday and we are blessed through this beautiful beginning.
more