Feb 17, 2021 WINTER SPRINGS | Since COVID-19 struck central Florida last year, Monsignor John Bluett, pastor of St. Stephen Parish has watched his community suffer loss, attend funerals, and try to overcome the feeling of helplessness when people could not accompany their beloved friends and family in their last moments. Wanting to do something to help, Prayers…

Feb 17, 2021 POINCIANA | “Caring for each other during the pandemic is Christ’s call to us,” Bishop John Noonan said Feb. 15 as he received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at St. Rose of Lima Parish. “I am grateful to the nurses, physicians, law enforcement, volunteers, and Father Emmanuel (Akalue) and the staff of St.…

Feb 17, 2021 ORLANDO | A sixth grade student at St. John Vianney Catholic School continues her family’s legacy of being state champions at the Knights of Columbus State Spelling Bee. Vivienne T. took the win for the second year in the 5th-6th grade language category, Feb. 6. The annual event is meant to applaud youngsters and their…

Feb 17, 2021 ORLANDO | Bishop John Noonan greeted the Vietnamese community of St. Philip Phan Van Minh by saying, “Chúc mừng năm mới,” or Happy New Year, which provoked loud cheers from the crowd. The evening marked the first day of tết. Pastor, Father Chau Nguyen explained, the three days of tết focus on “praying for peace,…

Feb 17, 2021 DELAND | Emma Irizarry used to play Barbie wedding with her sister Hannah when they were little girls. “It was one of those grand affairs where you take out all of your dolls,” she recalled. “That’s what I’d always envisioned. Having my whole family there and everyone who loved me.” Her husband, Andrew, imagined a…