There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving for Father John Baker on Monday, April 29 at 5:00 PM. A reception, with refreshments, will follow in the Stations of the Cross Garden. Please RSVP by calling the Rectory at 305-294-1018.

All those wishing to make a donation for the future support of Father Baker may do so at the Rectory or in the Garden during the reception. Checks should be made payable to:

Key West Retired Catholic Priest Fund, Inc.

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

Mark Your Calendars:

First Holy Communion Rehearsal, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

• 6:00 p.m. for Religious Education Students
• 7:00 p.m. for Basilica School Students

First Holy Communion– Saturday, May 4, 2024

• 10:00 a.m. for Basilica School Students
• 12:00 noon for Religious Education Students

The next generation of the Church is rising up before our eyes. It is our privilege and duty to teach them about our loving God who desires to work within us and lead us in a life of purpose and joy. Give your child the gift of knowing Christ and help kindle within them a zeal to follow our Lord.

The disciples in today’s Gospel came to know Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When we share what we have with those who are in need, we, too, will discover Jesus in our midst.

Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women Book Club

Please join our book club series/study with Mulieris Dignitatem On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Basilica School Library
Who: Open to all women age high school and above

Business Hours
Mon – Thu: 9am – 3pm
Sunday 8am – 12 Noon

Candles will be available in the rectory during normal rectory office hours. For information, call Michelle at 305- 294-0651.

The Haitian prayer group has begun meeting on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Basilica.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession will now take place in the refurbished
confessionals in the back of the Basilica. Confessions are on Saturdays from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.

The Knights of Columbus will be awarding two $1000.00 scholarship to two worthy graduating student planning to attend college. High school seniors who are interested in applying should email Mr. Robert Wright at principal@basilicaschool.com for application instructions. The winning applicant will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Applications are due by April 22.

For more information, please call Robert Wright at 305-294-1031.

The Catholic Daughters will be presenting Two $750.00 Scholarships to our local Catholic graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college next year. Applications are available at the rectory office. Please return your completed application to the rectory by 4:00 pm, Monday, May 13, 2024.

For more information please contact: Iris Bernreuter at iriserb@aol.com or call 305-744-8835.

Every First Sunday of the month, we are distributing grocery bags to replenish the food pantry. The bags are imprinted with those items most needed, but anything you can provide will help. You are welcome to place your charitable donations of non-perishable food for the Star of the Sea Outreach Mission by the Saint Joseph altar.

In order to volunteer, all parents/guardians must complete the requirements established by the Archdiocese of Miami for the safety of all children. The requirements include a Level II FDLE background check as well as completing the VIRTUS safe environment training.

The VIRTUS course is now available online. Create a Virtus account. Make sure that you list St. Mary Star of the Sea Basilica (School) as one of the places you wish to volunteer.

Read and sign (electronically) the Archdiocese’s Volunteer Pledge. It is part of the Virtus registration process. Complete the online Virtus class Protecting God’s Children. (It takes 60- 90 minutes to complete.) For more information, please  contact our school’s Safe Environment Coordinator, Ms. Eileen Dolan-Heitlinger at edh@basilicaschool.com.