2024-11-01-eEdition

NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THE CATHOLIC WEEK PAGE 9 SOUTH ALABAMA, TROY UNIVERSITIES Submitted by Fr. Chris Boutin Fr. Norbert Jurek and the University of South Alabama Catholic Student Center hosted Fr. Chris Boutin and students from Troy University for the "Trojag" Mass prior to the South Alabama-Troy football game on Oct. 15 in Mobile. South Alabama won 25-9. A RCHDIOCESAN BRIEFS CSS’ new program manager for Disability Ministries and Services selected Catholic Social Services in Mobile is pleased to welcome Mrs. Brooke Thomas as the new Disability Ministries and Services program direc- tor. Originally from Texas, Brooke and her family re- located to Baldwin County in 2017. As a devoted parent of three children with a rare, chronic disease, she brings a personal understanding of the chal- lenges faced by families in similar situations. Brooke has a background in nonprofit man- agement and direct assistance, but her pas- sion lies in empowering self-advocates. As a national speaker on rare diseases and disabilities, she serves on numerous commit- tees and boards dedicated to these issues. Her work emphasizes the importance of building inclusive communities, ensuring health care equity, and supporting the needs of patients and caregivers. “I am excited to work with people with dis- abilities and their families through Catholic Social Services because it unites my dedica- tion to inclusivity and my deeply held faith,” Brooke expressed. Brooke and her family are parishioners at St. Margaret of Scotland in Foley. We are confident that Brooke’s leadership will enhance support for individuals and fami- lies within our community. Please join us in welcoming her to the team! Catholic Maritime Ministry accepting donations for annual Christmas program While many are able to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of their home or with family or friends; seafarers work for nine months of the year and only go home for Christmas if it fits their schedule. Due to the length of voyages, it is not uncom- mon for seafarers to be in the middle of the ocean on Christmas day, with minimal contact with their family or friends. The Archdiocese of Mobile’s Catholic Maritime Ministry (known globally as Stella Maris) is able to help seafarers from around the world cel- ebrate Christmas while away from home. Last year the ministry provided 400 gift bags through the generosity of local parishes, schools and one community of Protestant brethren. This year, the ministry will have its annual collections for seafarers in several parishes running through November. — Those interested in participating in an effort to make Christmas special for seafarers may donate at a participating parish or email Dea- con John Archer at jarcher3696@sbcglobal. net. Items requested include hats, scarfs, gloves, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, lip balm, skin lotions, sweets or playing cards. BROOKE THOMAS