Reverend Fr. Alistair McKay, C.Ss.R., 70, of Salem, Va., died on Saturday, April 16, 2016.

Born in Perth, Scotland on Monday, February 28, 1946, he was educated at St John’s and Lawside Academy. He professed vows as a Redemptorist in 1970 and studied in Canterbury. He was ordained a priest in 1975 and began work on the overseas missions in Zimbabwe. He was fluent in Shona and was a support to many during a time of political turmoil. He moved to South Africa, where he worked in Cape Town and then spent many years on a remote mission in Vleschfontein. He learned the Tsawana language and became integrated into the community. He worked tirelessly for the poorest of the poor.

He came to the USA for a sabbatical in 1996 and was transferred to the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Richmond. He served at St. Jude’s and St. Anne’s (Sumter, S.C.), St. Joseph’s (Hampton, Va.), St. Vincent de Paul (Newport News, Va.), Sacred Heart (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.), and St. John’s (Highland Springs, Va.). Most recently, he was appointed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Salem, where he served as pastor for nearly two years. His work of service to the Catholic and wider community helped build up the parish. He was a man of deep faith, whose love and kindness towards families, children, the elderly, and the frail made him such a well-loved priest.

He was treated for cancer at Lewis-Gale Medical Center starting in November 2015. During this period, he remained active in his ministry. Towards the end of his life, he accepted the care and support of parishioners, and he died peacefully in the care of those who had ministered to him during his last days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Frances McKay; and by his brother, Charles McKay.

He is survived by brother, Ian McKay and wife, Josephine; along with their children, Ruari and Mairi Frances.

There will also be a vigil at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Following a Mass at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, Father McKay will be laid to rest at Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery in Edgewater, Fla.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

Father Alistair McKay will be missed by his fellow clergy, family, and friends. He was a proud Scotsman, the “Braveheart” of Salem. Na Alba gu brath. We trust his soul to the mercy of a loving God.

•  run for President to make our Country great again with a strong Military
• saves the Trees to preserve our Environment
• be a Lawyer who will also be an advocate for the poor.
• Evangelize for God.
• to be a Baker and follow her dreams also by being a Scientist in order to find the cures for diseases.
• be a Veterinarian, and one who will also stop animal abuse.

 

Last Sunday after the 9:00am Mass we had a party for Pat Adams and Elsa Romo and many parishioners came out to wish them well. It was joyous, yet sad occasion  all rolled up into one. Elsa had been working with us for 23 years and Pat for 21. May the Lord continue to bless them both on their journey.

Please click on link for more info!!!

Mary’s Way of the Cross Presented Mary’s Way of the Cross follows the mother of Jesus as she walks the road to Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, emphasizing her sense of surrender: “I knew it had to be, so I walked on silently.” Our performance this year was dedicated to Carol Carmello for introducing Mary’s Way of the Cross to St. Gerard’s, for her love of the Blessed Mother and dedication in directing our performances over the past several years. On Friday, March 18 those who attended this beautiful devotion entered into an intimate journey of faith through  a deep reflection that united one’s pain and suffering with Jesus on the cross through the sorrowful heart of His Mother. A special blessing with a relic of the Cross was given by Fr. George Rosario following the devotion. Many thanks to the following: Fr. George for his beautiful introduction and special blessing; Grace Albanese for directing our performance this year; the ladies of the parish who read the reflections and carried the Crucifix; and Deacon Darrell for providing the background music that so beautifully enhanced the readings. Mary stood by her son throughout his passion and, in her faith, experienced the joy of his resurrection. This devotion allowed us to do the same in hope that we will, with Mary’s assistance, deepen our faith and allow Jesus to rise once more in our lives.

Pregnancy Crisis Center founded 27 years ago by Mary Wallis, R.N., Beverly Strott and Bunny Rock, had their annual recognition of volunteers luncheon last Sat., March 19^th, at Palmetto Club, Daytona Beach.  Bunny Rock, the Center’s President, also a Sacred Heart parishioner, recognized 12 volunteers, some of whom had been serving the Center for 24 years.  To date, Pregnancy Crisis Center have celebrated the birth  of 11,649 babies.  For more information, check their website at PCCDaytona.org, or call 386-257-BABY (2229).  Several Sacred Heart Parishioners,  headed by Carol Hummel, in charge of Respect Life Ministry, attended and supported the event.

A busy week for some of our Legionaries who represented our Sacred Heart School at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando for a Diocesan event, Focus 11 Vocation Fair.

        

Benefitting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul -Sunday, April 3. 2016 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Edgewater Alliance Church Worship Team & Bella Vista Baptist Worship Choir.

Location: St. Gerard Catholic Mission Church 3171 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater Florida 32141

Suggested $10 donation.