If you have some fond memories of things that have happened in our parish during the last 40 years, please call Barbara Horvath, 443-2816, and we will put them in our “Memory Moment Corner” throughout the anniversary year.

A Memory Moment Corner

01-14-07

I remember before Fr. Allman had his housekeeper, Mrs. Webb, I took a thermos of hot tea and a honey bun for his breakfast after Mass at Clearwater High School. Ellen Gallagher continued to do this in our new church.  -Mary Greaney

01-07-07

Being a parishioner at Light of Christ for 27 years, I’ve had the pleasure of listening to many outstanding sermons.  Father Dee was a particular inspiration to me.  Often, upon returning home after listening to his words, I would write notes in my journal. His Eulogy at Monsignor Allman’s funeral was a masterpiece, a work of art.  Thank you, Father Dee for all you kind works of wisdom that I’ll always remember and even today occasionally pass through my mind.  In many ways, you have touched my life.- Sue Di Martino

12-31-06

I remember Father John Griffin, a happy little leprechaun of a man with heavy dark glasses, who died so suddenly while he was on vacation in Ireland.  I remember Father Frances Kelly a little man with a great smile, white hair and a pocket full of candy for the children that he met after Mass.  The John Frances wing is dedicated in honor of these men who died while serving at Light of Christ. - Clarisse Krauss

12-24-06

I remember the ground breaking for the church building on May 25, 1969.  It was sandy and hot.  I wore a hard hat like those with shovels, because my grandfather, Gus Pierson was the president of the parish council.  Afterwards there was a Banquet at the Jack Tar Harrison Hotel in down town Clearwater. It was a great time. Happily I am a member of Light Of Christ today. - Patti Cummings

12-17-06

I remember my years in the youth group during the early life of the parish.  We were an active, fun group that met at the home of one of the parishioners in Morningside.  Once we went to the rectory on Jeffords to stuff envelops for a parish mailing and Father Allman stopped in to see us.  He took the time to visit and chat with each of us.  He was a bit uneasy with young people but he chuckled a lot and we came to know him as a sincere, and deeply spiritual man.  -Donna Day

12-10-06

I remember the first Mass celebrated in the church building.  It was Thanksgiving Day in 1970.  Father Chapman celebrated the Mass with Father Allman sitting in the sanctuary to weak to concelebrate.  Father had just returned from the hospital and was recovering from a burst appendix.  The parishioners had lots to be grateful for that day.- Barbara Horvath

12-03-06

I remember that I was playing bridge in 1972, when I received a message that our young pastor Father Allman wanted to see me.  He offered me a “temporary” job as a secretary.  I hadn’t worked for some time but I decided to try the job since it was “temporary”.  Sixteen years later I finally decided to retire.  I really enjoyed working at the rectory.  It was an honor, you see I was a convert and I had an opportunity to learn about my faith and the church from the best of teachers.  -  Doris Dormer

11-26-06

When we first came to Light of Christ, Chuck and I would stay after Mass to say the rosary.  I remember the day Father Allman approached us saying. “I’ve got a Job for you.” He asked us to replace the couple who visited and took Eucharist to the people at Sunset Point Nursing home.  I had been a Eucharistic Minister in New York, but Chuck,  wasn’t so Father “fixed  that.”  The “job” lasted 15 years.  I also made the golden rosary beads for Mary’s statue. We have been blessed being part of the Family at Light of Christ. - Chuck and Betty Cardarelli

11-19-06

I remember the Christmas pageants at Light of Christ.  The CCD students played the various roles in the familiar Christmas story.  A dedicated parishioner created beautiful handmade costumes. The various choruses provided a pleasant variety of songs, followed of course by the little drummer boy and Saint Nicholas.   My favorite moment was the time when one of the little angels got tired and just sat down in the stable next to Mary.  It was a fun parish event.   - Bill Woodard

11-12-06

I have good memories of my time at Light of Christ. When I retired to Clearwater, I was invited to join the four other priests serving the parish in 1978.  Hospital visitation was my particular ministry and I was able to meet many parishioners.  I also heard confession and celebrated the 4 o’clock Mass.  There were occasional disagreements with parishioners over the control of the air conditioning.  The problem was solved when the thermostat was locked.  I retired again in 1998 and now live at Freedom Village.  I still have time to pray for my friends from Light of Christ. - Rev. Hugh Mullin

11-05-06

I remember wanting to do something special for the children’s Christmas party.  I set up lights and animation in the John Francis wing.  It was quite a project but there were many hands to help. Years later it was called Winter Wonderland and was enjoyed by all ages.  Now I just do lights at my house with donations to Kimberly Home.   - Don Chill

10-15-06

I will always remember Father Allman as a source of comfort and support when my husband died in 1970.  He encouraged me to join the choir and I felt he kept his eye on me.  After nine years he was happy to officiate at my second wedding. Recently, my second husband died after a long illness.  And this time it was Father Jacob who offered support and comfort.  We are blessed. - Agnes Strass

10-08-06

I remember when we moved to Clearwater in the 70’s.  Our house was on the boundary between St. Cecilia’s and Light of Christ.  My daughters checked out the Youth Groups and decided that we should join Light of Christ. I can see the hand of God working in that choice.  It was Father Allman who encouraged me to be a deacon.- Deacon Jim Hassett

10-01-06

I remember it was Father Ron’s idea to have a golf tournament.  It was a challenging project because we had never tried it before.  We had a great committee to research the idea.  We struggled with all the headaches and decision making, but it was a memorable event. I understand there are more people involved now and it continues to be successful.  I was sure happy to be a part of the success. - Adele Tyler

09-10-06

I remember years ago, after dropping our daughter off at CCC, my husband and I would stop in and attend the 7o’clock Mass.  Monsignor Cody called those who attended “his little flock”.  We enjoyed him.  He also encouraged us not to bow our heads at the consecration of the Mass but to look up and see Jesus present in the elevated host -  that is still my habit.  - Anne Brewer

09-03-06

I remember when the church had sort of yellow.  My son came home from college and commented on the tone of everything.  But thanks to Father Jacob the new windows now make it look like a jewel, especially at night when the lights are on inside for Eucharistic Adoration. - Barbara Horvath

08-27-06

Vern and I got married in 1970.  We came to Clearwater for our Honeymoon and went with our family to Mass at Light of Christ Church.  The Mass made me feel so wonderful that when we moved here in 1978 we decided to buy a home so we could belong to the parish.  I love the parish family as I did in 1970, only more because I am involved.- Joyce Marier

08-20-06

We have happy memories of Father Griffin.  He would drive up to the house in his purple Gremlin to visit at unexpected times and stay for lunch.  One New Year’s day he came for dinner and stayed into the evening playing Risk with the family.  We always enjoyed his visits. - Mary and Ernie Baralt

08-13-06

We met Father McKee when we shared our dinner with him at the parish picnic.  He loved boats and being on the water.  The story goes that he would occasionally land on a sand bar and then everyone would have to get out and push.  We enjoyed many hours together.  He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Knights of Columbus. - Frank and Frances Palms

08-06-06

I remember participating in the “Life Chain”. Nearly 300 people from Light of Christ joined people of other parishes and other faith to stand side by side along U.S. 19 holding signs for life.  The Chain was continuous through the State.  Mostly it was hot and dusty, but one year it rained and I remember Father Allman standing there with us just getting wet. We were proud to stand for what we believed.  - Lynn Bennett

07-30-06

I remember Father John Griffin.  We live very near Light of Christ and he would come knocking on my back door with the questions, “What you be having for dinner?” and “When you be eating?”  I think he was taking a survey.  And then maybe he would come to join us or not but he was always a joy to have with us.  - Betty Manard

07-23-06

I remember when we were relocated to Clearwater in 1974.  I was very unhappy and wanted to return home to Ohio.  Then I joined Light of Christ parish and the Women’s guild.  The ladies of my circle were my neighbors and became my dear friends.  It was a life saving event in my life. -  Ruth Sowinski

07-16-06

When we registered at the parish in 1971, I mentioned that I played the organ in California. Father Allman came right over to visit and stayed way past lunch.  He became a dear friend.  I enjoyed playing the organ at Mass and with the Riff Raff choir for many years. - Roy Nickchen

07-09-06

I remember Father Chapman.  He instructed my daughter-in-law in the faith and welcomed her into the church.  And then in 1971 when my son died in Vietnam he came over to the house. I was folding socks and he started to tell me about doing laundry in the Seminary. Like part of the family that dear man sat with me among the laundry to comfort me..- Sophie Brzezenski

07-02-06

I remember Father Allman asking my husband and I to lector.  Something we enjoyed doing for many years.  When Ken died I wanted to do something for the church in his memory, Father surprised me by having a bench placed in front of the church with his name on it.  I was so pleased.  Check it out. - Dorothy Hostetler

06-25-06

About 15 years ago I was taking Communion to a nursing home.  They asked me to help with ecumenical service.  I ended up helping out an Episcopal Bishop, doing visitations and even filling in for him at the bible study. I am blessed to be able to take Communion to the sick. - Joe Palmieri

06-18-06

I remember when I joined Light of Christ in 2005. I have been a Catholic all my life but was never involved.  That all changed.  I was welcomed with open arms and put to work.  I found out that even if you don’t play golf you can work on the tournament.  It went on and on until the church has become my second home.  - Terry Grausgruber

06-11-06

We remember preparing for the first Seder supper in 1984.  Father O’Brien and the team planned it for the people in RCIA.  The team helped with  the cooking and serving and Art bought the wine.  In later years the teachers of Religious Education and then the entire parish were invited, as many as 190 people have enjoyed this symbolic and tasty meal.   - Rita and Art Damon

06-04-06

I remember listening to Father Allman trying to tell a joke.  He’d be so amused with the telling, that the punch line would get lost but everyone would still laugh.  His favorite was about the nuns and a donkey.  Do you remember the punch line??- Joan Nickchen

05-28-06

I remember picnics at Phillippe Park.  You had to get a little black cross on the back of your hand so you could get free soda and ice cream.  Father Allman would gather some of the children to play his favorite game, soccer.  Finally at the end of the day, we would have Mass in the shelter overlooking the water.  - Barbara Horvath

05-21-06

I remember 15 years ago when we visited Light of Christ there was a young priest who began his homily saying, “I have a letter from God.”  One Sunday, Father Michael O’Brien challenged us to look at a picture of Christ and then he brought out a mirror.  I have been blessed to be a member of the parish for many years.   Ann Brewer

05-14-06

I remember playing shortstop for the Girls Light of Christ softball team.  We weren’t very good but we had a lot of fun.  We also enjoyed fellowship and Pizza afterwards. I made some life long Catholic friends. - Margaret Osorio

05-07-06

I remember being more than a little nervous approaching Father Allman asking to bring a Girl Scout troop to Light of Christ for the first time.  He was a little cautious but agreed saying it was a “good program”.  Happily we still have Girl Scouts meeting here.- Sandy Adams  

04-30-06

I remember planning the Women’s guild cookbook.  Many good cooks shared their favorite recipes. My hard working committee reviewed them and grouped them for publication.  It is fun to see the names of contributors.  Perhaps the cookbook is still on your bookshelf.  - Marianna Hassett

04-23-06

I remember the Charistmatic Prayer Meeting on Thursday nights.  75 to 100 people would gather, open to the Holy Spirit to praise God, to pray for one another, to study Scripture and grow in faith.  We were an enthusiastic little community.    - Bill and Delores Schmidt

04-16-06

I remember back (late 70s) when I was an altar boy One year for our appreciation celebration, Fr. Eric Hunter took all of us to Capogna's Dugout for some great pizza and after that we piled into the school bus and  went to a Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer game at Tampa Stadium.      - Rich McKeon

04-09-06

When I was a little girl, they were just building the church.  On Sundays the family would stop over at the site to see what had been accomplished.  I remember running around inside the walls of the church before the pews and altar were in place. It was really special.  - Dolores Hudson

04-02-06

I remember stopping at Light of Christ to drop off donations for a Garage Sale.  I was invited to help and pitched right in.  That was 11 years ago and I am still involved in countless activities.  I enjoy my friends at Light of Christ.   They are like extended family. - Carol Haeusler

03-26-06

I remember 15 years ago, when we visited Light of Christ, there was a young priest who began his homily saying, “I have a letter from God.”  One Sunday, Father Michael O’Brien challenged us to look at a picture of Christ and then he brought out a mirror. I have been blessed to be a member of the parish for many years. -Ann Brewer

03-19-06

I remember moving to Clearwater in 1997. We rented a house on Jeffords St.  I was housebound with my leg broken in three places.  A nice young Father Allman who was a neighbor visited me faithfully until I could get to church on my own. - Gladys Carignan

02-19-06

We remember our daughter's baptism at the Drew Street chapel. After the ceremony, Father Allman posed for pictures out front. We don't remember much about the chapel but it was church with daily Mass and Confessions. - Dennis and Sally Crabtree

02-12-06

I remember the chapel instrip store on Drew Street for Mass, Confessions and Men's Club meetings.Father Allman's rectory was in a house on Jeffors Avenue. The women’s guild met at the Knights of Columbus hall, and CCD classes were at the High School. Wespread out but we were church. - Barbara Horvath

02-05-06

I remember the first time I met Father Allman. He was young, shy, soft spoken Irishman. He spoke slowly choosing his words carefully. Somehow he lead without seeming to take charge and God used him to build the Light of Christ parish community, was our pastor and we loved him.  Barbara Horvath