New Cooperator Center in Florida

(Tampa, FL – May 9) – On Friday, May 6, the Feast of St. Dominic Savio, the Salesian Cooperator Provincial Council had a full day meeting in person at the Don Bosco Children’s Home in Hernando, FL. In the evening, the Salesian Cooperators Provincial Council, with Fr. Tim Zak, celebrated Mass and established the new center of Cooperators at the Don Bosco Children’s Home. The new center began with the approval of Bishop Parkes and the full support of Fr. Timothy Cummings and Fr. Claudius Mganga, the priests at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, who both concelebrated the Mass. Fr. Tim Zak read the certificate of establishment signed by Nick Magrogan, the Salesian Cooperator provincial coordinator. At the same celebration, after more than two years of formation, seven people made their Cooperator promise. They have been guided by Pat Sobel, a Cooperator of the Tampa center and a member of the Cooperator provincial council. The new center meets at Don Bosco Children’s Home in Hernando, where Pat and her husband Chuck welcome children in foster care.  After the Mass, there was a short procession and crowning of the image of the Blessed Mother. The celebrations continued with a festive buffet.

On Saturday, May 7, Salesian Cooperators and Delegates from the Tampa area, along with members of the Cooperator provincial council, gathered at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa for a formation day. The day included Mass and confessions, a presentation on St. Mary Mazzarello as part of the year long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Sisters, brief presentations by some of the members of the provincial council, and Lectio Divina. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to meet in person and renew friendships. As the Cooperators return home, they look forward to the various celebrations of Mary Help of Christians in their local centers.