Vol. 27 | Iss. 08 | Aug 2023
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ONEBLOOD COUNTS ON COMMUNITY DONATIONS By Avery Ranieri
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17 The traveling Big Red Bus is a staple in the blood drives organized by OneBlood.
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Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Faith & Footprints: News From The Wire:
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OneBlood, a national charity that saves lives each day, hosted a blood drive in Gibsonton on June 30 where each donor 16 and older received two free movie tickets for the AMC Riverview 14 GDX theater to any show of their choice. With approximately a month to attend the movie and no other general restriction, these individuals had first dibs on seeing some of the world’s most anticipated films. Not only were they gifted these tickets, but more importantly they also helped to gift life to people around the world. OneBlood and its ongoing blood drives are an important part of the life-saving process. Hospitals in the area report how much blood they’re using and how much they need, and then OneBlood provides it to lower the prerequisite and the mortality rate, as one person’s donation saves up to three lives. All OneBlood drives also tend to have some sort of trendy incentive for their donors, ranging from gift cards to concert tickets. As if this wasn’t
enough, reduced risk of heart attacks and better overall health are only a few of the donor benefits. Regular blood donors who provide their email
and phone number are even notified when their blood product is used. Of course, for whom and for what reason is kept anonymous, but donors can know when they have done the deed of saving the life of another. The host of this particular blood drive, John-Michael Elms, a frequent donor himself, is proud of what these events produce. He also recognizes that it’s “hard for the blood bank to stay stocked.” It is true that the Tampa Bay area is one of the largest trauma centers in Florida, resulting in a lot of required blood products. Elms stated, “Blood collected in the Tampa area is provided to hospitals in
accordance with their demand.” Yet, through the compassion of the community, blood transfusions around the world are safely accomplished due to charities such as OneBlood. Elms also said, “The importance of donating blood is so that there are blood products available when someone has a need for treatment, whether it be an emergency or an enduring treatment.” OneBlood’s main goal is to fund these tissue products to people all over the world to prevent any tragedy and to honor the community. To continue helping the cause, John-Michael Elms is partnering with OneBlood once more for a blood drive the first week of August at Bevis Elementary School, located at 5720 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia. If you would like more information on how to make a difference, visit www.oneblood.org and keep an eye out for the Big Red Bus — which always a sign that a blood drive is happening near you.
FATHERS LOU AND JOSH WILL SERVE THEIR NEW ASSIGNMENT AT ST. STEPHEN CATHOLIC By Lily Belcher
St. Stephen Catholic Church welAdditionally, I have a great love for youth comed two new parochial vicars, Faministry. … I look forward to sharing my thers Lou Turcotte and Joshua Hare, to zeal for helping our young people grow its parish on July 1. in their knowledge and love for Jesus Turcotte has served as a priest for five Christ.” years now, with former assignments in Hare enjoys smoking meat and fishing Lutz and St. Petersburg. At St. Stephen, when he is not offering mass. He also enhis role as a parochial vicar or associate joys trying new things and is looking forpastor, like Hare, will be to assist the ward to his new experiences in Riverview. parish’s pastor, Father Dermot Dunne. “I am overwhelmed with joy to have “This is one of the largest churches been assigned to St. Stephen’s. In just I’ve ever been a part of, both as a priest three weeks, the warm hospitality shown Father Joshua Hare is looking forward to by everyone in the Riverview area has Father Lou Turcotte joined St. Stephen and during my time in studies. But there Catholic Church to support the parish and sharing his love for Jesus and serving at St. is a wonderful spirit here that makes it made me feel truly welcomed,” said Hare. Stephen Catholic Church. share the good news. seem smaller and more welcoming than Turcotte and Hare were welcomed after show me what the next step is going to be.” at first glance,” said Turcotte. Hare was born in Florida and graduated from Fathers Izzie Hernandez and Anthony Ustick left, The Clearwater native attended the University Hernando High School. He attended nine years following assignments to different parishes. Turof Florida before pursuing his ordination. While of seminary education before being ordained in cotte admitted he has big shoes to fill, but, alongnot working, Turcotte enjoys watching soccer or 2019. side Hare, he looks forward to their future at St playing disc golf. “There are two main areas that I am eager to Stephen. “My hopes and goals will really come from the focus on: youth ministry and RCIA (Rite of Chris- St. Stephen Catholic Church is located at 10118 heart of the people here as I learn what makes tian Initiation of Adults). RCIA holds a special St. Stephen Cir. off Boyette Road in Riverview. For this faith family tick. In the meantime, I plan on place in my heart because, like many others, I more information on St. Stephen, visit https://stpreaching Jesus and the incredible love He has for wasn’t born into the Catholic faith,” said Hare. “… stephencatholic.org/staff or call the church office each of us,” said Turcotte. “I’m expecting God to at 813-689-4900.