Welcome to the "Grand Viewing" of the Memorial Mural in honor of Br. Joe Tauraso, CM at CAC@SJB

On Saturday, Nov. 13, 2003 from 1 pm - 5 pm, the Center for the Arts & Culture at St. John the Baptist is hosting the "Grand Viewing" event for the Memorial Mural in honor of our beloved friend and youth minister, Br. Joe Tauraso, CM.

The memorial mural in honor of Br. Joe Tauraso was painted by over 15 youth and young adults over 8 days during open paint sessions at the Center in November 2003. The mural was designed and completed in the following months by the director of the Center, Glenn Angel Echevarria. We are inviting all friends, colleagues, and youth who knew Br. Joe to come join us in this very special and unique opportunity to celebrate his life with his family and friends.

A true Vincentian, and member of the Congregation of the Mission (founded by St. Vincent DePaul of France in the early 1600's), Br. Joe dedicated most of his adult life to serving the youth and young adults in the communities of St. John the Baptist Parish in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, St. John's University in Queens and Staten Island, and at the St. Vincent DePaul Youth Center in North Philadelphia, Pa. before his unfortunate passing at the age of 40 in June 2003. His life and the legacy he left behind with the youth whom he served will always be cherished by all of us who knew him. His impact can best be seen by the number of youth whom he ministered to who are attending college today, and have become not only active young adult leaders, but are dedicated to making a difference by serving their community, and serving those less fortunate than them. A trait, like Christ, that St. Vincent encouraged and would be most proud of. "Joey T", as he was lovingly called, was at his best when he worked with youth. He came into his own and found his calling when he was entrusted with ministering to the youth and young adults of St. John the Baptist in Brooklyn, NY., at St. John's University, and in North Philadelphia. His impact still resonates in those young people, and in all our hearts today.. and always will. His endearing "child-like" quality is what drew the youth and us to him, and we will always cherish his love, dedication, and example.

So, in the Spirit of Thanksgiving, and in celebration of the anniversary of Br. Joe's vows as a Vincentian and member of the Congregation of the Mission this November, it is with great pride and honor that we present this mural to the community of St. John the Baptist parish, to his family and friends, and to the public. We invite you to come celebrate this very special event with his family and friends on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1 - 5pm. There will be entertainment in the Center's Gallery that includes some live music, poetry, and an open-mic for anyone who would like to share their thoughts and feelings. Lite food and refreshments will also be provided for all. Don't miss out on this blessed event! See you there!

The Center for the Arts & Culture @SJB is located on the second floor of St. John the Baptist Parish Center at 75 Lewis Avenue (between Hart St. and Willoughby Ave.), Brooklyn, New York. For more info, please feel free to call, or leave a message at (718)455-6864 ext. 152. Or you can e-mail us at cacsjb@yahoo.com.

This event is dedicated to the youth of St. John the Baptist Parish, with a special dedication to the memory of Guilene Valcin, a vibrant and loving young girl who was sadly taken from us in February of this year. May the Lord continue to console and bless her family and friends.