This was a briefing given to the parish in November 6, 2025. Thank you to Brother John Preli for providing this information.
Theme: “Parishioners in Action: Protect Yourself so You can help Protect Others”
Two dynamic presentations were hosted by Knights of Columbus and Respect Life Ministry.
- BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Human trafficking has put Florida at the forefront of a social and moral crisis as our state is in the top three for calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Guest speaker Ruby Peters, Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of St. Augustine, will educate attendees to identify: What it is, Who is most at risk, How victims (including children) are manipulated and drawn into “The Life”, What you can do to break the cycle.
- HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUDS AND SCAMS: Florida is ranked second in the nation for senior fraud by FBI. In 2023, seniors were defrauded by nearly $300 million from scams. Many of these scams now involve Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency. Yvonne Herrington, Seniors vs Crime St. Johns (a Special Project of the Florida Attorney General) and Detective David Elliot, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office will educate attendees to identify: Tactics scammers use to deceive you, How well-known scams work, How to Protect Yourself, What to do if you are scammed
