Download NEWSLETTER 13 th March 2016

St Francis of Assisi Church
tel: 422-2431 e-mail: [email protected]
SUNDAY MASSES: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 8 & 10.30am.
(Confessions are available after each Sunday Mass)
WEEKDAYS: Monday no Mass, Tuesday to Friday 7am, Saturday 8am
Thursday 6-7pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
NEWSLETTER
SUNDAY READINGS
13th March 2016
To prepare for Sunday Mass it is a good idea to read and give thought to the
readings and gospel in your missal or Bible. Here are some questions to ponder.
First Reading [Isaiah 43:16-21] The Israelites knew that God had led them out of slavery, but did not
always realise he was still looking after them. Do I?
Second Reading [Philippians 3:8-14 ] When I think about it, everything is so much rubbish compared with
knowing Christ Jesus. But I do need to remind myself about it.
Gospel [John 8:1-11] Mercy is the Lord’s most powerful message. Because his mercy is beyond our
imagination, it is not easy to trust oneself to the mercy of God — but we must!
What is the most important thing in my life?
"Nothing can outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" says St
Paul. In other words, the most important thing in my life is the presence of Christ. Is this
true? When most of us stop to think about it seriously, it probably is true, although it may
show itself in different ways.
Recently, a group of Catholic parents were asked to try to identify what was the most
important thing in their lives. For nearly all the most important thing was
either their relationship with God or their family. Looking at it more deeply
we found that the two answers merged into one. All of us felt that our
relationship with God, either as God the Father or as Jesus, was fundamental
and we wanted it not just for ourselves but for our families. We also felt
that it was within the love of our family, even with tensions and
disagreements, that we find the presence of God.
While we all agreed that this is what matters most for us and colours the whole of our lives,
we don't spend much time thinking about it. Just as I may be working hard all day to support
my family, but while I'm doing my work I'm concentrating on the job not why I am doing it.
That can lead to the danger of my work taking priority over my family.
The same with my relationship with God. I need to express it sometimes or it can be lost and
other things which really are less important can the take over my life. We need to say
frequently to our Lord. "I love you with all my heart. I want you, Lord, to be present in my
family. I want to be always aware that nothing can outweigh the wonderful grace of knowing
you, my Lord my God."
THIS COMING WEEK OUR PARISH MISSION/RETREAT
each evening Monday to Thursday at 6pm
We start with the Liturgy of the Word in the hall with some explanation and possible
discussion of the readings.
Then we go into the church for the second half of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
This is a most important event for the whole parish, a time of prayer leading into Holy Week.
All are asked to come to as many evenings as you can manage and if you have small
children, perhaps take it in turns.
THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MASS THIS WEEK FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY
Friday 18th March 2016
DIOCESAN MASS TO CELEBRATE BISHOP JASON’S
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION
St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 6pm
Chief Celebrant: Archbishop Joseph Harris
FAITH ON TAP PRESENTS MOVIE NIGHT & BARBEQUE
Gathering for young adults (ages 18-35) to socialise and discuss issues
Saturday 19th March at 6:30p.m.
Venue: Living Water Community, St. David’s, Christ Church
BISHOP’S APPEAL 2016
We have made a good start towards the $30,000 that we aim to collect as a parish.
Last week's contributions came to $5,227.00, bringing our total up to $10,587 for the first three weeks.
The Bishop’s Appeal is for all the main works of the diocese and it is hoped that our regular parishioners
will work out a sensible and substantial amount to contribute. PLEASE BE GENEROUS TO THE BISHOP'S APPEAL
MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK
St. Peter’s Parish Church Choir & St. Patrick’s Cathedral Augmented Choir Present
‘ THE CRUCIFIXION’
A meditation on the Sacred Passion of The Holy Redeemer by John Stainer
Monday 21st March
Contribution: $25.00
at 7:30p.m. in St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Speightstown, St. Peter
Bonita Morgan,
Patricia Benfield, Aurelija Vasilevskiene, Ivor Joseph, Shimisha Butcher, Tony Audroing, David Gittens,
Annie Bromham, Michael Faul, Alison Howard, Noel Shirley, Mario Romagnoli, Natari Edwards, Carol
Rowe, Fraser Nolan, Sharon Cross, Glenda Gay, Marie Conibert, Jane Fontelle, Garfield Husband, Anna
Teelan and Joyce Blennman. May God comfort and strengthen them and those who take care of them,
PLEASE WOULD YOU CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE ILL
A shortened form of Fr Michael’s Homily can usually be found after the Sunday on: Michael A J BarrowYoutube
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
PALM SUNDAY March 20
Masses with Palm Procession:
5pm on Saturday evening
8 and 10.30 on Sunday morning
GOOD FRIDAY March 25
9am Stations of the Cross
10.30 am Children’s Holy Week Services
in an hour
The afternoon service is not suitable for children
Tuesday
In St Patrick’s Cathedral
6 pm Chrism Mass
during which the Bishop consecrates the
Holy Oils which will be used in each parish
for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation
and Sacrament of the Sick.
MAUNDY THURSDAY March 24
7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
HOLY SATURDAY No Services during the day
7pm Easter Vigil
EASTER SUNDAY
Mass at 8 & 10.30 in the morning
50TH ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE FUN DAY
A social family environment after the Lenten & Holy Week Services
Monday 28th March 2016 (Easter Monday)
Time: 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Venue: Ursuline Convent Grounds, Collymore Rock, St. Michael
Refreshments will be on sale to raise funds for World Youth Day Pilgrims
Events include a celebrity Cricket match with perhaps a Dickson eleven vs a Gordon
eleven, a back-in-time Netball match and board games with other entertainment.
12TH NIGHT PRODUCTIONS presents STATIONS OF MERCY
The Stations of Mercy are 14 acts and/or declarations of Jesus’ mercy during His life and
ultimately, in His sacrifice of the same.
Sunday 3rd April 2016 (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Time: 4:00p.m. (Preceding Mass at 6:00p.m.)
Venue: St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
Admission: Free & Refreshments will be on sale
Come join us for a spirit-filled presentation,
as we explore what it means to truly show and to know mercy.