Sunday Bulletin for March 14, 2010

                     March 14, 2010

         Fourth Sunday of Lent

 “The man who was blind washed his eyes and came back able to see.”

   Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent ~ Sunday, March 21, 2010

    Ezekiel 37.12 – 14;   Romans 8.8 – 11;   John 11.1 – 45         

Getting Ready:  Take a Look Inside!  Along with adults preparing for initiation at the coming Easter Vigil (April 3^rd), this Sunday we take a deep look within to uncover what is good and what needs to change.  With the man born blind and our sister Eun Sook Park (preparing for initiation) we ponder these questions?  ▪ In what ways do I choose to see evil in the world instead of the good?  What makes me blind to the presence of good in those I love? What keeps me from turning toward the good? ▪ In what ways do I hassle my family or my parishioners, or my neighbours, friends or coworkers because I fail to see the good in their lives?  What are the patterns of negativity in my life?  ▪ How do I fail go give God the chance to be creative and guiding in my life?  Why do I try to cover all my bases, making sure I’m secure and all my needs are met? ▪ In what ways do I pursue the darkness? ▪  What opportunities to embrace the good, the light, and the true do I miss?  Am I sometimes unconvinced of the power of forgiveness?  Why?

Holy Week Meditation on the Cross of St. Francis:  Tuesday, March 30^th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Fr. Hutton will guide evening reflection during Holy Week.  The original of this Cross is found in Assisi, Italy.  He visited there in November 2009 and will share some reflections suitable for Holy Week Prayer. 

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace: This year, the Development and Peace Partner in Action profile features a full-colour story in drawings about the communities helped by our Colombian partner, the Interchurch Justice and Peace Commission, helps.  During our Fall campaign, we showed how the spread of agrofuel crop plantations in the Global South leads to the loss of land and livelihoods for small-scale farmers.  In the Choco region of Colombia, small rural communities have been persecuted, their houses burnt to the ground, and family members assassinated to clear land for these plantations.  Justice and Peace helps them reclaim their land and their rights.  “Thanks to Justice and Peace, we have some peace,” say community members.  Please read the Partner in Action insert in this week’s bulletin.  Your Share Lent donation on Good Friday will allow these good works to continue.

Knights of Columbus News:  A reminder that our next meeting is this coming Tuesday, March 16^th.  The Executive meets at 6:00 p.m. followed by the General Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Our Parish Feast Day:  On Wed., March 17^th we again recall the memory of the great apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick.  There will be a Mass at 10 a.m. at which time The Creed and the Lord’s Prayer will be presented to our R.C.I.A. candidate, Eun Sook Park.  She had completed her catechumenal formation and is now preparing for the initiation sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  The Creed and the Lord’s Prayer express the heart of the Church’s faith and will help Eun Sook deepen her relationship with Christ and with her church community.  It is therefore appropriate that the congregation give these treasures to her now that she is ready to receive them. Please try to be present to offer her these gifts.  A reception, hosted by Irish parishioners will be held after Mass.    John Balleny, R.C.I.A. Coordinator.

At Other Parishes:  ►  St. Stanislaus Church, 78 Balsam St., Copper Cliff offers a Mass at 7:00 p.m. each Sunday.  ► Holy Trinity Parish, 426 Burton Ave will have a celebration in honour of the Feast of St. Joseph.  The service will be in Italian and will be held on Fri., March 19^th at 6:30 p.m.  Refreshments will be served in the parish hall following the Mass.  ►Holy Redeemer Parish, 1887 Bancroft Dr. will have a Parish Mission “Witnessing to Hope” from Mon., March 22^nd to Wed., March 24^th at 7:00 p.m..  Monday ~ A Woman, A Well, and Wonder;  Tuesday ~ Who Invited Him?  Who Invited Her?:  Wednesday ~  Witnessing to Hope.  Refreshment will served after the session each evening. 

Some Irish Humour: Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, “Pour me a stiff one – just had another fight with the little woman.”  “Oh yeah?” said Charlie, “And how did this one end?”  “When it was over,” Mike replied, “She came to me on her hands and knees.”  “Really,” said Charles, “Now there’s a switch!  What did she say?”  She said, “Come out from under the bed, you little chicken!”

Exposition – Benediction  This Sunday, March 14^th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood will be exposed on the altar for quiet prayerful adoration.  At 2:30 p.m. a brief liturgy of Benediction concludes this special time.  Join us for an opportunity of quiet, reflective worship and prayer.

Where Does It All Go?  Last week, I signed 13 cheques for a total of $12,421 to cover such items as Inner City Home monthly donation, Diocesan taxes, refund for Rectory expenses, salaries of employees and office expenses.  Your generous donation each Sunday helps to meet these expenses, which keeps our community alive in service to the Lord and His mission.

The Way of the Cross  All are invited to join for The Way of the Cross which reminds us of Jesus’ journey to Calvary and His resurrection.  This devotion will be held every Friday during Lent at 3:00 p.m.

Easter Remembrance of Loved Ones  may be done in a special way by making a donation towards our Church Easter flowers and decor in their memory.  Special envelopes are included with the offering envelopes.  For those who are not using them, simply indicate in whose memory your donation is for along with your name on the outside of a regular envelope.  Names of deceased in whose name a contribution was made will be published on Easter Sunday.

The Week Ahead:

Tuesday, March 16^th  ~ Knights of Columbus ~ Executive meeting- 6:00 p.m. ~ General Meeting- 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17^th  ~  Seniors’ Group meets at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 17^th   ~  St. Patrick’s Day Mass ~ 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 18^th  ~ Adult Choir practice ~ 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 20^th  ~  Bridge at 1:00 p.m.

Friday, March 20^th ~  Way of the Cross at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21^st ~ Rosary Devotion ~ 11:00 a.m.

More Irish Humour:  Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died.  He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney.  “Did you see the paper?” asked Gallagher.  “They say I died!!”  “Yes, I saw it!” replied Finney.  “Where are you calling from?”

Rosary Devotion:  All are invited to participate in saying the rosary on Saturday, March 21^st at 11:00 a.m.  We will be meditating on The Sorrowful Mysteries followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  Come join us for this powerful devotion as we pray for peace. 

Mark Your Calendars:  The next Seniors’ Luncheon will be held on Tues., March 23^rd.  Please note that it is not being held on the last Tuesday of the month as usual because the last week of March is Holy Week.  Plan to attend this popular event.  A great value for only $5.  Bring a friend. 

National Catholic Mission 2010:  The National Catholic Mission 2010, “A God for All Seasons,” will be broadcast on VISIONTV on Mon., March 29^th (Part 1) and Tues., March 30^th (Part 2) at 9:00 p.m. and repeated at 11:00 p.m.  It will feature Spiritan Father Pat Fitzpatrick and Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister.

Thanks But No Thanks:  All are asked to refrain from bringing unwanted household items from home and dropping them off in the parish hall kitchen.  We know that this is being done with good intentions but what happens is that these surplus items simply mess up the kitchen as many are duplicate things which are not needed.  Please ask someone who works in the kitchen before dropping them off here, or save them and donate them to the Inner City Home when they start collecting items for their yard sale.

Community Events  ►  La Porte des Eaux/Watergate, 1534 Pioneer Rd. is hosting a “Free Movie Nite”, Fri., March 19^th at 7:00 p.m.  Please reserve your seat by emailing info@sudburycinema.com or call the Festival Hotline at 523-9997.  Check www.sudburycinema.com for more info.  ►  Warmhearts are in need of volunteers.  They are offering a Spring Training Course for volunteers who would like to offer comfort and support to terminally ill individuals and their families, thus enhancing their quality of life.  Call Jeannette Carriere at 677-0077 x 226 for more info.► Niagara Falls Getaway ~ 4 days and 3 nights from Sept. 20^th to 23^rd  ~  $590 per couple ~ Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 1387 ~ Call 983-4347 by March 31^st to reserve your spot.  ► Club d’Âge d’Or, 26 Côté Blvd, Hanmer will have a St. Patrick Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. on Sat., March 20^th.  Admission $7.  Dress in green.  Call Henry at 969-2170 for more info.  ► Daughters of Isabella are having their meeting on March 21^st at 2 p.m. at Christ the King Parish

Mass Intention Schedule March 15 to March 21:  Tues. 10 a.m. [┼ Gettulio Filippini];  Wed. 10 a.m.  [┼ Aldo Rinaldi ];  Thurs., 3:45 p.m. (at the Palambro ~ all are welcome) [ ┼ Sara & Mario Fava ];  Fri. 10 a.m. [in honour of St. Theresa];  Sat. 5:15 p.m.  [ ┼ Bill McLelland  / ┼ Rosemary Limarzi];  Sun. 9:30 a.m. [ ┼ Peter Furac / ┼ Raul Dioneo]; Sun. 11:30 a.m. [for the parishioners of St. Patrick’s].

Income Tax Receipts are now available for pick up.  They are located at the back of the church.  If anyone would like a more detailed reporting of their donations throughout 2009, please contact the office.