February 11, 2007 – Sexagesima – Our Lady of Lourdes
The Blessing of the Sick follows all Masses today, with the Blessing of Religious Articles afterwards. Vespers are at 4:45 PM with Benediction at approximately 5:25 PM.
Every Catholic boy should learn how to serve God at the altar. It is both a privilege and a duty. Sunday Serving Classes begin today at 10:40 AM.
Please patronize our St. Valentine’s Day Bake Sale which is being held today in Helfta Hall.
Palms Needed!
Please bring your old palms to church during this week (not next Sunday). There will be a box in the vestibule in which to deposit them. They are needed in order to prepare ashes for distribution on Ash Wednesday.
Sorrowful Mother Novena
Our Sorrowful Mother Novena, with the Blessing of the Sick continues this Friday evening after the 5:45 PM Mass. Call or write in to the office the first names of those for whom you would like us to pray, as well as the names of your sick.
Gentlemen, join us this Friday, February 16th, for an Evening of Recollection with 5:45 PM Mass, Benediction, and a Spiritual Talk at 7:00 PM with opportunity for questions and discussion. Confessions will be heard before the talk.
Lenten Planning
Ash Wednesday Masses are at 6:30 and 11:30 AM and 5:45 PM.
Ashes will be given out after all Masses and at 3:30 (following Childrens’ Stations) and 7:30 PM.
Each Friday we offer our traditional “evening of recollection” with 5:45 PM Mass, the Parish Potluck Plus Supper, a short Stations service, short Sermon, Benediction and a brief Sorrowful Mother Novena service, with Blessing of the Sick and Holy Communion.
At 3:00 PM on all the Wednesdays in Lent, the traditional Children’s Stations round out our offerings.
Lenten Potluck Plus Supper
Each year on the Friday nights in Lent we offer a Parish Potluck Plus Supper following the Mass and before the Stations of the Cross. The unique item that makes up the Plus this year is that each Friday night will have a specific theme:
Feb. 23rd is: Mexican Night.
March 2nd: Baked Potato Night
March 9th: Pasta Night
March 16th: Soup & Breads Night
March 23rd: Pizza Night
March 30th: Fish Night
Each week two volunteer families are asked to make and/or coordinate a themed meal. A sign-up sheet will be posted in Helfta Hall. Please let us know which Friday night you would like to sponsor. The church will cover the expense of the ingredients. This way we know for sure there will be a substantial main item to feed those who are fasting and coming to church from a day’s work. We will also supply beverages, plates, utensils, etc. If you plan to eat with us we ask that you bring a suitable dish to share that will coordinate with the theme, such as vegetables, salad, pasta, etc. Please, since it is Lent, no desserts. Bon appetit!
Calling All Writers
If you enjoy writing, or think you might, come to the first meeting of our Traditional Catholic Writer’s group. We will meet on February 18th, between the 9 and 11:30 AM Masses, in Helfta Hall, (approx.) 10:30 AM. For more information call Donna Patton, 937-393-9741.
Infant of Prague
Our novena in honor of the Divine Infant, Day VIII, continues this Friday at 5:35 PM. Come with confidence to honor our loving little King.
St. Gertrude the Great
Literary Wine Tasting
It’s not too late, but you must make your reservation by 5:00 PM Monday!
Saturday, February 17th, at 5:30 PM we are offering a Literary Wine Tasting and appetizer buffet. The wine selections will be similar to those mentioned in classical literary pieces such as:
Hamlet, The Three Musketeers, The Canterbury Tales, The Cask of Amontillado, The Great Gatsby and Beowulf.
A classical literature presentation by Margaret Kinnett will accompany each selection.
The cost is $25.00 per person. Please contact the church office at 645-4214 for reservations.
Next Sunday
Next Sunday is Holy Face Sunday and the beginning of our annual Triduum in Honor of the Holy Face. The Blessing of Expectant Mothers follows all Masses. Vespers are at 4:45 PM with Benediction at approximately 5:25 PM.
Set your missal: February 18th. Quinquagesima with the commem-orations of St Simeon, BpM and Our Lady and all the Saints. Pref: Trinity.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday – February 28th: Childrens’ Lenten Day of Recollection
Masses Offered in the Missions:
Intentions of Sr. Margaret Mary, (B. & R. Brueggemann); (4) Poor Souls (MAW)
Holy Helper Volunteers
Saturday, February 17th: Katie Bischak, Regina Gilliam and Beth Brueggemann. Thank you to all those who came last Saturday to help with taking down the Christmas decorations.
The Paschal Sacraments
First Testing & First Confessions: Saturday, April 21st. (Baptismal Certificate must be presented before testing, and form filled out.
• Obligatory Day of Recollection for all First Communion Children: Thursday, May 24th.
• Confirmation: Saturday, May 26th.