February 18, 2007 – Quinquagesima – Holy Face Sunday – St Bernadette, V
Today is Quinquagesima Sunday (which means fifty—the approximate number of days until Easter.) Our annual Triduum in Honor of the Holy Face begins today and will conclude on Tuesday, the Feast 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.
Every Catholic boy should learn how to serve God at the altar. It is both a privilege and a duty. Sunday Serving Classes continue today at 10:40 AM.
Calling All Writers
If you enjoy writing, or think you might, come to the first meeting of our Traditional Catholic Writer’s group this morning between the 9 and 11:30 AM Masses, in Helfta Hall, (approx.) 10:30 AM.
Ash Wednesday
Begin your Lent well by receiving Ashes at one of the many services we will offer on that day. Ash Wednesday Masses are at 6:30 and 11:30 AM and 5:45 PM. Ashes will be given out before and after the morning Masses, after the 5:45 PM Mass and after the 7:30 PM Penitential Service. Ashes will also be distributed after the 3:00 PM Children’s Stations of the Cross and Benediction.
Infant of Prague
Our novena in honor of the Divine Infant, concludes this Friday at 5:35 PM. Come with confidence to honor our loving little King.
Sorrowful Mother Novena
We are now in the third week of our Novena to the Sorrowful Mother with the Blessing of the Sick. This devotion takes place every Friday evening after the Sermon and Stations of the Cross. Call or mail in to the office the first names of those who are sick, and those for whom you would like us to pray.
Lent
We place our Lent this year in the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Each Friday we will offer our traditional “evening of recollection” including 5:45 PM Mass, sermon and Sacred Heart novena, followed by the Parish Potluck Plus Supper, Stations, Sermon, Sorrowful Mother Novena and Blessing of the Sick, closing Benediction and Holy Communion.
As we have been doing of late, these services will be short but beautiful – a short Stations service, a short Sermon, a brief Sorrowful Mother Novena service, with Blessing of the Sick, Benediction and Holy Communion.
At 3:00 PM on Wednesdays, the traditional Children’s Stations of the Cross round out our offerings.
Begin your Lent well. If you don’t plan on doing anything else this Lent, at least start it with your blessed ashes. You’ll be surprised at what will follow!
‘Remember, O man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return!’
Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of the month – Confession Sunday. Confessions will be heard before and during all Masses. Early LentenVespers and Benediction are at 1:15 PM.
Set your missal: February 25th. Lent I with the commemorations of Our Lady and All the Saints and for the Living and the Dead. Pref: Lent.
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!
The Rosary Confraternity will meet at 11:00 AM in front of the Auburn Avenue Abortion Clinic to pray the rosary on Saturday, February 24th. A light breakfast will follow the 9:00 AM Mass before proceeding to the abortion clinic.
Childrens’ Day of Recollection
This year our Childrens’ Day of Recollection will take place on Wednesday, February 28th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for both Grade School and High School Students. Separate spiritual talks will be given for both groups. Please make every effort to have your children attend this spiritually enriching day. Please call the school (513-645-4216) by Monday, February 26th to let us know if you plan to have your children attend. A lunch will be provided. No charge!
• 9:00 AM: Opening of the Day of Recollection
• 11:30 AM: High Mass
• 2:50 PM: Closing Stations & Benediction
Holy Helper Volunteers
Saturday, February 24th: Katie Bischak, Briggs Family.
The Paschal Sacraments
First Testing & First Confessions: Saturday, April 21st. (Baptismal Cer-tificate 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.
• First Holy Communion: Sunday, June 10th.
Parents, please remember to submit to the Office by March 25th, the Baptismal certificates of children not baptized at St. Gertrude the Great. If your child is not enrolled in the school or Sunday School, please let us know if you are planning on bringing him to be tested in April. Unless we have the Baptismal certificate, we will be unable to do the necessary testing. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if a child is ready for the Sacraments. Please consult the priest. The Church earnestly desires all children to receive Our Lord as soon as possible.