January 20, 2008 – Septuagesima – Ss Fabian, P & Sebastian, Mm – Chair of Unity Octave III
Today is Septuagesima Sunday, the opening of our Pre-Lent season, during which we pray and plan for a good Lent. Confessions will be heard before and during all Masses. The Blessing of Expectant Mothers follows all Masses. Catechism classes are at 10:35 AM.
Chair of Unity Octave
Our annual devotion for the conversion of different non-Catholic groups continues this week. This devotion concludes Friday with the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. An indulgence of 300 days during the octave of prayers for the unity of the Church from the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter at Rome (Jan. 18) to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25). A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions at the end of the exercise.
Tuesday, January 22nd: Pro-Life Day of Prayer
This is the 35th Anniversary of Roe-v-Wade. Following the 11:25 AM Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be Exposed for Adoration all afternoon in reparation for the crime of abortion. There will be a Children’s Holy Hour at 2:30 PM. At 5:00 PM a Holy Hour consisting of the Rosary and Pro-Life Devotions will be offered, concluding with Benediction at 5:45 PM. This Day of Prayer ends with the Votive Mass of the Holy Innocents at 6:00 PM. Won’t you come and spend time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and beg God’s forgiveness on our country and plead that He spare us from His just and righteous anger for this horrible crime?
Sorrowful Mother Novena
Our annual Novena to the Sorrowful Mother 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.
Infant of Prague
Our novena in honor of the Divine Infant continues this Friday at 5:35 PM. Come with confidence to honor our loving little King.
Ladies’ Evening of Recollection
Friday, January 25th, come for Mass and Benediction at 5:45 PM. Confessions follow Mass. At approximately 7:30 PM there will be a Spiritual Talk and an opportunity for questions and discussion. Refreshments conclude the evening. All ladies of the parish are invited.
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.
Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of the Month, and the Twelfth of Our Mother of Good Counsel. Closing ceremonies follow the High Mass. Do come back to Helfta Hall at 11:10 AM for a charming Christmas offering of Hymns with Hands and Voices, performed by our Sunday School Catechism class. Early Vespers and Benediction will be at 1:10 PM.
Set your missal: January 27th, Sexagesima, with the commemoration of St. John Chrysostom, BpCD. Preface of the Trinity.
The Rosary Confraternity will meet at 9:30 AM in front of the Auburn Avenue Abortion clinic to pray the Rosary on Saturday, January 26th. A light breakfast will follow the 8:00 AM Mass before proceeding to the abortion clinic.
Upcoming Events
Saturday – February 2nd – Candlemas
Saturday, February 2nd, is First Saturday and the feast of the Purification / Candlemas. Join us for the Procession & “Mass of Candles” at 9:00 AM, followed by our annual Winter Soup Lunch & Mardi Gras – bring some soup or dessert. Plan to spend this lovely feast of Our Lord and Our Lady with your “church family” by bringing your children to take part in the procession. After Mass we will share a family lunch of bread, wine, soup and desserts. As you did last year, bring your favorite soup in a crock pot, and the church will supply a variety of tasty breads and wines. You may wish instead to bring some delicious dessert — it’s almost Lent! In any case, do come! In the spirit of this feast of the Presentation, present yourself and your children, as Our Lady presented her only Son. Make the offering of your delicious soup or dessert as St. Joseph offered two doves. Your extra effort for God and your “church family” will not be forgotten by Him. “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.” —Ludwig van Beethoven
Wednesday – February 6th: Ash Wednesday – already!
Wednesday – February 20th: Children’s Day of Recollection
The Paschal Sacraments
First Testing & First Confessions: Saturday, April 12th. (Baptismal Certificate must be presented before testing, and form filled out.)
• Obligatory Day of Recollection for all First Communion Children: Thursday, May 8th.
• Confirmation: Saturday, May 10th.
• First Holy Communion: Sunday, May 25th. Parents, please remember to submit to the Office by March 11th, 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.