February 3, 2008 – Quinquagesima – Holy Face Sunday – St Blaise, BpM
Today is the First Sunday of the Month. Our Special Second Collection is for Our Seminary. The Blessing of Religious Articles follows all Masses. Our annual Triduum in Honor of the Holy Face begins today and will conclude on Tuesday, the Feast of the Holy Face. Today is the feast of St. Blaise. The Blessing of Throats in his honor is available at the Communion rail after all Masses. Home Candles, a powerful sacramental blessed on the feast of the Purification, are available in the vestibule. Suggested minimum donation is $4.00 per box. Shrovetide Confession will be heard before or during all the morning Masses.
Alter Christus
The “little church” is in the vestibule this morning. The ushers are collecting alms for the Alter Christus Confraternity to support priests who might not otherwise receive help. Please be generous.
Ash Wednesday – Fast & Abstinence
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, and after the 5:45 PM Mass at approximately 6:45 PM. Ashes will also be distributed after the 3:00 PM Children’s Stations of the Cross.
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.
Infant of Prague
Our novena in honor of the Divine Infant, Day VII, continues this Friday at 5:35 PM. Come with confidence to honor our loving little King.
Lent
We place our Lent this year in the hands of The Holy Child Jesus, Doctor of the Sick. 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 (see details on page 3), 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 Sorrow-ful 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!’
Upcoming Events
Wednesday – February 20th: Children’s Day of Recollection
Next Sunday
The Blessing of the Sick follows all Masses. Vespers and Benediction are at 1:10 PM.
Set your missal: February 10th. Lent I with the commemoration of St. Scholastica, V. 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. Last year we introduced the idea of “theme foods” for each of the Plus Friday nights. Here are the suggestions for this year:
Feb. 8th: Mexican Night.
Feb. 15th: Pasta Night
Feb. 22nd: Soup, Salad, Bread Night
Feb. 29th: Tuna Night
March 7th: Baked Potato Night
March 14th: Mac & Cheese, Salad 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 dish to share that will coordinate with the theme, such as vegetables, salad, pasta, etc. Please, since it is Lent, no desserts. Bon appetit!