This Week
Charity Row concludes tomorrow with the feast of St. Praxades, who relieved the suffering Christians of Rome in the “lion’s den” (as they used to call the prisons).

On Tuesday honor St. Mary Magdalen (her statue is next to Our Lady’s altar) as well as St. Anthony. Please note that on Tuesday through Thursday the Mass is at 9:00 AM due to the Boys’ Camp.

On Friday the beloved St. Christopher is commorated as we keep the feast of St. James the Greater, “Moor Slayer” and Apostle of Spain, at 5:45 PM, with Novena and Benediction.

Good St. Anne, patroness for so many, is honored at 7:30 on Saturday.

Next Sunday
Confession Sunday with Father McGuire hearing confessions before and or during all Masses. The Blessing of Automobiles follows all Masses.

Set your missal: Pentecost XI, with a commemoration of St. Pantaleon and Our Lady with all the saints. Preface of the Trinity.

Dr. Droleskey speaks about true peace and false, following the 11:30 AM Mass.

This Week
Our full schedule of Masses resumes this week. Thank you for your understanding.

Tuesday we continue our Thirteen Tuesdays in honor of St. Anthony.

Wednesday should be a particular day of devotion for all who wear the scapular, for it is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This might be a good day to get up early for the beautiful, quiet 6:30 AM Mass. High Mass will be sung in Our Lady’s honor at 5:00 PM.

“Charity Row” commences with St. Camillus of Lellis on Friday, continuing with calendar saints known for love of God and neighbor through next Monday. Show your love of God by going to Friday’s 5:45 PM Mass, or at least Sacred Heart Novena and Benediction at approximately 6:30 PM.

Next Sunday
Enrollment in the Brown Scapular is available directly after all Masses for those who have never received it. The Blessing of Expectant Mothers is available as well, following the Scapular enrollment.

Set your missal: Pentecost X, with a commemoration of St. Jerome Emilian and St. Margaret. Preface of the Trinity.

Don’t Forget!
When you are away this summer don’t forget that our expenses continue at church. Please send us your usual weekly contribution envelope.

This Week
Tuesday is the feast of a great saint of peace, St. Elizabeth. We continue the St. Anthony Devotion after the 8:00 AM Mass.

Wednesday offers an “after work” Mass at 5:00 PM Although technically a Ferial Day, Our Lady of Peace and many other saints fall this day, including Ss. John Fisher and Thomas More, and St. Maria Goretti.

Confessions are heard before the 8:00 AM Mass on Thursday.

On Friday at 5:45 PM the monthly Requiem for the Poor Souls is sung, followed by Novena and Benediction.

Next Sunday
Summer Children’s Confessions are heard at 10:30 AM. Summer afternoon Vespers and Benediction resume at 4:45 PM, with Precious Blood Devotions. The Fatima Rosary Procession is at 7:00 PM in West Chester. We meet at the First Watch Restaurant parking lot located on Union Centre and Floer Dr. Set your missal: Pentecost IX, with the commemorations of St. Anacletus and Our Lady and all the Saints. Preface of the Trinity.

In Your Charity Please Pray
For all the sick of the parish, especially Peter Schappacher, who is seriously ill.

Don’t Forget!
The Knights of the Sacred Heart Boys’ Summer Camp will be held July 22-24 here in West Chester. Plan now to have your boys ages six to fourteen to attend. Please contact Father Saavedra.

The Sisters of St. Thomas Aquinas will be here to assist with our Girls’ Day camp at St. Gertrude the Great from August 21 to 23. Contact the parish office for additional information.

June 29, 2008, Ss. Peter & Paul
Today is the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul with a Commemoration and Last Gospel of Pentecost VII. Confessions are being heard before and or during all Masses. Festive early Vespers and Benediction at 1:10 PM.

This Week
Please note the special schedule of Masses this week due to Bp. Dolan’s European trip.

Tuesday is the Feast of the Precious Blood, which is solemnized next Sunday. The St. Anthony Devotion follows the 8:00 AM Mass.

Wednesday is the charming summer Feast of the Visitation, the Second Joyful Mystery. High Mass is at 5:00 PM.

First Thursday Mass is at 8:00 AM. Remember to pray for priests today and every day. Pray as well for vocations.

First Friday is also Independence Day. Due to the national holiday there are no evening services or All Night Adoration. Come and make reparation to the Sacred Heart as we pray for our country at the 9:00 AM Mass and Benediction. Please note that the Friday abstinence is traditionally dispensed. Meat may be eaten on Friday, July 4th.

First Saturday of the Month of the Scapular is observed with 7:30 AM Mass, followed by Rosary and First Saturday Devotions.

Next Sunday
The second collection is taken for the support of our Seminary. The blessing of religious articles will be available after all Masses at the communion rail. Set your missal: The Solemnity of the Precious Blood (July 1st) is observed at all Masses. Gloria & Credo, Preface of the Cross. Proper Last Gospel of the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. At the low Masses there is a commemoration of the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost and of the Octave Day of Ss. Peter and Paul.

Prayers, Please
Please continue to pray for Tim Hopkins, Sister Olive and Father Martin Stepanich, and Father Vincent as well. In your charity please pray for the mother of Father Jamie Siordia, Magdalena Portugal Alba, who died last Tuesday evening and was buried in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Upcoming Events
Sunday evning, July 13th at 7 o’clock, Fatima Rosary Procession in West Chester. We meet at Union Centre and Floer Dr. in the parking lot of the First Watch Restaurant.

The Knights of the Sacred Heart Boys’ Summer Camp will be held July 22-24 here in West Chester. Plan now to have your boys ages six to fourteen to attend. If you can assist with the supervision, please contact Father Saavedra.

The Sisters of St. Thomas Aquinas and the St. Angela Merici Girls Group are sponsoring a Girls’ Day camp here at St. Gertrude the Great from August 21 to 23. Contact the parish office for additional information.

Dress Code
Summer is here and the temperature is warm but, ladies please remember to dress modestly and not wear sleeveless, sheer or revealing tops to church. Men and boys must wear a coat and tie to Sunday Mass. Our church is kept cool so that you can easily follow this common sense dress code.

St. John’s Eve
Join us this Monday evening (June 23rd) for Mass, Vespers, a BBQ & potluck supper, good company and the blessing of the St. John’s Fire. A facinating history of this vigil is found in today’s bulletin. The church will provide hotdogs, beverages, and the marshmallows. We ask that you bring a salad or a dessert to share. If you have folding lawn chairs please feel free to bring those along too! The schedule for the evening is as follows:
5:45 PM High Mass
6:45 PM First Vespers of St. John the Baptist
7:30 PM BBQ & Potluck Supper
9:00 PM Lighting and Blessing of St. John’s Bonfire followed by a marsh-mallow roast!
After Dark : The Rosary concludes the Vigil and festivities
Rain date: Tuesday evening, June 24th.

Thirteen Tuesdays of St. Anthony
We continue our traditional summer devotion of the 13 Tuesdays of St. Anthony this week after the 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses. Come to participate in this powerful devotion every Tuesday this summer!

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
A triduum to mark the feast of Our Lady under this beloved title (June 27th) will be conducted June 26th-28th. The Friday evening Mass will be of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Next Sunday
Set your missal: The Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. Gloria & Credo, Preface of the Apostles. Proper Last Gospel of the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Commemoration of the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost and of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Confessions will be heard before and or during all Masses. Special early Vespers and Benediction at 1:10 PM.

Alter Christus
Thank you for your generous offerings which will enable us to have six Masses offered for the material and spiritual support of our priests.

Dress Code
Summer is here and the temperature is warm but, ladies please remember to dress modestly and not wear sleeveless, sheer or revealing tops to church. Men must wear a coat and tie to Sunday Mass. Our church is kept cool so that you can easily follow this common sense dress code.

Church Support
With vacation and travel during the summer it’s easy to overlook things. Please don’t forget to mail in your weekly contribution if you are away from home. Our expenses never take a vacation!

Work wanted!
Darlene Rentschler needs work! Twenty-four hour care or evenings (Monday-Thursday and Saturday preferably). Available Sunday if twenty-four care is needed. Please call 513.574.7106.

FOR SALE!
4 bedroom, 2 bath, brick ranch on 1/2 acre in Loveland (20 minutes from church). Great for a large/growing family. Call Tim Duff at 513.315.1040 or Rob Kuebler at 513.509.9183.

Congratulations to Our Grads!
This morning we present high school diplomas to our two graduating seniors, Devon Poeppelman and Patrick Lotarski. As they leave our school we offer them our best wishes and prayers. Join us in Helfta Hall following the 9:00 AM Mass and graduation ceremony for a little reception and refreshments.

Additional Summer Confessions
Confessions will be heard on Thursday mornings before the 8:00 AM Mass and afterwards if needs be as well.

The Thirteen Tuesdays in Honor of St. Anthony
We open this beloved and very powerful devotion to St. Anthony, according to custom, on the Tuesday after his feast. The prayers will be recited each week after both the 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses. The faithful who spend some time devout meditations or prayers, or who perform some acts of piety in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, on Tuesday or Sunday of any week, with the intention of doing so for thirteen Tuesdays or Sundays without interruption, may gain a plenary indulgence on the usual conditions of confession and reception of Holy Communion.

Bring your Beasts!
Our annual blessing of the animals in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Anthony of Egypt, takes place this Tuesday evening at 7 o’clock. Bring your pets and join us in prayer!

Prayers, Please
Tim Hopkins is home now, and his recovery is going slowly. Sr. Olive, a traditional Franciscan sister in Chicago, is seriously ill. Several others request our prayers, as does Carol Niehaus. Please say a special prayer for Stanley and Wilma Schappacher.

Slacks, Say it Again!
It is forbidden for women and girls to come on church property wearing shorts or slacks, even to drop off an item, or pick someone up.

St. John’s Eve
We are planning a bonfire and barbecue to mark the shortest night and longest day of the year, St. John’s Eve. After services in church we will bless the bonfire, roast some wieners, and celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist. Plan to join us for an evening of summer fun and socializing on Monday, June twenty-third. Details to follow in next Sunday’s bulletin.

Mothers Union
After a long hiatus, Bishop Dolan will resume the Mothers’ Evening of Recollection this Friday, June twentieth, with 5:45 PM Mass, and a spiritual talk entitled “Two Holy Wives” at 7:00 PM. All of the ladies of the parish are invited to attend.

Next Sunday
Set your missal: Pentecost VI. Gloria & Credo, Preface of the Holy Trinity. Commemoration of St. Paulinus of Nola.

Friday, June 13th
The second of our Fatima Rosary Processions follows Friday evening’s 5:45 Mass and Sacred Heart Devotions at the special time of 7:15 PM at Union Center and Floer Dr. Your participation is important!

Retreat for Young People
Father Selway and the Sisters of St. Thomas Aquinas invite single Catholics, ages fourteen to twenty-five, to a spiritual retreat July 20-25. The young ladies retreat will be given at the Sisters’ Motherhouse, and the young men at the nearby and new Seminary, thus facilitating carpooling. The donation is only one hundred dollars. For more information please call Fr. Selway at 352.428.9116 or contact the Sisters at www.sistersofaquinas.com.

Boys’ & Girls’ Summer Camps
The Knights of the Sacred Heart Boys’ Summer Camp will be held July 22-24 here in West Chester. Plan now to have your boys ages six to fourteen to attend. If you can assist with the supervision, please contact Father Saavedra. The Sisters of St. Thomas Aquinas and the St. Angela Merici Girls Group are sponsoring a Girls’ Day camp here at St. Gertrude the Great from August 21 to 23. More details to follow.

Next Sunday
June 15th, is Father’s Day. The special Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes can be found in the pews or in the vestibule. Remember your father, grandfather, or any special father at Holy Mass. Simply fill out the envelope and return it to us before Father’s Day. Our high school graduation takes place following the 9:00 AM Mass. Please show your support for our School by attending. Refreshments will be served in Helfta Hall. All are welcome to come and celebrate this happy occasion with our graduates.

Garage Sale
As our priests moved into the new rectory they found themselves in possession of few items they no longer need. These pieces of furniture and other items are now for sale. A list of the items is posted in the vestibule. If you are interested contact Aimee Wnek at alwnek@cinci.rr.com or 513.360.3100

For Sale
4 bedroom, 2 bath, brick ranch on 1/2 acre in Loveland (20 minutes from church). Great for a large/growing family. Call Tim Duff at 513.315.1040 or Rob Kuebler at 513.509.9183.

June 1, 2008 - SACRED HEART SUNDAY.
Today is the Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart, with a commemoration of St. Angela Merici. Vespers, Sacred Heart Devotions and Benediction are at 4:45 PM. The special second collection is taken up for the support of our Seminary. The blessing of religious articles is available after all Masses.

First Thursday
Thursday is a special day of prayer for priests, as well as for the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

First Friday
The intention for the All Night Adoration: In thanksgiving and reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

First Saturday
Intention: In reparation for any lack of love to Our Lady this May, and for offenses against her Immaculate Heart.

Sing My Tongue
We thank our choir for another beautiful year, completed with the Feast of the Sacred Heart. As they take a well deserved rest, we invite you to help us sing the Sunday summer high Mass each week. Special thanks to the men of the schola for their continuing chant of the propers each Sunday.

Prayers, please
Please pray for Colleen Teets of Urbana, Tim Hopkins (recovering from surgery), Shirle Downing, Richard Rentschler, and Michael DiSalvo, as well as all of our sick and shut-in. Please remember the souls of some recent departed, including Bishop Martinez of Guadalajara, Mexico, and Father Celsus Griese, O.F.M.

Young Persons’ Retreat
Bishop Sanborn and his priests invite single Catholics, ages fourteen to twenty-five, to a spiritual retreat July 21-25. The young ladies retreat will be given at the Sisters’ Motherhouse, and the young men at the nearby and new Seminary, thus facilitating carpooling. The donation is only one hundred dollars for five wonderful spiritual days. Young people take advantage of this opportunity! More details to follow.

Boys’ Summer Camp
The Knights of the Sacred Heart Boys’ Summer Camp will be held July 22-24 here in West Chester. Plan now to have your boys ages six to fourteen to attend. Dads and young men are being sought to assist with the supervision. Please contact Father Saavedra.

Next Sunday
Set your missal: Pentecost IV. Gloria & Credo, Preface of the Holy Trinity. Vespers and Benediction are at 4:45 PM.

Father’s Day Envelopes
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th. Envelopes can be found in the pews or in the vestibule for the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance. Remember your father, grandfather, or any special father at Holy Mass. Simply fill out the envelope and return it to us before Father’s Day.

Upcoming Events
St. Gertrude the Great High School Commencement Ceremonies will be held Sunday, June 15, following the 9:00 AM High Mass. Refreshments will be served in Helfta Hall. All are invited.

Wanted!
Flowers (perennials) from your garden are needed to help fill Bishop Dolan’s garden. Some suggestions for plants are: Lily of the Valley, Iris, and Day Lilies. Please list the name of the plant and its color on the pot. Thank you for your generosity.

The Sacred Heart
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, May 30th, should be marked with special fervor in our families where He has been enthroned as King of Love. Decorate your Sacred Heart shrine, renew your consecrations as a family and receive Holy Communion at the 11:25 AM or the 5:45 PM Mass. This feast offers us an opportunity to make reparation to His Sacred Heart for our coldness and indifference to the Blessed Sacrament, as well as to remember just how much He loves us. Make an effort to attend an extra Mass in His honor during the Octave. Remember, this is a feast Our Lord specifically requested personally of St. Margaret Mary. Shouldn’t you come?

Memorial Day
On Monday, begin your day by praying for our recent war dead, all deceased veterans and all of our dear departed. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at 8:30 AM with Memorial Day and May Devotions, and High Mass at 9:00 followed by Benediction.

The Queenship of Mary
May closes with the Feast of Our Lady’s Queenship this Saturday. End the month with your Blessed Mother. Masses are at 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, followed by final May Devotions.

Next Sunday
The Blessing of Religious Articles follows all Masses at the communion rail. Join us, won’t you, for the Jog-a-thon awards and final results in Helfta Hall following the High Mass at approximately 11:00 AM. The usual first Sunday of the month second collection will be taken up for the support of our Seminary. Please be generous. Set your missal: The Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart. Commemoration of the Sacred Heart and St. Angela Merici. Preface of the Sacred Heart. Vespers and Benediction are at 4:45 PM.

Gain the Indulgences!
The faithful who visit the Blessed Sacrament on the Feast of Corpus Christi and during the Octave may obtain a plenary indulgence on each day on the condition of confession and Holy Communion. The faithful who receive Holy Communion for the first time or are present at the First Communion of others are granted a plenary indulgence on the usual conditions.

Upcoming Events
St. Gertrude the Great High School Commencement Ceremonies will be held Sunday, June 15, following the 9:00 AM High Mass. Refreshments will be served in Helfta Hall. All are invited.

Father’s Day Envelopes
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th. Envelopes can be found in the pews or in the vestibule for the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance. Remember your father, grandfather, or any special father at Holy Mass. Simply fill out the envelope and return it to us before Father’s Day.

Corpus Christi
On Thursday of this week we celebrate the great feast of Corpus Christi with All Day Adoration of the Most Blessed Scrament beginning with 8:45 AM Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, High Mass and a little Procession at 11:25 AM followed by further Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament All Day. Vespers are at 2:30 PM. The day concludes at 5:00 PM with Mass and Benediction.

Next Sunday
Set your missal: Low Masses: Sunday Within the Octave of Corpus Christi with the commemorations of the Octave and St. Gregory VII, W. Preface of the Nativity. High Mass: Corpus Christi, with the commemoration of the Sunday Within the Octave. Proper Last Gospel: Sunday within the Octave of Corpus Christi. Preface of the Nativity. If you are attending the 11:30 AM Mass, come early (approximately 10:30 AM) for the outdoor Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and to accompany the Holy Eucharist in Procession. First Holy Communion takes place at the High Mass. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Continues All Afternoon. Plan to spend some time in the afternoon visiting Our Lord. We need adorers. A visit to Our Lord outside of the Mass is an act of love. Members of the Rosary Confraternity are kindly asked to take turns adoring the Blessed Sacrament from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. A Holy Hour will be conducted at 3:00 PM. The day concludes with Vespers and the final Benediction of the day at 4:45 PM.

Congratulations & Prayers
To Jim and Barb Kolenich on the baptism of their newborn son, Nicolai, yesterday.

The Four Musketeers Do it Again!
Again this year we are very proud of our high school boys who have brought back trophies for finishing in first place in the SOHSFA League as well as for their first place finish in tournament competition. Each boy was also awarded a gold medal for his excellent play. They are on display in the vestibule. Fencing is an excellent sport for young men, helping them to develop confidence, agility and coordination. This is just one example of the fine Catholic education we offer our young people in our school. Thank you for your support!