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Bulletin Highlights
Welcome to The Historic Roman Catholic
Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
200 Military Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 2E8
Archbishop of St. John’s: Most Reverend Martin W. Currie
Parish Priest: Father Charles Kelly
Associate Parish Priest: Father Fred Brown
Secretary: Anne Carew
Parish Office: Tel. 754-2170 Fax: 754-5608 - open Monday through Friday 9:00 am. to 4:30 p.m.
E-mail: basilica@nf.aibn.com Website: www.thebasilica.ca
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – FEBRUARY 5TH , 2012
Weekend Masses:
Saturday at 5:00 p.m.;
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Weekday Mass:
Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
Wednesday after the 9:30 am. Mass for one hour
Reconciliation:
Saturday 3:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Music Ministry:
Wednesdays 8:00-9:30 pm. New singers & instrumentalists welcome.
Sacrament of Baptism:
2ND Saturday and last Sunday of each month, except during Lent & Advent.
Sacrament of Marriage:
At least six months notice must be given.
Mass at Margaret’s Manor:
Third Thursday of each month.
Eucharist (Mass) at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary:
First Sunday of each month.
MUN Chaplaincy .. Weekly Mass at St. John’s Chapel (School of Social Work Building). Every Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. All are welcome!
Prayer.... We ask that you remember the sick of our parish...
Theresa Scott, Gerard Carey, Sarah Kelly, Anna Nolan, Gerald Roche, Susan Deng
Lord comfort them in their time of sickness and bless those who care for them. If you would like to have a friend or a family member named in the Bulletin and remembered at our Eucharistic celebrations please call the Parish Office (754-2170) by Wednesday.
... LAST YEAR’S PALM ... You are invited to bring last year’s blessed palm to the Church and place it in the basket provided. The palm will be burned and its ashes will be blessed and distributed on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd)
LENT ...
Parishioners are encouraged to anticipate the coming of Lent.
ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 22ND. Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years and older. Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59.
Important dates to remember ...
Ash Wednesday February 22nd
Holy Thursday April 5th
St. Joseph’s Table March 19th
Good Friday April 6th
Mass of Chrism March 27th
Holy Saturday April 7th
Passion (Palm Sunday) April 1st
Easter Sunday April 8th
REFLECTION FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2012
1st Reading: Job 7:1-4,6-7 ... Job wrestles with the problem of why the innocent should suffer.
2nd Reading: 1Cor. 9:16-23 ... If we are aware that God’s word is a treasure, we, like Paul, will feel compelled to share that great gift.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 ... In the midst of his work of teaching and healing, Jesus finds it necessary to escape to a lonely place to pray.
The question of human suffering, especially that of the just, was a big problem in biblical times – suffering was seen as a punishment from God for sin. This is the problem that Job was wrestling with and is still a problem for us today. There are many who can identify with Job ... those who suffer from poverty, hunger, sickness, injustice or tragedy in any form. What is Jesus’ answer to the problem of suffering? What we see in the Gospel is not so much an answer to the question ‘why suffering’, but Jesus’ response to actual suffering. Jesus surrounded himself with the sick and suffering. He gave himself to each one of them, healing one at a time. Jesus had compassion on the sufferers and he made his compassion an opportunity to show what God is like. By the way Jesus gave himself to the sick, he reveals to us the compassion of God in the face of human suffering. Suffering is a lonely condition. The suffering of others is an opportunity for us. We may not be able to cure, but it is always within our power to care. And to care is a very healing thing. We come to those who suffer with empty hands – empty hands that seek to comfort. All the sick ask is that we do not desert them .. that we stand with them, as Mary did at the foot of the cross at Calvary. Simply to be there is sometimes the hardest thing of all. Suffering is an unavoidable element of the human condition. Nevertheless, the road of suffering is a narrow and dark one. It is a great comfort to us to know that Jesus has traveled down this road and went to its end. He shows us that although the road led to Calvary, it didn’t end there – it ended at Easter. For those who suffer, therefore, their suffering becomes an opportunity to share in Christ’s Passion in the hope of sharing in his Easter victory.
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK – FEBRUARY 11, 2012
We will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick at Masses on Sunday, February 12th at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (The Sacrament of Baptism is being celebrated at the 5:00 pm. Mass on Saturday, February 11th.)
Anointing of the Sick should be celebrated if any of the following
conditions are present:
A) Serious Illness (Physical or Emotional). Seriously ill does not mean gravely, dangerously, or perilously ill. A prudent or reasonably sure judgment is sufficient for deciding on the seriousness of an illness.
B) Before Surgery. A sick person may be anointed before surgery, when the reasons for surgery are serious.
C) The Elderly. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened, although no serious illness is present.
The celebration consists of:
1. Laying on of Hands - In the laying on of hands the church community prays for the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the sick person. It is the biblical gesture of healing and blessing. It was Jesus’ own way of healing (Luke 4:40)
2. Anointing with Oil - The practice of anointing the sick with oil signifies healing, strengthening, and the presence of the Spirit.
◘◘◘ Annual Ocean Ranger Memorial Prayer Service ... Gonzaga High School will be holding its Annual Ocean Ranger Memorial Prayer Service to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy 30 years ago. The service will be held on Wednesday, February 15th at 10:45 a.m., St. Pius X Church. All are invited to attend.
Lent 2012 .... More detailed information in future Bulletins.
PENITENTIAL CELEBRATIONS DURING LENT - 7:00 P.M.
St. Teresa’s: Tuesday, March 13th
St. Patrick’s: Wednesday, March 28th
St. Pius X: Monday, March 19th Basilica: Thursday, March 29th
Corpus Christi: Wednesday, March 21st
MISSIONS DURING LENT
St. Teresa’s: Sunday, March 11th - Wednesday, March 14th
St. Patrick’s: Saturday, February 25th - Wednesday, February 29th
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION .... BASILICA, Tuesdays during Lent (except March 27th - Mass of Chrism), at 7:00 pm. in the Parish Room (please enter through the back entrance off Mullock St.)
MORNING REFLECTION (RETREAT) .... BASILICA, Saturday, March 3rd, Episcopal Library (Museum). Lunch Provided. No registration necessary ... just come by.
MASS OF CHRISM .... BASILICA, TUESDAY, MARCH 27TH AT 7:00 P.M.
*** World Day of the Sick - Mass at Corpus Christi Parish Church. February 11 is World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. You are invited to celebrate Eucharist with Archbishop Currie, Chaplains and Pastoral Care workers, on this day at 10:00 am. in Corpus Christi Parish Church, Waterford Bridge Road. We will pray for the sick and those who care for them. Refreshments will be served in the parish hall.
Growing in Faith ... Sessions for adults interested in exploring issues of faith and knowledge offered by the Archdiocese of St. John’s ... Saturday, February 18th, 9:30 am. - 12 Noon at Corpus Christi Parish Complex. Topic: “Walking the Journey of Lent”. Facilitator Father Ray Earle.
FAMILY LIFE BUREAU... To register for groups please call Sr. Loretta Walsh at 579-0168, email flb@nf.aibn.com or register online, www.rcsj.org. For details about upcoming groups please see the website.
... P.P.P. Power of Positive Parenting (4wks): Facilitator Kim Walters, Wednesday, February 8, 7-9:30 pm.
... Depression Coping in Music with Joanna Parsons & Anita Ailing (Music therapists), Thursday, February 9, Noon - 1:30 pm. (Daytime)
.. Parenting TEENS Course with Kim Walters. Begins: TBA (once numbers are adequate).
.. Empowerment Group: based on video series “Boundaries” by Cloud and Townsend, Tuesdays 7-9:30 pm. Begins: TBA (once we have our new counselor)
... The Lantern ... (Call 753-8760)
– Reel Justice Film Festival, “Bond of Silence”, Monday, February 6th, 7:30-9:30 pm.
– “Coping with Anxiety: A guide to breaking free” Toss the guilt and catch the joy with Helen Martinez, PBVM, Psy.D., Tuesday, February 7, 7-9 pm.
– “Dare to Dine” 3 Course dinner to support African grandmothers, Saturday, February 11th, 6:30-9;30 pm. (Tickets available at Presentation Convent, Cathedral Square)
– Book Study “The Third Jesus”, Saturdays, February 18th - March 10th, 10:30 am. - 12 Noon.
– Winter Labyrinth - A Walking Meditation with Donna Burt, Monday, February 20, 10am-12Noon or 7-9pm.
– Tai Chi Chih with Sheila Leonard, 579-7863 or www.taichichihnl.ca. 20 gentle, easy movements for all ages, promoting greater vitality and health. Can also be done seated.
... 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time ... February 5th - World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. “Everyone is searching for You.” If your search for the Lord is leading you to a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, call Fr. Ken Walsh 437-6628 or Fr. Steve Courtney, 279-1625 or email: vocations@nfl.aibn.com.
2012 Offertory Envelopes ... are ready to pick up. They are placed on the tables inside the front doors of the Basilica. Envelopes are in alphabetical order of your last name.
If you do not already use envelopes .... but would like to start this year .... please call Anne at the Parish Office at 754-2170.
COLLECTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED WITH MANY THANKS ... January 30, 2012
Offertory ... $5,942.70; Assessment ... $169.00; Initial Offering ... $60.00; D&P Phillippines ... $975.00
The Basilica Parish has a need of $6,875.00 each week in order to operate. Your continued generosity will enable us to reach this goal.
... Direct Deposit .... If you are interested in using the pre-authorized automatic withdrawal please call the Parish Office at
754-2170.
... Did You Know? ... that if you attend weekend Mass at a church other than your own Parish Church and use your parish envelope for your weekly offering, that offering will be returned to your own Parish.
Bingo! Cowan Plaza – corner of Topsail Road and Burgeo Street – Seven nights a week
Knights of Columbus - St. Clare Avenue every Wednesday and Sunday
“Remember that when you leave this earth you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given.” (St. Francis of Assisi)
IT LOOKS LIKE WINTER HAS ARRIVED .... to avoid confusion to our parishioners and friends who attend weekday Mass in the Basilica we have decided that if the schools are closed ... the Church will be closed and Mass cancelled for that day. Of course sometimes it does snow on the weekend ... if in doubt about whether or not Mass is being celebrated ... please tune in to the local radio stations for an announcement.
... We would like to get to know you! If you would like to become a registered member of the Basilica Parish please complete a Parish Census Form. The forms are available on the tables at the entrances to the Basilica or can be picked up at the Parish Office. When completed the form can be dropped off at the Parish Office or in with the Sunday collection.
** Pastoral Care Training Program ... is being offered again this spring for those wishing to be active in volunteer ministry under the direction of one of the Eastern Health chaplains or Pastoral Care managers. The course comprises 7 sessions held one evening a week for 7 weeks covering issues including sacred listening, prayer, sacramental ministry as well as spirituality, healing, grief and loss. This program includes a department orientation, training in pastoral visiting skills and an introduction to ethical issues pertinent to the scope of practice appropriate to a hospital ministry setting. Current issues in health care chaplaincy are discussed and an opportunity to discern and deepen one’s sense of call to this work is the ultimate focus of this program. Upon completion of the program a certificate is granted if all sessions have been completed. Those wishing to being ministry as a Pastoral Visitor would then need to complete the orientation process to Easter Health under the direction of the chaplain or manager sponsor. This program provides a forum to learn and grow with others while developing an awareness of health care ministry and its many facets.
Dates: Thursday, February 16th, for 7 Thursdays up to and including March 29th, 7-8:30 pm. Texts are provided. There is no course fee. Sponsorship is required by one of the hospital chaplains. Call 777-3545 for additonal information and to register or email susan.cummings@easternhealth.ca
.. “Come discover the truth and beauty of Catholicism!” ... New Time ... Watch Fr. Robert Barron’s “Catholicism” series with MUNCC and CYAN, Thursdays, 8 pm. at MUN, Room IIC-2001 (Inco Centre). February 9 & March 1 in Engineering 2006. Contact: Eleri Moore, 765-3222; elerid@gmail.com.
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PUBLISHED BULLETIN ....
Stewardship Prayer .... Creator God, At Baptism, we accepted the call to follow Jesus. Be with us as we move along on our faith journey. Send us your Holy Spirit, that we might have wisdom for the journey. Help us to develop and share our gifts as good stewards, that we may use them in love and service in your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Basilica of St. John the Baptist ... Open Monday through Friday 8 am. - 3:00 pm.; Saturdays open at 10:00 a.m. closes following the 5:00 pm. Mass; Sundays open at 8:00 am., closes at 12:30 p.m.
Parish Office : Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Religious Articles Store: ˝ hour before and after all Masses.
.. “Lives Recalled”, by Monsignor Francis A. Coady is now available in its second printing. This book contains a biographical sketch and photographs of some 470 priests who gave so much of themselves to serving the needs of the people of Newfoundland between 1627 and 2010. In “Lives Recalled” Monsignor Coady has recorded factual and biographical information that has not been gathered together previously in one book. This book of 678 pages forms a framework for church history. It is the most comprehensive account of places, dates, education, careers, and anecdotal commentary, an invaluable reference for any historical account mentioning a priest. The book – great gift idea for family or friends — may be purchased at the Basilica Parish Office (754-2170) at a cost of $20.00.
.. The Mercy Centre for Ecology & Justice, 101 Mt. Scio Rd., 722-0082, emailmcej@live.com
— A screening of the film “Journey Of The Universe”, a story of Cosmic & Earth evolution, by Mary Evelyn Tucker & Brian Swimme, Monday, Feb. 6, 7 pm. Admission is free but registration is required.
— Recycled Creativity: Come relax and enjoy turning the old into the new with five sessions of creativity. Turn used paper into lovely occasion cards, t-shirts into unbelievable jewelry and much more. Tuesdays, January 31, February 7-28. Admission is free but registration is required.
... IRISH MESSENGER OF THE SACRED HEART ... To subscribe please call 364-5312.
*** RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults *** The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church’s way of extending a friendly invitation to people who feel the desire to know more about Christianity in the Catholic Tradition. How can you, the parish community, become involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults? The parish community has an important responsibility in the process of initiation. The community of the faithful should be ready to greet and respond to those who wish to ask questions and tell their stories; understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized; be prepared to give help to those who are searching for Jesus Christ; and be present whenever possible and take an active part in the responses, prayers, singing and acclamations. Any adults seeking to become a Catholic initiated into the community by the community. Are you interested or do you know of anyone thinking about becoming a Catholic? Please contact the Basilica Parish Office at 754-2170 or email: basilica@nf.aibn.com.
*** Weekend of Grace for Women ... April 20,21, & 22, 2012 at the Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax, NS. Speaker: Dr. Mary Healy. The Weekend of Grace is an annual, regional conference for Catholic women. Call (902) 435-1568 or visit www.weekendofgrace.com for more information. Attendance through pre-registration only, and registration is now open .... $175.
*** Weekend of Grace for Men ... May 4,5&6, 2012 at the Bayside Camp in Sambro Head, Nova Scotia.
Retreat Chaplains: Father Mark Cherry and Father Rob Arsenault. Keynote Speaker: Deacon Larry D. Oney. This is the 2nd annual conference for Catholic men. Call (902) 435-4389 or visit www.weekendofgrace.com for more information. Early-bird deadline January 31st .. $150.00, after January 31st .. $175.00.
... Catholic Renewal Prayer Meeting ... A new Catholic Renewal prayer meeting began in the St. John’s area in mid October. The St. Juliana Prayer Group is held at Corpus Christ Conference Center (enter through parish office door), Waterford Bridge Road, on Friday nights, 8:15 pm. Come and join us as we Praise, Worship and Thank our God! For more information call Gerard or Rita at 747-9730.
... Victorian Order of Nurses St. John’s Site is seeking volunteers to train for their Coping at Home Program. If you have some time and you are interested in volunteering with a person who has a chronic or life-threatening illness in their own home please call Annette at VON for more information at 726-8597, ext. 227. Training is provided.
... ST. PATRICK’S MERCY HOME: GIVE US A LIFT FUNDRAISER in support of its residents is now underway. Funds raised will be used towards the purchase of 20 electric ceiling lifts ($6,000 each) urgently needed at the Home. To make a donation call St. Patrick’s Mercy Home Foundation Office at 752-8745.
*** On the occasion of the death of a loved one, please consider a donation to our Green Heat Campaign in memory of the deceased. Keep their memory alive in the restoration of our beautiful Basilica. If you would like to make a donation, envelopes are available at the Funeral Homes and in the Basilica, or you can call the Parish Office at 754-2170. We still require approximately $600,000 to meet our goal. Father Charlie
... Medjugorje & Vienna ... April 11-21: A spiritual and cultural journey to Medjugorje & Vienna. Cost of $2,795.00 includes return airfare from Moncton or Halifax, accommodations, two meals/day, professional guides, visits per itinerary & cruise on the river Danube. For more information contact Marie Desjardins at (207) 868-5027 or bubblepink49@hotmail.com.
*** New Revised Roman Missals - Chapel size ... Our Pastoral Care Homes are in need of 4 Roman Missals Chapel Size ($150.00 each). If you would like to donate a missal in remembrance of a family member or friend please contact the Archbishop’s Office (726-3660). It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
... Give your gift of time and caring. Community Companion Volunteers needed at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home to accompany residents to community activities and events. Resident will appreciate your time and enjoy your company. Call Judy Cook, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources Eastern Health Long Term Care-St. John’s at 752-8705.
... THE E.P. ROCHE 4TH DEGREE ASSEMBLY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS is looking for regalia in an effort to add more members to our honour guard. We are asking anyone with a cape, chapeau, sword or any other item of regalia to consider donating it to the assembly. The items will be worn by one of our Brother Sir Knights with pride and reverence. Please call John Walsh at 726-6729 or Don Byrne at 753-3726.
.... EMMAUS HOUSE .... is in need of supermarket bags and twist ties. If you have any at home you may drop them off at Emmaus House, Monday to Friday 1-3 pm. or you may bring them to the Parish Office. Your support of the needy of our Parish is greatly appreciated.
Your Support is Needed .... Our Processional Cross and Candles, Thurible and Incense, Holy Water container and sprinkler have been replaced. They have served their purpose, have seen their day and are now officially retired to the Archives. Our new Sanctuary set is now in use at our liturgies. We are very pleased with the set. There is a picture of each item including the cost displayed at the back of the Basilica. Please take a look and see if you can help. Your support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, envelopes are provided. The cost of the new set is $17,000.00, to date we have received your very generous donations totaling $15,795.45.
*** Please keep in mind that all donations are eligible for an Income Tax Receipt. ***
... The New Evangelization: In our efforts to avail of new technologies and participate in the New Evangelization championed by the late Blessed John Paul II and now Pope Benedict, the Archdiocese has launched a new website www.rcsj.org. You can also follow us on twitter, and join us on facebook from our website.
Prayer For Our Parish
O God, you have made us the Church of your Son. Make our parish a family of one heart and one mind in love toward you. Grant that our common life and witness may be an example to all about us. Guide our pastor and his assistants in their ministry. Listen to the prayers of John the Baptist, our patron, and keep us secure in your love. Teach us to reach out to other parishes less fortunate. Give us a great love for all the Church, for our Holy Father, for our bishop, and all those who serve. Help us to be a haven of joy and peace within the human family. Bring us all together to life eternal. Amen
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