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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 Philip Melvin
Secretary: Anne Carew
Parish Office: Tel. 754-2170 Fax: 754-5608
E-mail: basilica@nf.aibn.com Website: www.thebasilica.ca
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT - MARCH 7TH, 2010
**** Sunday Mass: Saturday at 5:00 p.m.; Sunday at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
**** Weekday Mass: Monday through Friday at 12:10 p.m.
**** Midday Prayer: Monday through Friday at 11:45 a.m. in the Marian Chapel
**** Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Wednesday after the 12:10 p.m. Mass for one hour
**** Stations of the Cross: Friday after the 12:10 p.m. Mass
**** Memorial Service - Cougar Flight 491: Friday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m.
No Mass/Holy Hour on Friday, March 12th, will be celebrated again on Friday, March 19th at 7:00 pm.
**** Reconciliation: Saturday 3:45-4:15 p.m.
**** Music Rehearsal: Wednesday 8:00-9:30 p.m. New singers and instrumentalists welcome.
Reflection for the Third Sunday of Lent - March 7th, 2010
1st Reading: Exodus 17:3-7 ... Give us water to drink.; 2nd Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 ... God’s love has poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.; Gospel: John 4:5-42 ... The water that I will give will become a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.
Today’s Gospel is about the inclusion of Samaria into the New Israel – the new kingdom of Christ. For centuries the Jews did not associate with the people of Samaria. That is why the Samaritan woman was so surprised to find Jesus, a Jew, speaking to her and asking her for a drink of water. Jesus makes the first move to break down the barrier between them. He reaches out in a sign of reconciliation, inclusion and healing. He listens to the woman’s story and tells her things about her life, which leads her to think he is a prophet. He reveals to her who he really is. We are not told in the reading if the woman ever does give Jesus a drink, but we know that Jesus gives her the “Living Water”. Because of her experience, she leaves her water jar behind and goes back to her town to tell the people what happened. She was one of the first messengers in John’s gospel to spread the Good News – Jesus’ kingdom includes everyone, even the alienated people of Samaria. Because of her belief and her story, the people of Samaria also came to believe.
During this season of Lent, what are we doing to reach out to the alienated in our society – the broken relationships in our families, the less fortunate in our community, the people in third world countries suffering from disaster? The Samaritan woman encountered Jesus by doing her ordinary everyday task. We, too, can meet Jesus through our routine daily work. These tasks can also be channels of “Living Water” for others we come in contact with at work, at church, in our homes or in our community.
**** 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.
**** SCRUTINIES - will be prayed for Keisha, our elect, who is seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil
The scrutinies, which are solemnly celebrated on the last three Sundays of Lent and are reinforced by an exorcism, are rites for self-searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to live God above all.
**** Memorial Service for the victims of Cougar Flight 491
will be celebrated in the Basilica this Friday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.
**** Prayer.... We ask that you remember the sick of our parish.... Sarah Kelly, Martin Wall, Frank O’Neil, Theresa Scott, Max and Isabel Caines, Pat Cochrane, Aloysius Traverse, John Hayward, Kevin Norman, Mary Evans, Ita Boland, Winnifred Gibbons, Joyce Butler, Gerry Galway, Anna Nolan, Geraldine Haire, Mary Hayward, Sharon Neville, Sheri and Noah Walker, Natasha Wicks, Anne Hearn, Cray LeDrew, Kathleen Williams, Leonard Hillier, Ray Kenny, Harry Megann, Welford & Margaret Sanford, Ray O’Neill, Claudia O’Connor, Carmel Walsh, Lucella Kennedy, Gerard Carey, Barbara O’Quinn. May the Lord comfort them in their time of sickness and bless those who care for them.
**** Funeral .... We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of the late FRANCIS BARRON
May the Lord console you and grant eternal rest to the soul of your loved one.
BAPTISM PREPARATION... The next Baptism Preparation will begin this Tuesday, March9th at 7 pm. in the Parish Room. To register, please call the Parish Office at 754-2170 as soon as possible before that date. We encourage expectant parents to register early in their pregnancy. This will allow you to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism shortly after the baby’s birth. Baptisms are celebrated on the Second Saturday and the Last Sunday of the month except during Advent and Lent.
CONFIRMATION.... Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we affirm the faith in which we were baptized and open ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives through the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and fear of the Lord. For one reason or another, some teenagers and adults over the years did not receive the sacrament of Confirmation. We would like to provide an opportunity for them to do so this Pentecost. If you are interested call the Basilica Office at 754-2170.
RECONCILIATION - FORM II will be celebrated in the Basilica on Thursday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m.
EMMAUS HOUSE: In keeping with our communal almsgiving, parishioners are asked to bring KRAFT DINNER for Emmaus House next Saturday/Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
.... MASS SCHEDULE FOR LENT .... Weekday Mass during Lent will be celebrated at 12:10 pm. from Monday to Friday to give working people the opportunity to attend Mass during their lunch hour. Funeral Masses will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.
.... ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE ... On Friday, March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, we have our annual Parish Lenten Meal for St. Joseph’s Table in the Parish Room following the 12:10 pm. Mass. On that day we will also have a reflection on St. Joseph during the Midday Prayer at 11:45 am. in the Marian Chapel. Our three Lenten actions will be:
● Penance: the giving up of our time
● Prayer: Stations of the Cross followed by Mass
● Almsgiving: A donation for the meal. All donations will be forwarded to Development and Peace.
... DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE ... “Haiti is a small island in the Caribbean, and one of the poorest countries in the world. Eighty percent of the population lives on less than $2.00 a day.” This is a quote from the Share Lent Mini-Magazine which will be included with your Bulletin next Sunday. It describes the work of the Papaye Peasants Movement, a Development and Peace partner in Haiti before the devastation of the earthquake. Its 63,000 members are working to develop a form of agriculture that supports the environment and uses natural fertilizer. They need support more than ever now. Learn about them, and other D&P partners in the mini-magazine, and give generously on March 21st, Solidarity Sunday.
... Third Sunday of Lent - March 7th ... “I AM has sent me to you.” Could the Lord be calling you to proclaim His name as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Contact Fr. Steve Courtney stjohnsvocations@gmail.com. or
726-3660.
.... Evening Prayer, Sundays in Lent, at 4 pm. - Presentation Retreat House, 84 Crosbie Road. Please call 754-1582 to reserve your space. All are welcome.
... VOCATIONS HOLY HOUR: All are welcome to gather and spend an hour in prayer, praying for vocations in the archdiocese, Thursday, March 11th, 7:00 pm. at Mary Queen of Peace Chapel.
.... Office of Evangelization and Catechesis ...
– Family Catechesis, Sunday, March 14th, 2:00-4:30 pm., location to be announced. “The Celebration of Confirmation” What is the Sacrament of Confirmation? Why do we celebrate Confirmation before Eucharist? How do young children understand Confirmation? Many of these same questions have been asked by families across the Archdiocese. This gathering will hopefully give answers to some of those questions while helping prepare young children for the Sacrament. This will be an opportunity for young children to meet the Archbishop.
- Youth, March 12 & 13 - Friday 7-8:30 pm.; Saturday 10 am. - 2 pm. “Confirmation Retreat” Session. An opportunity for you to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation through discussions and activities that will focus on Confirmation, The Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, etc., as well as witness talks from other youth and a discussion with the Archbishop.
For further information or to register please contact the office at 726-3660 and speak to Noreen, Anne or MaryLou.
MUN CHAPLAINCY ... Each Sunday at 6:00 pm. Mass is celebrated in St. John’s Chapel (School of Social Work building). Spread the word to the students in your life who may not be aware of this. All are Welcome!
.... FAMILY LIFE BUREAU....
- **New** Anger Management (6wks) - Do you have difficulty containing your anger? Learn how to control ANGER instead of letting ANGER control you! Topics include: anger’s many faces, anger triggers, connections: thoughts/behaviours, relaxation tools, effective assertive communication, etc. Facilitator: Kim Walters, M.Ed. (Counseling Psy). Begins: Tuesday, March 16th, 12:00 Noon - 1:30 pm. To register: Call Sr. Loretta Walsh or Helen MacKinnon at 579-0168 or email: flb@nf.aibn.com. Space is limited. For a listing of all programs refer to www.stjohnsarchdiocese.ca/flb.
... Bereavement Seminar for people who have lost a loved one. This two-hour seminar describes the grieving process and presents some information on things individuals and families can do to help themselves and others during the time of grief. It also describes the resources available for those who are grieving. This session will be presented by Dr. Rick Singleton, Director of Pastoral Care and Ethics with Eastern Health. The session is from 7-9 pm. on Monday, March 22nd at the Health Science Centre in Room 2J-618-19. Stay on the main corridor through the main entrance. No registration is necessary. For more information you can call 777-6959.
... Newfoundland Catholic Renewal is sponsoring a weekend retreat entitled, “Return to the Father” at St. Catherine’s Renewal Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor on April 16-18, 2010. The facilitator is Gerard MacDonald of P.E.I. For more information and to register call 747-9730.
SUNDAY OFFERING, FEBRUARY 28, 2010 .... $5,573.50 .... THANK YOU
Income Tax Receipts for 2009 contributions are available to be picked up at the Parish Office or call 754-2170 if you would like to have your receipt mailed.
Your Parish greatly appreciates the financial support you give each week. You know from the information given out that our Parish is experiencing a growing deficit. We need your continued and increased generosity in order to meet the financial needs of the Basilica. Please review your giving in light of the need.
Direct Deposit .... If you are interested in using the pre-authorized automatic withdrawal please call the Parish Office at 754-2170.
Bingo! Cowan Plaza – corner of Topsail Road and Burgeo Street – Seven nights a week
Knights of Columbus - St. Clare Avenue every Wednesday and Sunday
... BASILICA PARISH BRUNCH ...
(sausages, hash browns, pancakes, toast, juice, tea & coffee),
Sunday, March 21st , 12:30 p.m. - one sitting,
Knights of Columbus Centre, St. Clare Ave. (rear entrance).
Admission: $6.00 per person. No take-outs.
Tickets available at: Parish Office 754-2170 and the door on day of Brunch.
THE ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER AND AUCTION ...
Friday, April 30th at Gushue Hall (MUN Campus). Tickets are $150.00 each with a $100.00 income tax receipt issued. We are seeking donations for the live and silent auction. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please contact Anne Marie or Linda at the Archdiocese office 726-3660. ---- The Basilica Parish has reserved a table seating 10 — Only 8 tickets left. The Parish will sell the tickets on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested please contact the Parish Office at 754-2170.
... Mary Queen of Peace Parish & Knights of Columbus are hosting a fun filled evening on March 19th .. Dinner, dance and entertainment starting at 7pm. at St. Pius X. Please call Susan at 726-9924 for tickets ... $15 each.
... KITCHEN PARTY AND DANCE ... Holy Family Parish, Paradise, will be holding a Kitchen Party and Dance on March 27 at the Rotary Paradise Youth & Community Centre in Paradise. (Live Music - Soup & Sandwiches ($2.00) - Door Prizes - and Dance (recorded music). Tickets $10.00. Everyone is welcome. For further information call the parish office at 781-1696.
... Making the World a Better Place! ... Ten Thousand Villages is coming to University Centre, 3rd Floor! Memorial University Chaplaincy is hosting a sale of beautiful, fairly-traded gifts benefitting artisans from more than 30 Developing countries. Wednesday & Thursday, March 10/11 from 10 am. to 7 pm. Admission Free. Proceeds will give the blessings of steady work, fair wages, and a better life for struggling families around the world. For more information call Donna Lawrence at 737-2534. Free parking in Lot 16 (next to University Centre) from 4-7 pm.
... In 2008, the Sayad Pacha School was open in Kandahar, Afghanistan in the hopes of offering education and a future to the children of this war-torn region. Unfortunately the school has lacked basic materials and resources like books, chalkboards, & washrooms, and has quickly deteriorated due to poor construction and has proven to be an unsafe environment, with dangerously contaminated water, grounds vulnerable to intrusion and a mine-filled playground. Holy Heart students have been trying to help fix this horrifying situation by raising funds which can be used to improve the state of the school and thus the lives of the kids who go there. Towards this goal, a benefit concert will be held in Holy Heart Theatre on Sunday, March 14th, 7 pm., Performers: Afterglow, Celtic Fiddlers, HHM Chamber Choir, Sarah Harris and many more incredible musicians. Tickets will be sold at the door: $10 each; $7 for students and seniors. Everyone is invited to come out, enjoy an evening of fun and wonderful music and support this cause.
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PUBLISHED BULLETIN ....
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
The Basilica of St. John the Baptist ... Open Weekdays 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. Closed for lunch: 12:00 Noon - 1 p.m.
Religious Articles Store: ½ hour before and after all Masses.
... Foster Care: What You Need to Know – The Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association invites you to join us at the Sobeys Community Room, Merrymeeting Road location on March 9th at 7 pm. to hear about the role of the Provincial Foster Families Association, the current need for more foster homes, and how to begin the process if you are interested in becoming a foster family. Interested persons, community members – everyone welcome! Refreshments provided. For more information, call Amy at 754-0213 or email amykendall@nfld.net.
.... Ham and Bean Supper and Social ... Wesley United Church will hold a Ham and Bean Supper with dessert on Wednesday, March 17th at 6 pm. Cost is $10 and a social will follow. For tickets call the Church Office at 579-3682.
... Philomena Chafe Memorial Pilgrimages to Ste Anne de Beaupre with visits also to St. Joseph’s Oratory, and Cap de la Madeleine. Group 1: June 8-15; Group 2: August 17-24 (20th Memorial Pilgrimage). Contact Joanne Chafe, 579-7924.
... There will be an exemplification into the Patriotic 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, March 20th at St. Paul’s School on Newfoundland Drive. All Brothers holding the 3rd Degree are asked to consider applying for entry into the 4th Degree. Any Brother wishing to join the 4th Degree is asked to seek further information and forms from their nearest 4th Degree Assembly. If you wish you can contact Faithful Navigator James Murray at 722-0444, Faithful Captain Don Byrne at 753-3726 or Faithful Comptroller Greg Richard at 335-2515 for further information.
... WEEKEND OF GRACE CONFERENCE ... 4th Annual Regional Catholic Women’s Conference to be held April 16-18, 2010 at The Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Keynote speaker Patti Gallagher-Mansfield. Pre-Registration Only. $165.00 registration fee. Call (902) 443-1330 or visit www.weekendofgrace.com for more information
... Holy Rosary Parish 2009 Income Tax Receipts. If you were a parishioner of Holy Rosary Parish, living in the Roncalli-Airport Heights area and uses weekly envelopes, please call the parish office at 895-6722, with your mailing address so that we may send out your 2009 Income Tax Receipts. Thank You.
... Need A Hand — Trained volunteers are available to help seniors and low-income individuals complete a straightforward income tax return. It’s a free service. For details call 772-3275 or 1-800-993-3275.
... 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. Are you interested, or do you know of anyone thinking about becoming a Catholic? If so please contact the Parish Office at 754-2170.
Prayer Cards... Prayer Cards for Vocations are available on the tables in front of the doors of the Basilica. Please take one and recite the prayer daily.
... Home Visitation .... This is a program set up by the Basilica Parish to visit people who are home-bound. If you would like a visit or know of some one who would like a visit please let us know, 754-2170.
— The Basilica Religious Articles Store now has new items in stock ... come and visit us and see. If anyone wants to order a special item, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
... KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - K of C Tour ... Knights of Columbus members will have an opportunity this year to visit New Haven, Connecticut where Father Michael J. McGivney founded the order in 1882. The eight day trip also has stops in Boston and New York and is scheduled for September 27 to October 4, 2010. The price $1983.00, per person, based on double occupancy, and includes air fare, hotels, 2 meals per day, tour coach and tour guides. Space may be available for non K of C members. For further details please call K of C member Bill Maher 739-9956 or Tour Leader Brian Bursey 576-4551.
... Legion of Mary .... you are invited to come and see The Legion from the inside by attending a meeting. You can go as a guest on one of the work assignments with an experienced member if you wish. You won’t need a lot of talent, or great intelligence or even a feeling of being capable! What you will need is a willingness to sacrifice a little of your time and energy for the greatest reason in the world, your love of God. Meetings are held on Thursdays at 10;15 am. in the St. Joseph’s Room of the Basilica. For more information call 739-7872. We will be waiting to welcome you!
... “Are you or a family member affected by someone elses drinking? If so maybe Al-Anon family groups can help. For further information please call 722-2666.
... LOW GLUTEN ALTAR BREADS ... Celiac disease affects many people. Those suffering from this condition cannot ingest any gluten, a protein found in wheat. The Benedictine Sisters are producing low gluten altar breads that contain 0.01% gluten, research shows that this percentage would be perfectly safe for most celiacs (you would have to consume 270 wafers every day to reach the danger point). If you are a member of the Basilica Parish and suffer from this disease please contact the Parish Office. We will order breads from the Benedictine Sisters, but we need to know in what quantity.
... PILGRIMAGES ... the following pilgrimage fees include return airfare from the Maritimes, accommodations, daily breakfast & dinner and local guides. - April 6-16, $2850: Fatima, Santarem, Garabandal, Santiago de Compostela & Oviedo. Info: Marie (207) 868-5027 / bubblepink49@hotmail.com
- April 26-May 4, $2070: Medjugorje. Info: Nina (902) 888-2291 or kevin.morrell@pei.sympatico.ca
... May 7-8, 2010 - NA Forum Focus on Initiation: Concerning the Baptized Institute, Ottawa, ON, Diocesan Centre, 1247 Kilborn Place. This institute will explore the underlying vision for journeying with baptized adults who seek to complete their initiation and/or to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church. The institute, using Part II: Chapters Four and Five of the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is foundational, will help participants to clarify the distinct theological and pastoral realities of the baptized. A downloadable brochure is available on the Forum’s website www.naforum.org. Just click on Calendar on the North American Forum website and look for Concerning the Baptized Institute, please contact Pastoral Services, Archdiocese of Ottawa. Phone 613-738-5025 ext. 217 or abrown@archottawa.ca.
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