ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

P.O. BOX 610 - BELL ISLAND, NF - A0A 4H0
PHONE: 488-2525 – FAX: 488-3399

In this Gospel, Jesus gets angry with the people who are using the temple as a market place. This ties in with the First Commandment. Jesus knows what is in their hearts and that they are making money their God. He feels they are showing disrespect for his Father’s house. When Jesus talks about raising the temple in three days; he is talking about his own body; but the people think he is talking about the building.
The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For Orthodox Jews, the Sabbath is a time of complete rest from servile work. It is a time of renewal and celebration; a time to enter into a deeper relationship with God.
Our Christian equivalent to the Sabbath is Sunday. Sunday is a day to gather with a Faith Community for prayer, have family gatherings, and celebrate Sunday as a “little Easter”-living the risen life of Christ. But sadly, in our society today, this Commandment is all but forgotten. With people having to work on Sundays, with sports being scheduled at Mass time, and with people being indifferent to the Sunday obligation, this Commandment is not being obeyed. When Sunday is treated as just another workday, people miss the opportunity to worship with the Parish Community, and to praise and thank God for all their blessings. Also, many of them miss the opportunity to spend quality time with their families. For those of us who do not have to work on Sundays, we can witness to the true character of Sunday by refraining from Sunday shopping or from doing servile work, which could wait for another time. Let us try to make our Sundays a quiet time - a time to deepen our relationship with our God and with our families. Lord, help us to keep Sunday as a holy day. Amen.

Wednesday Mar. 22nd 9:30am Art Cummings; Murray Seward; Darlene Boudreau;
Special Intention; Clyde Ryan; Madonna Thomas

Thursday Mar. 23rd 7:00pm Marjorie Kelland; Cyril Jackman; Joseph Croke;
Rosemarie Murphy; Thomas J. Brazil; Walter King
7:30pm Stations of Cross

Friday Mar. 24th 9:30am Marion Sweeney; Kit Wade; Steve Delaney; Kathleen
Reid; Frances Jackman; William Mercer; Irene Stoyles

Saturday Mar. 25th 4:00pm Sacrament of Penance
5:00pm David & Helen Whalen; Brendan & Betty Jackman; Vincent Johnson & dec. fam.; Walter Lahey; Nauce & Elizabeth Basha; Michael Gosine

Sunday Mar. 26th 10:30am Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
 

SANCTUARY CANDLE: ED HURLEY

Collection
Offertory - 143 envelopes..........................................................................$1460.50
Dues - 4 envelopes........................................................................................$50.00
Toonie Collection..............................................................................................$3.00
Advent - 1 Folder..............................................................................................$20.00
Development and Peace - 1 envelope................................................................$15.00
New Year’s - 1 envelope.................................................................................$10.00
Donation in Memory of Marion Sweeney.......................................................$150.00
Donation in Memory of Melissa Hurley...........................................................$25.00
Donation in Memory of Patrick Ezekiel...........................................................$20.00
Thank you for your financial support!

Liturgical Ministers
Sat. March 25th 5:00pm Readers: Christine Tulk & Rosemary O’Keefe
Eucharistic Ministers: Helen Pitts; Jocelyn Murphy; Joey Kent; Raymond Whalen
Presentation of Gifts: Betty & Kevin Quigley
Ushers: George Jackman; Jason Hickey; Bill Hammond; Charlie O’Brien; Joey Kent; Christopher Delaney

Sun. March 26th 10:30am Readers: Geraldine Fitzgerald & Christine Quinlan
Eucharistic Ministers: John Kent; Karen Seward; Shirley Murphy; Sr. Eileen Osborne
Presentation of Gifts: Shawn Murphy family
Children’s Liturgy: Susan Boone
Ushers: Ray Whalen; Jim Pendergast; Sid Maddigan; Art Whelan; Michael King

CHURCH CLEANING TEAM - 2 FOR WEEK OF MAR. 20TH TO MAR. 24TH
Geraldine Fitzgerald; Riv Fitzgerald; Lorraine Cahill; Patricia King; Mary Doherty

Life Teen Retreat: Saturday, April 22nd
The youth of the archdiocese meet weekly in St John’s and they celebrate mass, sing songs, participate in discussion groups concerning issues of the church and have fun. The group is approximately 20 or so in number depending on the week and they have a wonderful experience. The youth which are called “ Life Teen” are coming to our parish for an evening of fun and prayer. They will gather on Saturday, April 22nd and they will attend our evening mass. During the mass they will provide and lead the music ministry and share in the various ministries of the liturgy. They will stay at the hall overnight along with chaperones and we will provide supper and breakfast. I invite the youth of our parish to attend and join in the fun. If you wish to attend, let us know. It can be great fun and I ask the youth to give serious consideration and attend . For more information call the office.

Lenten Folders
Lenten folders are available at the entrances of our church. Lent is a time for all of us to make our daily offering and consider supporting the needs of our parish. Please encourage the kids to make their sacrifice and to participate in the lenten offering.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
As you read the bulletin all plans are under way for the St. Patrick’s Weekend celebrations. Join us downstairs following the 5:00 p.m. mass for a bowl of Irish stew; great music and drinks of your choice. ( $5.00 for Irish Stew, Roll and desert ) All are invited to support the cause and the wonderful efforts of all who made the activities special. On Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m., please attend our annual concert at the hall. We have a fine program of talent and your attendance will make it a success. Admission: $3.00

Day of the Unborn Child
On Saturday, March 25th the Knights of Columbus throughout the world will celebrate the Day of the Unborn Child. To highlight the importance of this day, the Knights will pray the Rosary at 4:40 p.m. on Saturday evening and pray for the unborn child. All parishioners are asked to take time to pray for all children on this day. Also, our liturgy will focus on the Right to Life .
 

Dates to Remember:
Sunday, April 9th at 6:30 p.m.: Lenten Penance Celebration
Saturday, April 22nd: Life Teen Retreat
Saturday, April 29th , 5:00 p.m. : Sacrament of Confirmation
Sunday, May 7th : Year 1 Home Religion Program: Presentation of Certificates at Mass
Wednesday, May 10th at 4:00 p.m. : Teachers & Staff Appreciation Service
Wednesday, May 17th at 6:30 p.m. : Year 3 Penance Celebration
Sunday, June 4th, 10:30 a.m. : First Eucharist celebration

Dinner Theatre & Silent Auction
On Friday, April 7th, St. Michael’s High School will host a Dinner Theatre and Silent Auction at St. Michael’s Parish Hall. Viewing of the Auction Items will commence at 6:00pm and the Dinner Theatre will start at 7:00pm. This year’s theme is “Springtime Soiree.” Ticket costs are $15.00 single and $25 double. To purchase tickets, please call Mrs. Cobb at the school at 488-2828.

Lenten Fast
...The well-known piece “A Lenten Fast” by Most Reverend Arthur Lichtenberg offers us some practical ways to fast and feast: Fast from judging others; feast on Christ living in them. Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast from worry; feast on appreciation. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal hope through Jesus. Fast from discouragement; feast on hope. Fast from thoughts of weakness; feast on promises that inspire. Fast from everything that separates us from the Lord; feast on everything that draws you to the Lord.

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