Today is Commitment Sunday for our Diocese’s CATHOLIC SERVICES AND MINISTRIES APPEAL.  Last Sunday, 45 persons pledged $6,404 to the fund.  Our Goal is the same as last year’s, namely $42, 746.  We have a start to that level, and hopefully everyone will be proud to help our diocese help the CSMA fulfill its mission to the parishes, schools, vocations, and the poor.  Try to make your gift in a “pledge form” over a period of time, thereby being able to give more and to accomplish more.

We all have seen the devastation in Japan from the Earthquake and Tsunami, and now the nuclear radiation threat.  The diocese is asking all parishes to take up a special collection to help the people in that area.  The Catholic Church funnels its support through the Catholic Relief Services, which is already set up to do this kind of aid.  We will have a second collection next Sunday at all masses.  Make your checks out to the parish, and we will combine them into one check for the diocese, which will do the same for all of the parishes, to the CRS.  There is always reason to thank God for our blessings!

Lent is still with us, trying to help us improve our relationship with our God, and save our souls.  This week, we have our first Soup-Supper speaker in the Parish Center.  We begin at 6:30 P.M.   On Wednesday, we have evening mass at 5:30 P.M.  On Friday, we have Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 5:30 P.M.  We had a great crowd last Friday, and we hope that all and more will return this Friday.  And then, you have your own personal devotions and sacrifices!  Keep up the Good Work!

The Blood Drive on the 10th of March brought 72 persons in to donate blood.  Of that number 62 were able to give.  Our goal was 71 units.  As I write this article, I cannot tell what we will achieve on Saturday, the 19^th.  I hope we go over our goal.  It will also be our first experience of having it in the Parish Center—no steps!

My trip to Iowa to see my brother was very enjoyable.  He was very alert and remembered well.  We had a great time telling stories, conversing, and he seemed to have gotten back all of his mental gifts.  Mobility is a problem at the present.  We did go out every day for lunch, afternoon, evening meal, and then back to the home.  But he was very happy and cheerful.  I had a good time, and so did he.  Thanks for the prayers.

I wish to thank the Cub Scouts of Pack 57 for doing some yard work as a special project for the parish.  Volunteers are always welcome.  They come to help with the Blood Drives at the end, carrying out items and supplies after the drive is over.  And their leaders are there with them to inspire and direct them.  The younger feet and many bodies make the work quick and easy.  In this way, the Red Cross personnel get to leave earlier and get home after their day’s work.  Sometimes our CYO members help out also.  On the Thursday Drive, our 8^th grade students helped out and did a quick job.  They also got out of class for a short time, and that made it worth while for them.  When we were kids, we also took every opportunity to get out of class, didn’t we?  Thanks everyone!

Please continue to pray for vocations to the service of Church in the Priesthood, the Deaconate, Religious orders, and just helping out when one can!

LENTEN REGULATIONS

Each year the Lord Jesus calls the entire Church to a special season of penance and renewal. As we begin this holy time of Lent, we should reflect on our need for conversion of heart, prayer, charitable works and Penance.

1. All Catholics who are 14 years of age and older are to observe the penitential practice of abstinence which consists of refraining from the consumption of meat. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence.

2. In addition to abstinence, fasting is to be observed by all Catholics between the ages of 18-59 years (inclusive). Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting.

3. On days of fasting and abstinence, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

4. If a person is unable to observe the above regulation due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.

5. Because Lent is a special season for all Christians, we should not lightly excuse ourselves from these potential practices.

6. To completely disregard the law of fasting and abstinence is seriously sinful.

7.  Pastors and parents are encouraged to see that children who are not bound by the obligation to fast and abstain are led to appreciate an authentic sense of penance.

Parish School of Religion

Director: Marilyn Byrne

¨ April 2:  Confirmation talk and Cathedral tour for all 8th graders from 9 AM to 12 Noon in the Parish Center.

¨ April 5:  Eucharistic meeting for 2nd grade families at 7:00 PM in the church.

 PSR Director :  Marilyn Byrne   566-2958

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION