It is with much joy that the Bishops of Canada welcome that
Blessed Brother Andre Bessette the inspiration behind St.
Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal will be canonized at St.
Peter’s Basilica in Rome on October 17. Brother Andre lived
his life with great humility. Guided by a deep faith and
devotion to St. Joseph, he dedicated his life to praying,
serving the poor, welcoming strangers, healing the sick and
comforting the suffering. To this day his memory remains an
important witness to all Canadians of faith and love. May
his legacy remind us of what each of us can achieve through
faith and love. In his own words, “It is with the smallest
brushes that artists paint the most beautiful pictures.”
[Bishop Pierre Morrissette, President of the Canadian
Conference of Catholic Bishops]
Brother Andre’s life shows us the power of faith and the
importance of concern for the sick and others in need. In
this solemn act, the Roman Catholic Church is honouring a
Canadian who achieved greatness through humility,
determination and service to others. [Prime Minister Stephen
Harper]
NOTE OF SYMPATHY:
is extended to the family and friends of Nora Noel who died
this week. Funeral - Tuesday, 10:30
CELEBRATING THE WORD:
Each Thursday during Lent there will be an opportunity to
participate in a guided Scripture reflection at All Hallows
Parish at 7:00 p.m.
LENTEN REFLECTION:
The Catholic Women’s League is sponsoring Lenten
reflections during Lent. The next reflection entitled
Praying With Jesus will be this Wednesday at the Cathedral
after morning Mass and will be led by Father Ambrose Hynes
WOMEN OF PEACE AND HOPE:
Is this year’s theme for the Catholic Women’s League. The
League invites all Catholic women to journey in a sisterhood
of faith, fun and fulfillment. They are the united voice of
Catholic women across Canada providing faith-based
opportunities for social interaction, personal development
and community service. The League is presently having a
membership drive. You are invited to join them. Membership
fees are $14.00. You may place your name and dues in an
envelope marked CWL and place it in the regular Sunday
collection.
WEEKEND RETREAT:
The Newfoundland Catholic Renewal is sponsoring a weekend
retreat, Return to the Shepherd, at St. Catherine’s Renewal
Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor on April 16 - 18. The
facilitator is Gerard MacDonald of PE. Space is limited. For
more information and to register call 747-9730.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE
WEEK:
“He said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have
come looking for fruit on the fig tree, and still I find
none.” Lk 13.7
Are we like the barren fig tree? What does God find when He
searches for the fruits which we have given back?
A GOD FOR ALL SEASONS:
The National Catholic Mission for 2010 will be seen on
Vision TV on Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 29 and 30.
Speakers: Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun and
Director of the Benedictine Center for Contemporary
Spirituality in Erie, PA, and Father Pat Fitzpatrick, a
member of the Spiritan Community.
DEVELOPMENT &
PEACE
The committee is asked to meet this Monday, March 8 at 7:00
p.m. at the Cathedral Residence.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
this Tuesday. March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Cathedral Residence
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING:
at the Cathedral Residence this Wednesday, March 10 at
7:00 p.m.
LIVING FAITH:
booklets for April-May-June are available in sacristy.
CATECHETICS SCHEDULE FOR
MARCH:
March 8 – Year 3 at 6:30 p.m.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
Council will meet this Tuesday at the usual time and
place.
CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS
[Faster, Higher, Stronger]:
These three words were adopted in 1894 as the official
motto of the Olympic Games. Originally the idea of Dominican
Father Henri Didon to motivate students in his gym class to
strive for personal excellence, this motto has been
inspiring world class athletes ever since. May all of us
apply the same principles to our own lives, so together we
may grow into world class human beings. [Excerpt from a
letter by Bishop Pierre Morrissette, President of the
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.]
WORLD YOUTH DAY RECYCLABLE
DRIVE:
Any parishioner who would like to have their recyclables
picked up are asked to call Des Cave or Philip at 634-1809.
TICKETS:
We would like to see each family take a book of tickets
for themselves and one for their children who live away from
home so that our ticket drive on $1,000 will be successful.
Tickets may be picked up in the sacristy, at the parish
office, or from Uriel Boland at 634-2230. We are getting
near the draw date of March 28, so we ask that those with
tickets make every attempt possible to sell them and to get
the stubs in as soon as possible.
ESSAY CONTEST:
The State Council of the Knights of Columbus for
Newfoundland and Labrador is sponsoring a 500 word essay
contest for students from Grade 7 to 12. Participants are to
write on the following subject:
Religion has obviously played and continues to play a
significant role in the lives of people of every culture and
nation, presumably because it addresses that most important
question - what is life’s meaning, purpose and goal, in a
world that attempts to diminish the importance of religion
and belief in God?
Why do you consider it important in your life today and in
the future?
What challenges do you, as a young adult, face in the
practice of your faith?
What suggestions do you have to help young people practice
their faith today?
All entries must be received by April 15 and are to be sent
to: Emile Cabot, State Warden, 9A Knight Street, Grand
Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2N1. First prize is $200.00, second is
$100.00 and third is $40.00. Prize winners will be announced
at the K of C convention in May.
2009 INCOME TAX RECEIPTS:
These are now available at the parish office.
FOOD BANK REPORT:
2009 Statistics
636 – Families helped
140 – Approx. number of requests filled each month
7 – Approx. number first-time families each month
1,680 – Requests filled
3.4% – Increase over 2008
Food Bank Outlets:
Holy redeemer responded to 634 requests
Salvation Army responded to 1,064 requests.
Minimum Food List:
During 2009, we have revised the cost of the list. A basic
request [family of 2-4] was valued at $65. With the increase
in food, it now valued at $90. The two food outlets have
distributed approximately $151,200.00 in food this past
year.
PILGRIMAGES:
Philomena Chafe Memorial Pilgrimages to Ste Anne de
Beaupre with visits also to St. Joseph’s Oratory and Cap de
la Madeline: Group 1 - June 8-15; Group 2 - August 17-24.
Contact Joanne Chafe at 709-579-7924.
WILLS:
When people are making wills, they naturally think of
their children with all the needs they have in terms of
mortgages, education costs, etc. This is understandable.
However, in many cases, the sons and daughters are working
and are relatively secure financially. In such cases, we
would hope consideration would be given to leaving a
donation to the parish. Years ago, it was fairly common for
people to leave something in their will for the work of the
parish.
