Readings for the Weekend, April 15th & 16th Easter Sunday: Resurrection of the Lord

FIRST READING – (Acts of the Apostles 10:35a, 37-43) Second Reading – (Colossians 3:1-4) Gospel – (John 20:1-9). PRAY FOR THE SICK: Marvin Barnes, Baby Ethan Bean, Michael Blake, Jim Braiser, Carol Briton, Joshua Burks, Julie Bussey, Rhonda Ciovacco, Ellie B. Clark, Darlene Cruce, Harold Dill, Lawrence Dill, Faye Nell Erwin, Mary Fadlevich, Lucille Fontenot, Liddie Fowler, Charles Franklin, Agnes Frey, Joe Gagliano, Chad Galloway, Noah Galloway, John Grainger, Paul Grefsheim, (Rev.) Albert Gunn, Brenda Hawkins, Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Haynes, Rachel Helms, Dan Hensley, Guy Hicks, Wanda Hight, Betty Sue Horton, Sheri Irvin, Betty Jay, Paul Johnson, Frank Jones, Joann Jordan, Mary Jo Langford, Jim Lee, Kenny Lee, Margie Lee, Eleanor Littlefield, B.J. Long, Don Maddox, Laura Maddox, Julio Martinez, Marie McNutt, Gail McCarrick, Mary Milko, Rose Marie Mitchell, Rick Nogosky, Taugh Payne, Rebecca Pearce, Gina Perkins, Charlene Plunkett, Glenda Powers, Patricia Pritchett, Brittney Pugh, Pete Ragusa, Ruby Rosato, Vita Russo, Anita Salchert, Kim Sloan, Baby Jack Smith, Mildred Stack, Wendy Stiles, Catherine Sullivan, Michele Thornton, Mildred Tidwell, Linda Towers, Mike Vines, Lena Vizzinia, Katie VonHagel, Gary Wages, Renae Warren, Lillian White, Shelby Grace Wood, Gatham Wyatt and Nisa Zanaty. Please keep these, all the sick and their caregivers in your prayers. If you know of anyone who should be added to or removed from this list please contact the church office. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES: to the family and friends of Jerry Forsyth (Lois Bradley’s brother) May God grant him eternal peace. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS: especially our families, friends and loved ones who are currently in active military service: Becky Hodges, Michael Miller and Barbara Salvagio. Please keep all of our brave men and women in your prayers. If you know of anyone who should be added to or removed from this list please contact Pegi in the Church office. WE HAVE TWO, WHAT ABOUT YOU?! We still need more volunteers to take on the responsibility of cleaning the Altar Server’s vestments. This should be done once every 4 to 8 weeks. If we had six people to volunteer each person would only have to clean them once or twice a year. Please call Catherine Barrett (798-5093) or the office if you can help with this important ministry. PRO LIFE The 3rd Saturday in April Pro Life Mass and Procession will be held on April 15, 2006. The day begins with an 8 a.m. Celebration of the Eucharist at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, 1515-12th Avenue South, Birmingham. Following Mass, we process to the abortion center four blocks away and then pray all twenty decades of the Rosary for “the end to abortion”, concluding about 10:30 a.m. We encourage ALL parishoners of St. Patrick’s to participate. Please, Bring Your Children. www.priestsforlife.org www.UnitedForLifeFoundation.org www.sanctityoflifeministries.org NOTE TO LECTORS: There are several of the Lector Workbooks for this year still available. If you would like to have one please call the church office. HOLY THURSDAY, WASHING OF THE FEET: At the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday Father Bean will wash the feet of twelve people. If you would like to participate in this special way please call the church office. IMPORTANT DATES FOR ALTAR SERVERS, RCIA MEMBERS & SPONSORS Monday, April 10th Altar Server practice for Holy Thursday 6pm -Tuesday, April 11th Altar Server practice for Good Friday 6pm - Saturday, April 15th. Rehearsal for the Easter Vigil. All RCIA members and sponsors and Altar Servers 10am

PASTOR’S corner

COULD YOU NOT WATCH ONE HOUR WITH ME? On Holy Thursday from the end of Mass until midnight we will have the opportunity to keep watch with Our Lord. The Blessed Sacrament will be on the Altar of Repose in the chapel during that time. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex of the church. You may choose any time between 8pm and 12am in one-half hour increments. Of course, you may choose to stay as long as you like. This is a "once-a-year" chance to spend some quality time with Jesus. Please sign up early so Our Lord will not be left alone on this special night.

PASSION SUNDAY Jesus emptied himself and became obedient even unto death. Are you willing to die to selfishness? Let Christ reign in your heart! (Philippians 2:6-11) Let us pray for the grace to listen and respond obediently to the call of Jesus. (Vocation View sponsored by the Serra Club)

ADULT BIBLE STUDY Sunday at 9:00am in the Family Life Center. Topic: Book of Genesis. There will be no Adult Bible Study Easter Sunday.

FAITH FORMATION will not meet this week. They will resume on Wednesday April 19, 2006 – Congratulations to Grade 4 for having full attendance on April 5th.

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

KNIGHTS DISPLAY OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA ICON AT ST. PATRICK - Knights of Columbus Council 10567 would like to thank State Deputy Bryant Collins and District Deputy Ray Lewis for providing us with the Our Lady of Czestochowa icon that has been on display at St. Patrick for the past week. Bryant Collins arranged for the icon to be donated to the Alabama State Council by the Supreme Council and it is being circulated to every local Council in the state. The Our Lady of Czestochowa painting has a great story behind it. St. Luke the Evangelist, according to tradition, is believed to be the original artist of this painting in which Mary is depicted holding the Christ Child. This sacred picture, enshrined and venerated at the renowned Marian Shrine in Poland, was first brought from Jerusalem through Constantinople and was bestowed to the Princess of Ruthenia. It was brought to Poland in 1382 through the efforts of Ladislaus of Opole who had discovered it in a castle at Belz. To ensure its protection, he invited the Monks of Saint Paul, the First Hermit from Hungary to be its guardians. Miracles have been associated with the painting. In 1430, a devastating attack on the Polish Shrine resulted in tragic losses and the damaging of the holy picture. To this very day, despite the attempts to repair the damage, the slashes on the face of the Virgin Mary are still visible. Please join us in saying the prayer to Our Lady of Czestochowa: O Mary, our dear Lady of Czestochowa, look graciously upon your children in this troubled and sinful world. Embrace us all in your loving and Motherly protection. Protect our young from godless ways: assist our dear ones grown old with age to prepare for their journey home; shield our defenseless unborn from the horrors of abortion, and be our strength against all sin. Spare your children from all hatred, discrimination and war. Fill our hearts, our homes and our world with that peace and love which comes only from your Son, whom you so tenderly embrace, O, Queen and Mother, be our comfort and strength! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. For more information go to polishamericancenter.org/czestochowa.

FRATERNAL CEMETERY IN PRATT CITY SERVICE PROJECT - Knights of Columbus Council 10567 is undertaking a massive service project for Saturday, April 22 and we need your help. The Fraternal Cemetery in Pratt City (across the street from the former St. Catherine Church location) is in a very sad state and in dire need of work. Our Council is committing to see what we can do to help but we don’t have enough people and equipment to get done what we need to get done in one day. This cemetery includes the loved ones of many, many Catholic families in Birmingham and has not been maintained properly for many years. What do we need? We need men committed to help from 8 to 4 on Saturday, April 22 and we need equipment, primarily weed eaters, push mowers, chain saws, rakes, etc. We estimate a minimum of 40 men will be needed for the work day. If you can help, we need to know your name and what type of equipment you can bring with you. We also need everyone to please pass the word about this to family members at other churches or to any group that might be willing to help. To put your name on the work list, e- at lmuro@charter.net or the Church office as soon as possible.

SEVEN COUNCIL 10567 MEMBERS BECOME THIRD DEGREE KNIGHTS - Seven members of Knights of Columbus Council 10567 were among 38 candidates who went through the Second and Third Degree Exemplifications on Sunday at Prince of Peace. Our seven new Third Degree Knights are: Josh Lively, James Vines, Kevin Whitaker, Wayne Wellborn, Dennis Morrow, Ric Smith and John Phillip Troha. Accompanying the Knights to Prince of Peace for the ceremonies were Louis J. Muro, Phillip Troha, Phillip Slovensky, Jamey Cather, Gaeton Conte and Joseph Conte. The Third Degree Exemplification was done in honor of State Deputy Bryant Collins and Bryant was given the recognition by District Deputy Number 3 Fred Heffler. Congratulations to Bryant and to our seven new Third Degree Knights. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 10567 is now accepting applications for the Louis N. Muro Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or a junior college and who are active members of St. Patrick. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and must provide proof of completion of at least 25 service hours performed during junior and senior high school years. Applicants must also be willing to attend an interview session with designated members of Council 10567. You may pick up an application at the Church office or you can request one online by e-mailing Louis J. Muro at lmuro@charter.net. Deadline for application submissions is April 15.

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CHRISM MASS TO BE CELEBRATED AT THE CATHEDRAL

Tuesday, April 11th at 11:00 am the annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Paul by the Bishop and all the Priests of the Diocese. At

this Mass all of the holy oils that will be used in the next year will be blessed. Also at this Mass the Priests will be renewing their vows. We will not have Mass here at 8:00 Tuesday morning so that more people may take the Opportunity to support Fr. Bean and all of our priests at this very special Mass.

THE CATHEDRAL ELIZABETH MINISTRY invites you to an Anniversary Mass of Baptism on Sunday, April 23rd at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul. If you were baptized at St. Paul's in the last five years, please make plans to attend. A reception will follow. For more information, please call the Cathedral office. ST. ELIAS LEBANESE FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL will be held April 21st and 22nd. Enjoy Lebanese Food, a silent auction, church tour and visit the Heritage Room. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to experience the atmosphere of this Lebanese Maronite Catholic Church (the only one in Alabama). Please make plans to attend and support this festival. AN ENVIROMENTAL MESSAGE: The 2006 Household & Hazardous Waste Day in Jefferson County is April 22, 2006. At The Alabama State Fairgrounds, The Hoover Met, The Bessemer Civic Center & The Centerpoint Courthouse, you can dispose of Aerosols, antifreeze, car batteries, motor oil, tires, paint & related products, pesticides, alkaline batteries, chemical drain cleaners, solvents, ammunition, gun powder, explosives, fireworks & flares. For further info., please see the flyer on the bulletin board or call the Jeff. Co. Environmental Protection Division. Please, Help Keep Our Environment Safe. SERRA CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM April Activities On Tuesday, April 11, from 6:30 p. m. to 7:30 p.m., SERRANS will meet as a group, in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of Sorrows, to pray for Vocations. The Dinner Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at OLS, beginning with a 6:00 p.m. Mass, followed by fellowship, a meal and a program. The Guest Speaker will be Father Richard Donohoe, Pastor at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Birmingham. Father Donohoe’s topic will be “De-Coding The DaVinci Code”. Guests are welcome to attend any of these activities. The SERRA Club members are Catholics Lay Ministers, Fostering and Promoting Vocations, Through Prayer, Awareness, Affirmation and Support. For more information on membership, activities or attending a function, please contact Phil Slovensky at St. Patricks or Lita Hess, V-P for Membership (991-5301) www.serraus.org SECRETARY'S DAY: CONSECRATED FOR SERVICE Open my eyes, Lord. Help me to see April 26, 9:30 TO 2:30. Come share a day away with friends involved in your ministry as a secretary. Pray, share, dialogue with support team personnel at beautiful Sacred Heart Monastery. Call (256) 734-8302 for further information. $25.00 payable at the door includes luncheon. Presenter: Mrs. Theresa Thompson, DRE St. John's Catholic Church, Madison PRAYING WITH CLAY Retreat will be held at Sacred Heart Monastery from Sunday after supper, April 23 to Friday after lunch, April 28, 2006. This same retreat is being offered from May 14 to 19, 2006. Join the Benedictine Sisters at prayer while exploring your artistic expression through the medium of clay. No previous experience with art or clay necessary. Price includes all art supplies, firings, meals and room. Limited enrollment. Private room $395.00, Shared room $375.00 per person. Call the church office to register. A $45.00 non-refundable deposit required to finalize registration. Sister Mary Adrian McLean, OSB will be your instructor ST. ALOYSIUS SCHOOL is now accepting applications for students in Grades 4K-8 for the 2006-2007 school year. If you need an application or have questions, please contact the school office @ 425-0045.

AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED: We are in need of donated items to be used for the Springfest Auction. If you have an item to donate or any information on who we might contact for a donation we would greatly appreciate your help. Some of the items auctioned last year were UAB autographed basketballs, golf packages, gift baskets, autographed Auburn game ball and much more. For more information contact the church office. SPRINGFEST CHILDRENS INFLATABLES : We are in need of volunteers to help with the Children’s Inflatable games. Please find it in your heart to volunteer and call Julie Owen at 674-6635. ATTENTION CHILDREN OF ALL AGES: Get your wristbands now. You can’t beat this deal. The wrist bands sell for $10.00 and the wearer gets to enjoy all 7 infaltables (plus a toddler bounce for the wee ones) all day long. PLUS each wearer will get a free snow cone, a free popcorn AND a free cotton candy. For more information please contact the church office. SPRINGFEST AD PROGRAM We have our Bulletin Ad Supplement as part of Springfest 2006. Would your business like to advertise in our church bulletin and support Springfest? Ads run for six weeks beginning in April and are available for a $100 donation. For $150, a booth sponsorship is included on Springfest Sunday and you get 2 free dinners as well. And once again our Gold Level sponsorship is available for $200. If you need more information or you or someone you know would like to be a sponsor, contact the church office. Thanks to all our past sponsors for your support over the years. SPRINGFEST MEETINGS: We have scheduled a meeting for Springfest. Should anything change we will let you know. April 23rd, after Mass. Thank you for support SPRINGFEST 2006 RAFFLE TICKETS SELL SELL SELL !! SPRINGFEST (Sunday, May 7) is just 4 WEEKS AWAY.The 10 PLUS CLUB, Joining After March 17 thru April 30, are Kathy Sheppeard, Bill & Deloris Farris, Barbara Fadlevich and Mike Hobe. They will receive 2 Saint Patrick coffee mugs. The 20 PLUS CLUB one new member: Mike Hobe, who sold 20 or more Books of Tickets before/by April 30 and he will receive One Free Parking Pass for the day of SPRINGFEST AND his name will be entered into a separate drawing for a WEEKEND At The BEACH !! There is still plenty of time for you to sell Springfest Raffle Tickets. Tickets can be sold to One Individual as One Book of 12 tickets for $10.00, 6 Tickets for $5.00, or Single Tickets for $1.00 each. Please turn in your money and ticket stubs to Gaeton Conte, Raffle Ticket Chairperson, at Weekend Masses or during the week, or to one of his volunteer helpers on the weekend. If you drop them into the collection basket at Mass, we will retrieve them on Monday.So, SELL, SELL, SELL and become a winner. WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YARD SALE ITEMS for Bargain Basement! We would be very grateful if you would look around your house, basement, etc. and donate unwanted items to SPRINGFEST. No clothing, shoes, or items in need of repair. Please bring the items you no longer use to Church. Any questions, call The church office. SHAMROCK SALES: If anyone has arts or crafts to donate for Springfest 2006 we would greatly appreciate any contribution. We will return any unsold items provided your name and contact information are on the item(s). For more information call the church office.