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St. John of the Cross Catholic Cluster
NOTRE DAME du MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL St. David St. Agatha St. Bruno - St. Remi St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel St. Luce St. Joseph (Hamlin) St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joseph (Sinclair) St. Michael (Summer Months)
NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL
309 St. Thomas Street, Suite 103 Madawaska, ME 04756
Parish Office / Cluster 2 Business Office - 728-7531 [email protected]
Faith Formation Office - 728-7135
OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY 379 Main St./PO Box 10, St. Agatha, ME 04772
Parish Office - 543-7447 Faith Formation Office - 543-6119
ST. PETER CHANEL 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785
Parish Office - 868-2718 [email protected]
January 20, 2019
Pastor
Fr. James Plourde
Parochial Vicars
Fr. Antony Alexander Maria Doss, HGN
Fr. Selvaraj Kasi, HGN
Deacons
Rev. Mr. Donald R. Clavette
Rev. Mr. Rodney Deschaine
Cluster 2 Business Coordinator
Greg Cyr
Bulletin Editor E-mail
Sacramental & Pastoral Care
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call your parish office for appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday before 4pm Mass or by appointment. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please call your parish office at least 6 months prior to date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call your parish office. FUNERALS Please contact the Cluster 2 business office.
New Parishioners
If you are new to the parish or have an address or phone number change, please contact your parish office.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 20, 2019
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Mass Schedule
St. Peter Chanel Mass Schedule
Our Lady of the Valley Mass Schedule
Saturday, January 19 4:00pm SB/SR: Donalda Reboyras by Marlene & Ray Maldonado
Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Gervaise Lapierre by Rebecca St. Pierre 9:15am SB/SR: Reno Thibodeau
Monday, January 21 St. Agnes (Sacrament of Reconciliaton 2nd Graders)
6:00pm SB/SR: Our Lady of the Rosary by Joseph & Connie Cote
Tuesday, January 22 NO MASS
Wednesday, January 23 Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope
6:00pm SB/SR: Michael “Red” Roy by Linda & Therese
6:30pm - 7:00pm - Eucharistic Adoration & Reconciliation
Thursday, January 24 No Mass / St. Francis de Sales
Friday, January 25
10:00am BVM: Msgr. Robert Lavoie by Joseph R. & Connie Cote
Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm SB/SR: Donalda Reboyras by Marlene & Ray Maldonado
Sunday, January 27: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Gervaise Lapierre by Rebecca St. Pierre 9:15am SB/SR: Reno Thibodeau
Saturday, January 19 4:00pm SA: Jeannine Cyr by Jean Paul & Family
Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SL: Memorial Mass (Intentions on OLV page) 4:00pm SJ: Jacqueline Gendreau by Family
Monday, January 21 St. Agnes 6:00pm SA: Jeannine Cyr by Jeanne Pratt
Tuesday, January 22 8:30am SJ: All Souls by Our Lady of the Valley Parishioners
Wednesday, January 23 No Mass / Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope
Thursday, January 24 St. Francis de Sales 6:00pm SL: Sylvia Gies by James & Mona Lavertu
Friday, January 25 No Mass
Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm SA: Aurele & Irma Gendreau by Gail Huber
Sunday, January 27 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SL: Yvette & Norman Guerrette by Jill, Jake & Kids 4:00pm SJ: Dick Daigle by Corinne & Family
Saturday, January 19 4:00pm ST: Dr. Fred Harrigan by Enid Corey 6:00pm SG: Ronald & Hermance Cyr by Children
Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Memorial Mass (Intentions on Cluster Page) 11:00am SD: Robert Gagnon (1st Anniv.) by Jeanne & Tom
Monday, January 21 No Mass / St. Agnes
Tuesday, January 22 9:00am-5:45pm ST: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00pm ST: George Dugal by Roger & Jackie
Wednesday, January 23 Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope 8:30am SD: Julie Albert by Family
Thursday, January 24 No Mass / St. Francis de Sales
Friday, January 25 2:00pm RDG: Martha Beaupre by David & Diane Albert 2:00pm CV: George Dugal by Lorraine & Andre Tessier
Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm ST: Louis Dufour by Cecile Tardif 6:00pm SG: Jeannine Saunders by Husband, Glen
Sunday, January 27 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Gedeon Corriveau by Aldeo & Rita Belanger 11:00am SD: Louise Gendreau (1st Anniv.) by Family
Abbreviations for Cluster Church Sites and Facilities
NOTRE DAME DU CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL
SD - St. David SA - St. Agatha SB/SR - St. Bruno/St. Remi SG - St. Gerard SL - St. Luce SJ - St. Joseph (Hamlin) ST - St. Thomas Aquinas SJ - St. Joseph (Sinclair) BVM - Borderview Manor CV - Country Village SM - St. Michael’s Chapel RDG - Ridgewood SJMC - St. Joseph Memory Care HVM - High View MH - Montfort Heights
Faith Formation
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Corner St. David, St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel/Grand Isle, St. Thomas Aquinas/Madawaska
LAMP FOR THE UNBORN BURNS FOR: St. David - for the unborn by a Parishioner St. Gerard - for Adam by Beth Bellefleur
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JANUARY FOR: For a Special Intention by Aldeo Belanger
ST. DAVID SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JANUARY FOR: Gaetane Lagasse by Family
Worship & Spirituality
Parish Life
Finance & Administration
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Financial Update Offertory: July 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019
Budget: $201,923 Actual: $204,247 Over Anticipated: $2,324
Amount given Weekly goal St. David $1,764 $1,849 St. Gerard $1,441 $908 St. Thomas Aquinas $3,725 $4,454 Weekly Totals $6,930 $7,212
Heating: $772 Solemnity of Mary: $2,251
PRAY FOR OUR SICK Anne B.C. Deschaine, Rosanne Chasse, Roger Ayotte, Lorette Chasse, Louise Gendreau, Joe Ouellette, Randy Dufour, George Dionne, Carlene Martin, Gene Lavoie, Gordon Soucy, Bernice Martin, Mike Rossignol, Joel Albert, Brenda Levesque, Edwina Sirois, James Lavoie, Tom Gagnon, Odette Pelletier and Donald Cyr. FMI call 728-7135.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
MADAWASKA FOOD PANTRY PICK UP Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7am-11am
GOOD SAMARITAN THRIFT SHOP HOURS Monday: 12pm - 4pm Thursday: 10am - 3pm Tuesday: 10am - 3pm Friday: 12pm - rpm Wednesday: 10am - 4pm
Community Events
YEAR 2 FAMILY FAITH FORMATION GATHERING
Sunday, January 27th
5:00 p.m. Teaching Mass with Fr. Alex in church 6:00 p.m. Family Potluck in the church center (basement)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY at St. Thomas Aquinas Church from 9am – 6:00pm. This week’s intention: For an end to gun violence in our country, and also for our area businesses and their workforces.
“I adore and venerate you as much as ever I can, though my love is so cold, my devotion so poor. Thank you for the gift of this your Body & Blood, which
I desire to receive.” -St. Anselm
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING: Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:30pm in the pastor’s conference room.
ST. GERARD LADIES OF ST. ANNE MEETING & PIZZA LUNCH: Wednesday, February 13th at 12 noon at the Grand Isle General Store. Wear RED for a chance to win a special prize.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA PRAYER LINE: If you are in need of prayers for you or a loved one, the Daughters of Isabella can help through the Prayer Line. Many persons who have been placed on the prayer line have found great comfort in the power of prayer and some have witnessed miracles. This is open to anyone – not only for members. To add a name to the prayer line,
contact Lorraine Talbot, 316-7035.
KITCHEN PARTY: Sunday, January 20th, from 1 to 3 pm in the Grand Isle Community Center. Free admission. Free snacks and refresh-ments . Join us for fun with local entertainers. Sponsored by the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society. FMI call Gerald at 895-6949.
GRAND ISLE SNOWMOBILE CLUB BREAKFAST: Sunday, Jan. 20th
from 7 to 11am at the Grand Isle Community Center. All Welcome!
GRAND ISLE SENIOR LUNCH: Thursday, January 24th at 11am. Menu: Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Sauce.
CHARLEMAGNE: Sunday, January 27th at the Madawaska Senior Center from 1-3pm. Cost: $5 / $6 Canadian. Refreshments served.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: We are asking a favor from those who come to pray before the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays. If you have finished your time of prayer and are ready to leave but there is no one else in the church, we would ask you to go to the Altar and place the cover that is there on the Altar over the monstrance. If you are coming to pray and find the cover on the monstrance, simply go to the Altar and remove it for your time of prayer. The Blessed Sacrament should never be exposed when there is no one present. Since there are occasions when this happens, we are proposing the cover as a solution. If you have any questions, please ask Deacon Don or Fr. Jim. Thank you for your cooperation and a special thanks for your prayer time before the Lord.
JOB OPENING
Sexton/Groundskeeper Individual wanted for janitorial and maintenance duties for
St. Gerard Church, Main St. Grand Isle. Tasks include care of the grounds, general maintenance and overall handyman.
This position is part time with flexible hours. Applications are available at:
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Business Office 309 St. Thomas St. Suite 103
Madawaska ME 04756 - 728-7531
Prayer Line Contacts St. Joseph: Cecile Ouellette 543-6073
Worship & Spirituality Finance & Administration
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Monday’s after 6:00 p.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Agatha Thursday’s after 6:00 pm. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Luce
Our Lady Of The Valley Parish Corner St. Agatha, St. Joseph/Sinclair, St. Luce/Frenchville, St. Michael Chapel
SANCTUARY LAMP: Burns this week: St. Agatha: Jules & Marrette Leclercq by Daughter,
Odette Ouellette St. Luce: Yvette Leclercq by Her Sister Odette Ouellette
St. Joseph: Reginald Thibeault by Odette Ouellette
Our Lady of the Valley Financial Updates
Offertory: July 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019
Budget: $107,692 Actual: $111,176 Over Anticipated: $3,484
Amount Given Weekly Goal St. Agatha $1,758 $1,876 St. Joseph $498 $629 St. Luce $1,264 $1,174 St. Michael (13 weeks) $ $791
Weekly Totals $3,520 $4,470
Christmas Offering: $100 Solemnity of Mary: $440
Community Events
SENIOR LUNCHES Sinclair: Monday, January 21st at 11:30 a.m.
Menu: Meat Loaf
Sacramental Life
SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION / CONFESSIONS Mondays at St. Agatha: After 6pm Mass Thursdays at St. Luce: After 6pm Mass
Parish Life
WELCOME TO OUR FAITH COMMUNITY
Seth Elijah Paradis Son of Adam & Melissa Paradis
Hallie Mae Blanchette Daughter of Eric & Chantal Blanchette
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30pm - Rectory Hall
MEMORIAL MASS Sunday, January 20th - 10:30am Mass at St. Luce
John Beaupre by L’Union St. Jean Baptist Roger Dumais by Clarence & Irma Sirois Hilda Bossie by Conrad & Jean Cyr Raymond Lizotte by Roland & Sandra Carrier Conrad Guerrette by Phil & Glenna Guerrette Leo James Martin by Claudette O’Donnell Gedeon Corriveau by Family Fr. Claude Albert by Rev. Rene Mathieu Mr. & Mrs. Fortuna Lavoie by Germaine Tardif All Souls by Parishioners Joe Deschaine by Odette Ouellette Reginald Thibeault by Odette Ouellette Jules & Mariette Leclereq by Odette Ouellette Yvette Leclereq by Odette Ouellette Lillian Marquis by Phil & Linda Bechard Jean Paul & Estelle Bechard by Phil & Linda Bechard Msgr. Joseph Arsenault by Constance Cote Harold, Donald, Martin, Denis, Gerald Ouellette, Donald Shields by Family Leo Lavoie by Bertile Chamberland Pour Les Bien de la Terre by Lloyd & Judy Tardif Beulah Madore Levesque by Lloyd & Judy Tardif Fred Donovan by Mr. & Mrs. Paul Savoie Alfreda Chamberland by Lori Allard Our Lady of the Rosary by Constance Cote Bernard Bosse by Bernard & Gerry Michaud
CORRECTION IN LAST WEEK’S BULLETIN Mass on Tuesday, January 15th for Adrien Ouellette was being said by Ray & Joan Hebert .
OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY PARISH IS HOSTING A TALENT SHOW!
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24TH, 6PM
ST. AGATHA CHURCH HALL Entrance Fee: $5
PERFORMERS WANTED! Looking for groups or individuals to share
their talents!!! (Our goal is to have 15 ACTS)
DO YOU… Dance; Sing; Tell Jokes; Play a Musical Instrument; or do Magic Tricks?
Please contact Lisa Bernier
if interested at 316-9290.
Cash Prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY PARISH RENOVATION PROJECTS!
St. Peter Chanel Parish Corner St. Bruno-St. Remi Church/Van Buren, St. Joseph Church/Hamlin & Borderview Nursing Home
Bulletin Memorials In Memory of:
Finance & Administration
Sacramental Life
Prayers for our Nation & World
by Glen Madore
AVAILABLE
Verna Ouellette by husband,
Nathan
AVAILABLE
Patrick Thibodeau by Yolande &
Family
Ernest, Tina, & Jim Marquis
by Rita, Marge & Family
Tardif & Parent Families by
Ron & June & Family
Kim Beaulieu by Uncle
Nathan Ouellette
Wilfred & Yvonne Cyr by
Colette & Fred Ayotte
Deceased Members of the Lajoie & Madore Families by
Steve & Marilyn
Roland Laverdiere by
Matilda & John
Pelletier & Charette Families
by John & Noreen
Antoine Levesque by the Pelletier Grandchildren,
Leslie, Monica & Brian
Levesque & Morrow Families
by John & Noreen
AVAILABLE
Roger Beaulieu by
Debbie & Dave Henderson
Hayden Perreault by Greg &
Sandy Edgecomb
Romeo & Helena Cyr by
Gerald & Kathleen Cyr
Wilfred & Jeanne Lavoie by
Gerald & Kathleen Cyr
Simon L. Cyr by
Grandpa & Grandma
Cote & Beaulieu Families
by Bridget Cote & Family
Community Life
Wanted: Bread & Wine / Sanctuary Lamp Sponsors : There are currently available dates for the 2019 year for Bread & Wine and Sanctuary Lamp sponsors. Sponsorship for Bread & Wine is $25 and Sanctuary Lamp is $15. Please consider coming into the office to reserve your dates and memorialize a family member while helping to defer costs.
Thank you for your consideration. God Bless.
YOUTH MINISTRY MEETINGS - SPC Parish Hall January 20th - Theology at Tim’s, @ Caribou 6pm - 7:30pm January 27th - YM @SPC 6-7:30PM February 3rd - YM @SPC 6-7:30PM
Daughters of Isabella Card Parties: The Card Parties will be held at the Community Center at 1-4pm. (doors open at 12:30). The entry fee is $6. The schedule is as follows: January 20th; February 17th; March 17th & April 28th. All are welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of fun.
American Legion Post #49 Charlemagne Card Parties: The Card Parties will be held on Sunday’s, at 1:00pm. The entry fee is $6. The schedule is as follows: February 10th; March 10th & April 14th.
KC Breakfast: Sunday, January 27th, 7am to 12pm at the Van Buren KC Hall. Cost: $8/ adults, $5/ children under 12. Takeout's available.
**BULLETIN MEMORIALS** This is a reminder that there are bulletin memorials available. The cost of each memorial is: (1 mos.): $20, (3 mos.): $50; (6 mos.): $100; (1 Yr.): $200. These memorials honor family members & friends while helping to offset parish expenses.
St. Peter Chanel Parish Finance Meeting: There will be a finance Meeting Monday January 21st after the 6pm Mass in the Parish hall.
ST. BRUNO-ST. REMI CHURCH SPONSORS BREAD & WINE SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF:
Patrick Pelletier (5th Anniversary) by John & Noreen SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF:
Patrick Pelletier by his Grandchildren
Marriage Blessing Congratulations to Jared & Nathalie Pinette on the blessing of their Marriage on January 10, 2019.
First Reconciliation (2nd Graders) Please pray for our children who will be receiving their
First Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, January 21st after the 6pm Mass.
PARISH NEEDS DONATION / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Bea Beaulieu by John & Noreen Pelletier Reno Thibodeau by John & Noreen Pelletier Cyr & Fongemie Deceased Family by Ken & Lorraine Fongemie Aurele Doucette by Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu Gervaise Lapierre by Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu MERCY MEALS DONATION / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Cyr & Fongemie Deceased Family by Ken & Lorraine Fongemie Reno Thibodeau by Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu
Food Pantry Update A huge THANKS to everyone who has been supporting our local food pantry through: volunteer hours, equipment purchase or donation, financial support, food donations, grocery bags, God is happy! Food is the biggest resource people everywhere need to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. Food insecurity is everywhere and feeds trauma, lack of love & is our worlds biggest problem.
Next Regular Distribution, Thursday, Jan 31, 1-3pm.
Emergencies: Dan 868-5707, Nancy 868-5324, Norm 498-9570
WINNERS OF THE DECEMBER M.E.M DRAWING $100 – Lily Levesque ; $50 - Brian & Lorraine Lajoie; Joey
Dumond; $25 – Erin Madore; Gary Vaillancourt; Gerald Bard; Pat Ezzy. Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your
support! Please allow two weeks for checks.
50/50 KC & Columbiettes Weekly Drawing (drop off at KC mailbox or mail: 284 Main St, VB)
Name: _____________________________________ Address_____________________________________ Phone #____________ Amount Enclosed $_________
$10 = 5wks, $26=13wks, $52=26wks, $104=52wks
St. Peter Chanel Parish Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2018 to December 30, 2018
Budget: $73,231 Actual: $79,792 Over Anticipated: $6,561 Amt. Given $2,709 Wkly Goal $2,525 Average Collection: This yr. $2,850 Last yr. $2,699
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS CATHOLIC CLUSTER / DIOCESAN CORNER
ST. THOMAS GIFT SHOP St. Thomas Aquinas Church Basement
Monday-Thursday: 9am-3pm / Friday: 10am-2pm
If your work hours do not allow you to come shop while we're open, don't hesitate to call me at 728-4346 or 316-8062 Lee
GIFT SHOP CLOSED ON JANUARY 21ST The Holidays are over, most of our decorations are put away and now we might have a little bit of time to relax! How about making a puzzle, or reading a good book, or listening to relaxing music? We can help you on all 3!!
PUZZLES: Beautiful Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall Scenes. 1000 pcs $15. 700 pcs. $12.50
MUSIC: We have many nice CDs on SALE: Al Barbarino, Praise Music - Daniel O'Donnell, Praise & Popular - Jackie Evancho, Praise & Popular - Mark Mallett, Praise - Phil Coulter, relaxing Irish sounds - The Priests, Praise - Steve Hall, Piano - Christian Family Fitness, good to exercise to. Come see our wide assortment!!
BOOKS: "HINDS' FEET on HIGH PLACES" by Hannah Hurnard Over 2 Million Sold - This book has been around for years but is still very popular. It is one of Hannah's best known and best loved books: a beautiful allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow & Suffering. Learn how much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and returns to her valley of service, transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd. Included in this edition of "Hinds' Feet on High Places" are two special sections: Hannah Hurnard's own account of the circumstances that led her to write this book and a brief autobiography of the author's life. A life-altering experience! $15.99
BATTERIES: Please know that we have replacement batteries for all of the battery-operated items sold in the gift shop. Come see us, bring a sample battery, and obtain your replacement batteries from us at a very reasonable price.
REMEMBER A BOOK IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!! Also, Gift Certificates are always available!!
Weekly suggestion for the faithful to consider:
January 20: As the nation recalls the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight against racism, take time to review and reflect upon the U.S. Bishop’s recent pastoral letter on racism or Bishop Robert Deeley’s column about it in the January 2019 issue of Harvest magazine.
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
LAVALLEE YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS January 20th: No meeting! (March for Life-HS) January 27th: Meeting
From The Pastor’s Desk
Fr. Plourde will be on vacation January 23rd to February 5th!
MEMORIAL MASS for Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Sunday, January 20th - 8:30am Mass
Parents Defunt by Elden & Jenny Bouchard Johanna Bouchard by Bouchard Family Leona Schultz by Angelo & Helen Rossignol Andrew Daigle by Jeannine Daigle & Family All Soul’s Intentions by Parishioners Leonette Gendreau by Leola Cyr & Family Deceased Classmates by Class of 1969 Roger & Gloria Rouleau by Family Parents Defunt by Normand & Anita Nadeau Adrian Gagnon by Claude Michaud Irma Russell by Real & Family George Dugal by Louise Proulx & Family Shelly Meyers by Ike & Claudette Parents Defunt by Fernand Cyr Parents Defunt by Marilyn Bard Joel Levesque by Wife, Pauline & Family Germaine Cyr by Bob & Marge Williams Gladys Desjardins by Roger & Jackie St. Anthony by Connie Cote George Dugal by Mike & Rinette Pelletier Guy Roy by Claude Lavertue Mabel Grivois Beaulieu by St. Gerard Ladies of St. Anne Armand Corriveau by Jackie & Roger Albert Rachel Bechard by Joe & Marlene Dechaine Roland & Simone Roussel by Lee
OFFICES CLOSED Please note that the parish offices of Notre Dame du Mont
Carmel, Our Lady of the Valley and St. Peter Chanel will be closed
on Monday, January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
UPCOMING ACTS RETREATS FOR 2019 All are invited to join other Catholics for a spiritually uplifting weekend at an ACTS retreat. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. The weekends are held at the Christian Life Center on 444 U.S. Route 1 in Frenchville. The retreats are opportunities to strengthen your faith, renew yourself spiritually, and establish friendships that will last a lifetime. Participants must be at least 21 years old. To register, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/sites/default/files/files/ACTSApplication.pdf.
Here is the schedule for 2019: Retreat for Women (March 28-31), Retreat for Men (April 25-28), Retreat for Teens (July 11-14), Retreat for Women (Oct. 17-20), Retreat for Men (November 14-17). FMI, contact Mary Ellen Field, ACTS Core Director, (207) 999-2378 or [email protected].
CATHOLIC QUOTES WORDS TO INSPIRE THE FAITHFUL
"Our entire good consists not only in accepting the truth of God's word, but in persevering in it."
-- St. Francis de Sales
Children’s Corner
GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE: January 20, 2019 - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
When you think of being Catholic, what do you think of? Perhaps you grew up with your only associations being fasting, nuns with rulers, and "Catholic guilt." Our faith can sometimes have the connotation of restriction and absence, not abundance. Who is God in your life? Is He the divine law-giver, the judge punishing the rule-breakers? These are certainly attributes of God. But the laws don't exist for themselves alone. They exist to help us love one another as God loves us. And this loving God is the author of abundance and joy. Did you hear today's Gospel? "There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee." Here at this wedding, Jesus would perform "the beginning of his signs...and so reveal his glory." This first sign isn't a miraculous healing. He didn't raise someone from the dead. He kept a party going! "There were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons...the water...had become wine." The wine has run out. Jesus creates somewhere between 120 and 180 gallons to help his friend save face. We may not have such momentous miracles in our lives, but God is watching out for us. The string of green lights when you're running late. The sale on the replacement appliance you need. The friend who calls at just the right time. These are the little moments of God's abundance. We just need to look for them! Not only does Jesus surprise, but the guests point out to their host: "You have kept the good wine until now." The divine wine is better than the earthly variety. God's goodness is better than what we can grasp at for ourselves. Isn't that how it always goes?
LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK
Did you ever consider that God takes great delight in you? We are by no means second or afterthoughts of God. As the master artisan, God takes delight in every fabric of our being and every single component of who we are. We are intentionally and lovingly designed! God gets much joy out of every child He creates, and He does not abandon us. God is definitely in charge! God can take a painful past or an apparent dead-end and turn it into a glorious future. He can transform nothing into something and is always eagerly ready to give us the gifts of faith, hope, and love. We are never bound by the past and never without options. All we have to do is listen to Him. Are we willing to give up the controls and allow Him to do what He does best?
QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:
First Reading Isaiah could not remain silent with his prophetic message. Who are the people in your faith community on fire for the Good News of the Lord?
Second Reading St. Paul teaches the Corinthians about the various gifts of the Holy Spirit? What would you identify as your gifts from the Holy Spirit, and how do you use these gifts to benefit others? Gospel Reading The miracle at the wedding feast in Cana is the first sign of Jesus' divine identity in the Gospel of John. We hear that after the disciples witnessed the water turn into wine, they "began to believe in him." Do you recall when you first started to believe in Jesus?
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP - Recognize God in your Ordinary Moments
There are close to 7.6 billion people currently on earth. That is a lot of people! If you try to estimate how many people have collectively been born since the beginning of time, a good guess is 108 billion! It is hard to contemplate that many distinctly different human beings created by our God. In the midst of all those people, where do you and I fit? Can we really be created to make a difference in the world? One can feel very small and insignificant when reflecting on the numbers. We render ourselves insignificant when we make the mistake of seeing ourselves as being just like everybody else. However, when looking at the numbers, how can one honestly think we are all the same? Another way we become insignificant is believing the lie that one person in the midst of so many does not have the power to make an impact. However, we all spend time reading books, watching movies, or listening to news about singular people who made all the difference in some part of the world. Imagine your own world without a few key people who have touched you and made a difference. We are all created with unique gifts. We have those gifts that have been part of us from birth and those that have been imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. St. Paul tried to get the Corinthians to understand that reality when he explained to them the many gifts of the Spirit. Perhaps some of his audience back then thought they were insignificant. The message then remains the message today: God is counting on you to use what He has given you. If you don't, who will?
