Questions for reflection on the Scriptures for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

1)      Questions on the Reading from the Book of Joshua: What is the situation? What were they celebrating? What was their experience of God at that point?

2)      Questions on the Reading from Second Corinthians: What is the message of this passage? How do you understand “the ministry of reconciliation”? How does that work in our lives? What does this have to do with Lent? With the other two readings today?

3)      Questions on the Gospel Reading: What was the makeup of Jesus’ audience when he told this parable? How is this significant? What is the point of the story? How did each of the sons experience their father?

 

DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY: The noon Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 12–1 PM in the Rectory. We will base our study on the Scripture readings for next Sunday. Please bring your Bible and join us.

 

EVENING BIBLE STUDY: The evening Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 7-8 PM, in the Rectory. We will study the Gospel according to John, Chapters 13-17. Please read the material ahead of time and come prepared to discuss what you have read.

 

WIRELESS HEARING ASSIST SYSTEM: As part of improving our sound system, we have installed a system that will allow those who have a hard time hearing to tune directly into the sound system. We have four “Walkman”-type receivers that you can put on your belt or in your pocket, each with an attachment to place over your ear.  The idea is that you will use it during Mass and then return it at the end of Mass. We will have sign-up sheet near the front of church. If you wish to borrow one, you leave your car keys or house key or driver’s license with the person who is handling this. Then at the end of Mass, when you return the instrument, you pick up whatever “deposit” you left. Or if you would like to purchase your own, the ear connection costs $15, and the receiver costs $100.  Please talk to Denise Martin or Tom Simon if you are interested.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK NEXT WEEKEND: Next weekend, March 13-14, we will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick at the end of each Mass. We read in the Letter of James, “Are there any sick among the people? Let them send for the priest of the church, and the priest will pray over the sick persons, anointing them in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, they will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15) We encourage anyone with any sort of illness to take part in this celebration next Sunday.

BAPTISM AFTER MASS NEXT SUNDAY: After Mass and after the anointing next Sunday, we will celebrate the baptism of Charles Bellon, the son of Danny and Christina Bellon. Parishioners are welcome to stay for the celebration.

DO YOUR PART TO HELP MAKE THE SPRING 50/50 RAFFLE A SUCCESS! Last weekend, 67 people took at least 10 tickets each – a great start! And already the returns have begun to come in (See the table below, and watch the prizes grow!) The point of everyone having tickets is that we SELL THEM TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE PARISH. We all have relatives and neighbors who don’t come here to church. There are people at work, people you exercise with, or (for the more courageous) strangers you meet. Everyone in the parish should be able to find at least 10 people who are willing to donate $10 with the hope of a HUGE return! And then bring in your results as soon as you sell them – so we can watch the prizes grow.

50/50 Raffle

So Far:

Tickets sold

52

1st Prize

 $    78.00

2nd Prize

 $    52.00

3rd Prize

 $    26.00

4-13 Prize

 $    10.40

Total Prizes

 $  260.00

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING TODAY. Agenda:

Opening Prayer

Open Forum

Review/Acceptance of Agenda

Minutes from February 7, 2010 Meeting

Formation: Discussion of Keeping the Covenant: Chapters 2-4

Consensus Decision Making: Principle & Foundation and Rules for Discernment

Expectations of one another; Rules of Discourse

Administration and Finance Report

Christian Formation Report

Social Concerns Report

Spiritual Life and Worship Report

Stewardship and Development Report

Showers of Service, April 10

General Assembly: April 25

Archdiocesan Catholic Women’s Recognition Awards

Pastor’s Comments

Evaluation of Meeting

Next Meeting: April 4, 2010 (Easter)? April 11, 2010?

Closing Prayer:

DAILY READINGS, March 8-13:

Monday: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Psalm 42; Luke 4:24-30

Tuesday: Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25; Matthew 18:21-35

Wednesday: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5:17-19

Thursday: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95; Luke 11:14-23

Friday: Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81; Mark 12:28-34

Saturday: Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51; Luke 18:9-14