First Annual Joe Pat Celebration
In honor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick

Music – Trivia – Pizza – Prizes
St. Michael Churchyard
Sunday, March 14th, 6pm to 8pm

In between the music, we’ll play stump the Padre.  Test me on how well I know the lives of the saints.  Be kind – nothing too obscure.  It also would be great if a few people would do a four or five minute “MOTH” type story on your love for a favorite saint.  Let me know if you’re brave enough to be a storyteller in front of a crowd.  Pizza and beer and wine will be available.  It should be a great night under the lights – well hopefully mostly in sunshine as it will be the first day back to daylight saving time.  Hope you remembered to spring those clocks forward 1 hour.

Lenten Holy Hour and Confessions
Monday, March 15th, 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Fr. Brian LaBurt and possibly Msgr. Costigan will be here to help with confessions on Monday.  If it has been a while and you’re uneasy about the “how” of making a good confession, just say so and the priest will gently guide you through the steps.  A handout will also be available with the steps and an act of contrition.

Vaccination has given me the comfort level to stay in a hotel for first time in over a year.  I’m in Atlanta officiating at the wedding of Maggie Yancey and John Murray at the Cathedral of Christ the King.  I am grateful that Fr. Pablo Migone was willing to cover for me.  Naturally, I’ll be back from the party in Atlanta to party for the JOE PAT Celebration in the Churchyard.  Hey, it’s Laetare (“Rejoice”) Sunday and the Feasts of St. Patrick (Wednesday) and St. Joseph (Friday) are this week, so a little partying is in order even though we are still in the midst of a penitential season.

On a more serious note today we are observing Safe Haven Sunday. Please take a moment to read Bishop Parkes letter inserted in this bulletin.  Unfortunately, through the internet and smart phones, information and images are brought into our homes that are harmful and disrespectful to our bodies and souls. As you depart Mass today, I’d ask you to take the prayer card and booklet entitled, Equipped, which are in the pews.  This booklet offers concrete assistance to
help you set good boundaries for internet usage in your home. Further information is provided in the booklet, so that as a faith community we can promote good values of holiness, purity, and chastity. I’d ask every household to take a booklet and a prayer card. Thank you for your attention and for your dedication to making your home a “safe haven” for all.

Finally, until the CDC gives the okay to remove masks and to dispense with social distancing those health restrictions will remain in place.  As people start coming back and we reach capacity in Church, I ask for your understanding and charity.
The meeting room at the 11am Mass is for young children and their parents.  We will continue to livestream and simulcast to the carport the vigil Mass and the 11am Mass.  After Easter, we will probably add a 9:30 Mass for a couple of months.  Be kind.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, but the pandemic isn’t over yet.

Taking the Word home: Read: John 3:14-21
“For God so love the world that he sent his only Son …” So, what is your job? Who is going to tell the world about this love? Name some ways (other than preaching) that you can do such a thing. Might you run into difficulties at times? When this happens can you remember that you are not alone and that you will always receive the grace you need?