IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THROUGH PENTECOST

Transcription

1 IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THE SACRED LENTEN JOURNEY THROUGH PENTECOST AND MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH God s world is a world where everyone feels responsible for the other, for the good of the other. Pope Francis

2 WEBSITES AND LINKS FOR THE LENTEN JOURNEY Parishes of our Deanery: St. Augustine St. Francis Xavier Holy Family/St. Thomas Holy Name of Jesus Immaculate Heart of Mary St. Saviour Our Lady of Czestochowa-St. Casimir Our Lady of Peace St. John the Evangelist/St. Rocco Other Resources for Lent: (Click on Message for Lent 2019, Daily Meditations of the Holy Father, etc.) (Click on Lenten Resources) Sign-up for free s with reflections, prayer, and videos for each day of Lent by Bishop Robert Barron. Lent/ (Reflections, Retreats, audio podcasts, etc.) (videos, Stations of the Cross and articles) From Loyola Press -prayer.htm or or (These sites offer so many opportunities for prayer and reflection.) 2 2

3 2019 Lenten Message His Holiness Pope Francis For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God (Rm 8: 19) Dear Brothers and Sisters Each year, through Mother Church, God gives us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ (Preface of Lent I). We can thus journey from Easter to Easter towards the fulfilment of the salvation we have already received as a result of Christ s paschal mystery for in hope we were saved (Rom 8:24). This mystery of salvation, already at work in us during our earthly lives, is a dynamic process that also embraces history and all of creation. As Saint Paul says, the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God (Rom 8:19). In this perspective, I would like to offer a few reflections to accompany our journey of conversion this coming Lent. 1. The redemption of creation The celebration of the Paschal Triduum of Christ s passion, death and resurrection, the culmination of the liturgical year, calls us yearly to undertake a journey of preparation, in the knowledge that our being conformed to Christ (cf. Rom 8:29) is a priceless gift of God s mercy. When we live as children of God, redeemed, led by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 8:14) and capable of acknowledging and obeying God s law, beginning with the law written on our hearts and in nature, we also benefit creation by cooperating in its redemption. That is why Saint Paul says that creation eagerly longs for the revelation of the children of God; in other words, that all those who enjoy the grace of Jesus paschal mystery may experience its fulfilment in the redemption of the human body itself. When the love of Christ transfigures the lives of the saints in spirit, body and soul, they give praise to God. Through prayer, contemplation and art, they also include other creatures in that praise, as we see admirably expressed in the Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi (cf. Laudato Si, 87). Yet in this world, the harmony generated by redemption is constantly threatened by the negative power of sin and death. 33

4 2. The destructive power of sin Indeed, when we fail to live as children of God, we often behave in a destructive way towards our neighbours and other creatures and ourselves as well since we begin to think more or less consciously that we can use them as we will. Intemperance then takes the upper hand: we start to live a life that exceeds those limits imposed by our human condition and nature itself. We yield to those untrammelled desires that the Book of Wisdom sees as typical of the ungodly, those who act without thought for God or hope for the future (cf. 2:1-11). Unless we tend constantly towards Easter, towards the horizon of the Resurrection, the mentality expressed in the slogans I want it all and I want it now! and Too much is never enough, gains the upper hand. The root of all evil, as we know, is sin, which from its first appearance has disrupted our communion with God, with others and with creation itself, to which we are linked in a particular way by our body. This rupture of communion with God likewise undermines our harmonious relationship with the environment in which we are called to live, so that the garden has become a wilderness (cf. Gen 3:17-18). Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator but for his own interests, to the detriment of other creatures. Once God s law, the law of love, is forsaken, then the law of the strong over the weak takes over. The sin that lurks in the human heart (cf. Mk 7:20-23) takes the shape of greed and unbridled pursuit of comfort, lack of concern for the good of others and even of oneself. It leads to the exploitation of creation, both persons and the environment, due to that insatiable covetousness which sees every desire as a right and sooner or later destroys all those in its grip. 3. The healing power of repentance and forgiveness Creation urgently needs the revelation of the children of God, who have been made a new creation. For if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). Indeed, by virtue of their being revealed, creation itself can celebrate a Pasch, opening itself to a new heaven and a new earth (cf. Rev 21:1). The path to Easter demands that we renew our faces and hearts as Christians through repentance, conversion and forgiveness, so as to live fully the abundant grace of the paschal mystery. 4

5 This eager longing, this expectation of all creation, will be fulfilled in the revelation of the children of God, that is, when Christians and all people enter decisively into the travail that conversion entails. All creation is called, with us, to go forth from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God (Rom 8:21). Lent is a sacramental sign of this conversion. It invites Christians to embody the paschal mystery more deeply and concretely in their personal, family and social lives, above all by fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Fasting, that is, learning to change our attitude towards others and all of creation, turning away from the temptation to devour everything to satisfy our voracity and being ready to suffer for love, which can fill the emptiness of our hearts. Prayer, which teaches us to abandon idolatry and the self-sufficiency of our ego, and to acknowledge our need of the Lord and his mercy. Almsgiving, whereby we escape from the insanity of hoarding everything for ourselves in the illusory belief that we can secure a future that does not belong to us. And thus to rediscover the joy of God s plan for creation and for each of us, which is to love him, our brothers and sisters, and the entire world, and to find in this love our true happiness. Dear brothers and sisters, the lenten period of forty days spent by the Son of God in the desert of creation had the goal of making it once more that garden of communion with God that it was before original sin (cf. Mk 1:12-13; Is 51:3). May our Lent this year be a journey along that same path, bringing the hope of Christ also to creation, so that it may be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God (Rom 8:21). Let us not allow this season of grace to pass in vain! Let us ask God to help us set out on a path of true conversion. Let us leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption, and turn to Jesus Pasch. Let us stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them. In this way, by concretely welcoming Christ s victory over sin and death into our lives, we will also radiate its transforming power to all of creation. From the Vatican, 4 October 2018 Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi 5

6 Our Lenten Journey We invite you to join us on the Lenten Journey. These traditional days of prayer, fast, and almsgiving give us the opportunity to take time to pray and reflect on the most generous gift of love we can imagine. This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15 Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is offering many opportunities to gather as a community on this Lenten Journey. In addition, we are including opportunities from local parishes. Unless otherwise noted, all events are at Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is our hope that you will find this resource helpful in planning your Lenten Journey. Our Desert Experience When we think Lent - the image of desert comes to mind. Scripture reminds us that the Spirit led Jesus to the desert. It is here that Jesus is confronted with the power of evil. We, too, are invited to enter the desert to acknowledge our own battles with evil. Our confrontation with evil does not always find us victorious. Through the mercy of God we find hope, consolation, and renewed spirit to be faithful to the Gospel. Jesus enlists people in the struggle against evil with his invitation, Repent, and believe in the gospel. For your personal faith-sharing: The call of Lent Repent, and believe in the gospel means to me... What drives me into the desert to face the sin within myself and find the mercy of God is... The angels that minister to me while I remain in the desert are... How will I follow the Lord? my journey this Lenten season will be different because... May this holy season be marked by new roads on the journey. One way I will risk new roads on this sacred Lenten journey is... 6

7 Our Environment The Church encourages the environment to reflect the season. You will notice the starkness of décor with few symbols used throughout the church. Because baptism does not ordinarily occur in the Lenten season, the Font is draped in purple. It is through Jesus death and resurrection that we find the freedom and new life that the waters of baptism promise. The Font will flow again with water at the Easter Vigil. All the water has been drained from the holy water fonts throughout the church for this reason. Ash Wednesday The ashes we use are the burnt palms from last year's celebration of Passion Sunday. We begin our Lenten journey aware of where we are going. We want to enter into the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus more fully. That is the purpose of our journey. It is why we mark our heads with his cross. It is why we fast today and abstain from meat. Ashes will be distributed at: Mass 8:45 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service 12:00 Noon & 4:45 p.m. LENTEN REGULATIONS ABSTINENCE: The Church requires all the faithful who have reached their 14th year of age to abstain totally from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat. FASTING: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive are also bound to observe the fasting regulation on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing as far as quantity and quality are concerned approved local custom. 7

8 LENTEN FASTING Traditionally, Christian penance has unfolded in three interrelated practices: almsgiving (practicing charity), prayer, and fasting. Each of these practices is aimed at a key relationship in our lives: to others (almsgiving), to God (prayer), and to ourselves (fasting). We are reminded that Lent is a time to look at our whole selves and all our relationships. Usually we don t think of having a relationship with ourselves, but Lent is truly about getting our own house in order. On the mountaintop Peter, James, and John got a glimpse of the fullness of Christ s glory. Fullness can best be appreciated by a prior experience of emptiness. Such is the intent behind the Lenten fast. We empty ourselves so that we hunger only for God and are filled by God s presence. (This is similarly true for the Communion fast but since it has been reduced to fasting just one hour before Communion, it is hardly enough to really give us a physical hunger for God.) Our Lenten fasting practices are more earnest and austere than those during the rest of the year and are an opportunity for us to sincerely hunger for God and reflect on the grace of our own self-emptying. Fasting is a form of disciplining ourselves so that we can set our sights on who truly brings us satisfaction: God. Living Liturgy

9 Our Lady, Un-doer of Knots Pope Francis does have a special devotion to Our Lady, Un-doer of Knots. While studying in Germany in the 1980s, he discovered this devotion at the Church of St. Peter am Perlach in Augsburg. In the church, there is a painting from about 1700 that depicts Mary in heaven surrounded by angels. She stands on the crescent moon crushing the head of the serpent, Satan. She holds a long ribbon and is untying a large knot, one of several on the ribbon. Perhaps the inspiration for this depiction of the Blessed Mother arises from the writing of St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons (martyred in 203) in his treatise Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies): Mary, the Virgin, is found to be obedient, saying: Behold, O Lord, your handmaid. Be it done to me according to your word. Eve, however, was disobedient; and when yet a virgin, she did not obey. Having become disobedient, (Eve) was made the cause of death for herself and for the whole human race; so also Mary, betrothed to a man but nevertheless still a virgin, being obedient, was made the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race. Thus, the knot of Eve s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. What the virgin Eve had bound in unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosed through faith. This devotion had a profound impact on the devotional life of Pope Francis. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he introduced and encouraged the devotion to Our Lady, Un-doer of Knots. The devotion was so intensely popular throughout Argentina and Brazil that the British Guardian called it a religious craze. This beautiful prayer, similar to the Memorare, moves us to invoke the compassion of our Blessed Mother. In her maternal care for each of us, she wants us to remain close to her Son, Jesus. Never would she want the burdens of life to cause us to lose hope or despair. Yes, sometimes our lives may seem one big knot due to circumstances beyond our control, as when we face the medical problem, financial disaster and difficulties in relationships. Yet, we look to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross with her Son, trusting that every Good Friday will pass to the glory of Easter. 9

10 Moreover, poor children of Adam and Eve, we must look to the humble obedience of our Blessed Mother. So often the knots of life are of our own making. How often we knot-up our own life by disobeying the commandments and the teachings of the church, and then even blame God and others (as did Adam and Eve) for what we chose to do. Nevertheless, with humble and contrite hearts, we can depend upon the prayers and intercession of our Blessed Mother to show us the way and to help us unknot our lives so as to live in the freedom of God s children. Prayer to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the Evil One himself, can take it away from precious care. In your hands, there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with your Son and my liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot. (Mention your petition here.) I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, O safe refuge. Let us not waste this season of Lent, so favorable a time for conversion! We ask this through the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, who, encountering the greatness of God s mercy freely bestowed upon her, was the first to acknowledge her lowliness (cf. Lk1:48) and to call herself the Lord s humble servant (cf. Lk 1:38). 10 Pope Francis 2016 Lenten Message

11 The weekly devotion of Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday following the 8:45 a.m. Mass and again at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th and 12th. Our Music Ministry will lead and coordinate Stations of the Cross with Taizé Chant on Friday, April 12th at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate each and every week bring a friend. Good Friday, April 19th at 12:30 p.m. Stations and Procession through the Streets This prayerful procession is most reverent when we have enough volunteers to carry crosses. We provide the cross for each station. The stations are located along the route and the person with that cross simply steps forward from the group at that time. Please consider being a volunteer. S. Mary Ann: ihmsma@ihmbrooklyn.org 11

12 R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The Rite of Sending Wednesday, March 6th at 8:45 a.m. We celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion with our baptized candidate, Vito Rinaldi III. The Church has discerned his readiness for reception of the initiation sacraments this Easter. After this rite is celebrated here, Vito along with his sponsor, will be sent by our parish to the bishop for the Call to Continuing Conversion on Saturday, March 9th at St. Thomas Aquinas (Flatlands). Based on the testimony given by his sponsor and our support of his readiness for the sacraments, in the name of Bishop DiMarzio, Bishop Chappetto recognizes the desire of the baptized candidates throughout the diocese for the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist within the Catholic Community. Nearly 600 will be called to the Easter Sacraments in our diocese we pray for all of them. R.C.I.A. Adapted for Children On Sunday, March 3rd, the Urdu community celebrated the Rite of Sending with Jasica Rose Rehmat, a teen who will be baptized receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. On Saturday, March 9th, Jasica will go to St. James Co-Cathedral with her sponsor where the Bishop will call her to the Elect. In the adaptation for children, only one scrutiny is celebrated and that is done within the presence of her Faith Formation Class. This scrutiny will be celebrated in the coming weeks. 12

13 Period of Purification and Enlightenment The Penitential Rite and The Scrutinies The period of purification and enlightenment, which the rite of election begins, customarily coincides with Lent. In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of Lent the reminder of baptism already received or the preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery, in which each of the elect will share through the sacraments of initiation. For both the elect and the local community, therefore, the Lenten season is a time for spiritual recollection in preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery. The Penitential Rite marks the Lenten purification of baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This Rite encourages all the baptized to acknowledge their sins and failings and open their minds to the presence of Christ in their lives. Already one with us in baptism, our candidate, Vito, seeks to complete his Initiation in the Catholic Church. He is strengthened and encouraged by your presence. He will be confirmed and receive Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Sunday, March 17th at 8:45 a.m. Mass Vito Rinaldi III Our Candidate 13

14 Movies to Lift the Heart in Lent Come, see the amazing story of Clare Crockett, a young woman from Derry, Ireland whose life was transformed by a spur of the moment pilgrimage in Holy Week minutes Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Marian Center Refreshments will be served. Pinocchio Sunday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m. in the Marian Center Refreshments will be served. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why he sees the film Pinocchio as a profound film with the message of God s love. smcafee/8-movie-suggestions-for-holyweek 14

15 Lenten Speaker Series Mondays, March 18th, 25th, April 1st and 8th 7:00 p.m. in the Church Dr. Patrick Manning, Ph. D. Happiness through Suffering Patrick R. Manning, Ph.D., is the assistant professor of pastoral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. He teaches and researches in the areas of religious education, evangelization, Christian anthropology, and faith and culture. Most of the valuable things he knows he has learned within the domestic church of his wife and two children. Colleen Kelly-Rayner Running on Empty 40 days to go and you re already tired? I wasn t always following Christ. After a major conversation at a prayer meeting that changed her life forever, Colleen came back to the church ready to serve. Her journey began as a youth minister but has evolved to being a retreat coordinator and national Catholic speaker. Colleen travels and speaks at a variety of conferences, retreats, schools, parishes, diocesan events and other venues throughout North America. Colleen says, It is my hope that through my humor and faith-filled personal stories that I can touch the lives of young people and adults and help bring them closer to encountering Christ as I have in my own life. 15

16 Lenten Speaker Series Continues Mondays, April 1st and 8th Dr. Mike St. Pierre The 5 Habits of Prayerful People: A No-Excuses Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship With God. Dr. Michael St. Pierre, Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association shares the five habits that make for a consistent prayer life, able to absorb all of life s struggles. Sr. Maria Pascuzzi, C.S.J., S.S.L., S.T.D. Spirituality for Today There is a great deal of talk today about spirituality. This talk will consider what spirituality is and how it is lived in practical terms by women and men who are busy raising families, working and dealing with so many life s pressures. S. Maria Pascuzzi began her teaching career at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Sept She is now Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. She completed her Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome and a Doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome. She specializes in the New Testament Letters of Paul. The author of various scholarly publications and the recently completed commentary on Paul s Second Letter to the Corinthians for the 3rd revised edition of the New Jerome Biblical Commentary (Bloomsbury Press), she is an active member of the Catholic Biblical Association, an associate editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and a member of the international advisory board of the Irish Theological Quarterly. Sr. Pascuzzi is a Sister of Saint Joseph, Brentwood, NY, with a record of service to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as various local churches. 16

17 Saturday, March 16th - The Feast of Saint Patrick All are invited to join us in the Marian Center after 8:45 a.m. Mass for Irish Soda Bread and fellowship. Tuesday, March 19th - The Feast of Saint Joseph Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. Mass all are invited to join us in the Marian Center for traditional Italian Pastries and fellowship. Happy Feast Day to the Sisters of Saint Joseph who have been present in our parish since 1911 as catechists and teachers. 17

18 Holy Week Branches of palm, olive, or sometimes even budding willow, are ancient symbols of victory and hope, as well as of new life. The procession celebrating Jesus entry into Jerusalem overflowed with praise and excitement, as onlookers waved these triumphant branches and proclaimed their blessings. Yet, in a few days, they will cry Crucify him! The crowd s change of heart illustrates the problem of holding God to our expectations. The crowd expected a liberating leader, the Messiah, to free them from Roman oppression. Jesus instead takes up his Cross and invites us to do the same. Through his Death and Resurrection he is indeed a liberator, but from Death and sin, not from Rome. But unable to see past their need, the crowd s disappointment turns into anger and a death order. As we enter Holy Week, Palm Sunday teaches us to let God be God, and to trust in God s wisdom not only to meet but shatter and exceed our expectations. (2014 Source Book 132) Palm Sunday Saturday, April 13th - 5:00 p.m. Mass Sunday, April 14th - 8:45 a.m. Mass 11:45 a.m. (English) and 4:30 p.m. (Urdu) Mass with Procession and Blessing of Palm. Gathering in front of the Church. Reconciliation Monday Monday, April 15th Penance Service 7:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated. We invite everyone to take this opportunity to celebrate God s great love and mercy. There will be visiting priests joining us in this celebration. Please note that all parishes in our Diocese, the Archdiocese of New York and the Rockville Centre Diocese will have the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, April 15th. Please consult local bulletins and websites for further information regarding 18 times and Penance Services. 18

19 Tuesday, April 16th The Mass of Chrism 8:00 p.m. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral At the Mass, each presbyterate (bishops, priests and deacons) renews its commitment to priestly service, the year's supply of the Oils of the Sick and the Catechumens are blessed, and the Holy Chrism that gives the Mass its name is consecrated. (As seen at right, the latter rite calls for the bishop to breathe upon the chief oil, used at ordinations of priests and bishops, confirmations, baptisms and the dedications of churches and altars.) All are encouraged to view the Mass of Chrism on NetTV (formerly the Diocesan Prayer Channel found on Spectrum Cable 97 and Cablevision 30). Please note: This mass has traditionally been celebrated on Holy Thursday morning. Therefore, there is no mass Thursday morning at the Cathedral or in any church throughout the Diocese. This evening, at the Mass of the Lord s Supper, these newly blessed Holy Oils, Oil of the Infirm, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism will be brought into the sanctuary by representatives for ministry to the homebound, those to be baptized and a candidate for Confirmation. Throughout the Triduum, the Liturgy Committee will be working to change the environment in the Church. If you are available to assist, please join us. The Church will be decorated for Easter on Saturday, April 20th after Morning Prayer. 19

20 Holy Thursday - March 18th Morning Prayer 8:45 a.m. The Triduum The most solemn three days of our entire Christian year. Triduum comes from two Latin words (tres and dies), which mean a space of three days. But since we have four days with special names Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday the three may be confusing to some. The confusion is eliminated when we understand how the days are reckoned. On all high festival days the Church counts a day in the same way as Jews count days and festivals; that is, from sundown to sundown. The Triduum consists of three twenty-four hour periods that stretch over four days. The Easter Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord s Supper and concludes with Easter evening prayer at sundown on Easter Sunday; its high point is the celebration of the Easter Vigil. Let these most sacred days be the moment to live truly in God s Time leaving all concerns and schedules behind. 20

21 Mass of the Lord s Supper April 18th - 7:30 p.m. The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord s Supper. At the conclusion of this liturgy, the procession to the place of reposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place. The church will remain open for quiet prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We invite you to spend some quiet time with the Lord. The evening will conclude at 11:45 p.m. with Night Prayer. It is at this liturgy, those teens who have been preparing to receive Eucharist for the first time will be invited to the Table of the Lord to be nourished by the Body and Blood of Jesus. Good Friday, April 19th Morning Prayer 8:45 a.m. Stations of the Cross through the Streets 12:30 p.m. This prayerful procession is most reverent when we have enough volunteers to carry crosses. We provide the cross for each station. The stations are located along the route and the person with that cross simply steps forward from the group at that time. Please consider being a volunteer. S. Mary Ann: ihmsma@ihmbrooklyn.org The Passion of our Lord 3:00 p.m. (English) 5:00 p.m. (Urdu) (Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Holy Cross, Communion) Soup Supper - 6:30 p.m. Marian Center (Rectory) with procession to the church for the film My Son, My Savior Free will offering will be accepted. Again, it is important to RSVP so that appropriate arrangements can be made for our gathering. Please call Sylvia by 21 Monday, April 15th. 21

22 Film: Full of Grace 7:30 p.m. in the Church Follows Mary of Nazareth in her last earthly days as she helps the fractious early Church regain their original encounter with The Lord minutes Holy Saturday April 20th Morning Prayer 8:45 a.m. Blessing of the Easter Baskets 1:00 p.m. in the Church In Slavic countries the blessing of Easter foods was an important tradition. This blessing is still found in the updated Roman Ritual, and is a wonderful practice. Many parishes still participate in this custom of the blessing of the Easter food or baskets. In some places the blessing of special Easter food takes place on Holy Saturday. Among the Slovaks a basket containing lamb meat (which of course signifies Jesus, the Lamb of God), boiled eggs, dyed and plain, Pascha (a special Easter bread), and other foods, is taken to the church in the afternoon where the priest blesses it, using the prayer: God of glory, the eyes of all turn to you as we celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death. Bless us and this food of our first Easter meal. May we who gather at the Lord's table continue to celebrate the joy of his resurrection and be admitted finally to his heavenly banquet. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 22

23 The food is then taken home and eaten for breakfast on Easter Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Among the Polish people the same custom is practiced, but the main foods blessed are an egg which is broken and shared by all on Easter Sunday morning, and a lamb molded of butter or pastry. This butter -lamb and blessed Easter egg have a place of honor on the festive Easter table. This tradition has continued to grow at Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is wonderful to see the diverse cultures of our parish gather together as we bless the Easter Baskets. Consider joining us this year with your own Easter Basket. Easter Vigil April 20th - 8:00 p.m. (There is NO 5:00 pm Mass) (Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Sacraments of Initiation, Liturgy of the Eucharist) Once a year at the Easter Vigil we hear sung the great hymn of praise known as the Exsultet (The Easter Proclamation). The Exsultet is a hymn of praise to God but is also a hymn of encouragement to us: we are people of the light who have the risen Christ within us. Rejoice heav nly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Exult all creation around God s throne! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen! Sound the trumpet of salvation! Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor, radiant in the brightness of your King! Christ has conquered, glory fills you! Darkness vanishes for ever! Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!

24 Now we listen to the Sacred Scriptures, both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testament), tracing our Salvation History. In total darkness we hear of the hope promised long ago and fulfilled now. It is on this most holy night that waters of baptism once again flow in the Church. Throughout the world, thousands will be baptized on this most holy night and the Church rejoices! The Elect who have journeyed in the RCIA are baptized, confirmed and receive Eucharist for the first time. We will renew our own baptismal promises and be blessed with the waters of baptism. The Easter Vigil continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After the final blessing we are dismissed to be bearers of the Light an Easter people the presence of joy in our family, parish community, and neighborhood. Easter Sunday April 21st 8:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Mass with 4:30 p.m. Mass in Urdu We will celebrate infant Baptism at the 11:45 a.m. Mass today and on Saturday, April 27th at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Easter Egg Hunt Weather permitting, the Egg Hunt will take place on the Church Lawn after the 11:45 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday. The Easter Season has begun may these fifty days find you celebrating with great joy, the presence of the Risen Christ in your life! 24 24

25 The Empty Tomb What will your Easter Practice be... how will you mark these fifty days of Easter? We invite you to consult the bulletin in the coming days to see the offerings And opportunities available at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Divine Mercy Sunday April 28th Novena Prayer April 22nd April 27th Following the 8:45 a.m. Mass Pope Francis tells us, Find inspiration in the prayer of Saint Faustina, a humble apostle of Divine Mercy in our times : Help me, O Lord,... that my eyes may be merciful, so that I will never be suspicious or judge by appearances, but always look for what is beautiful in my neighbors souls and be of help to them; that my ears may be merciful, so that I will be attentive to my neighbors needs, and not indifferent to their pains and complaints; that my tongue may be merciful, so that I will never speak badly of others, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all; that my hands may be merciful and full of good deeds; that my feet may be merciful, so that I will hasten to help my neighbor, despite my own fatigue and weariness; that my heart may be merciful, so that I myself will share in all the sufferings of my neighbor (Diary, 163)

26 First Holy Communion May 18th at 5:00 p.m. and 19th at 11:45 a.m. Those children who have prepared for reception of Holy Communion will be welcomed to the Table of the Lord. Adult Confirmation Any adult who is baptized Catholic and has received Eucharist but is in need of Confirmation, may join our Adult Confirmation Program. Please contact S. Mary Ann before Easter Sunday to register. Adult Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9th, the Feast of Pentecost, at 11:45 a.m. Mass. A Memorial Feast Mary, Mother of the Church Monday, June 10th at 8:45 a.m. Mass Pope Francis has made the devotion to the Virgin Mary a new fixed celebration in the Roman Catholic calendar. The Vatican published a decree Saturday, March 3, 2018, in which Francis declared that the Mary Mother of the Church feast would be celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost. This year, it falls on June 10th. The decree said Francis wanted the devotion to encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety. 26

27 Creation Thursdays 10:00 a.m. and Repeated 7:00 p.m. in the Marian Center April 25th, May 9th, 16th, 23rd, June 6th and 13th A six week series exploring our call to Care for all God s Creation in light of the Gospel and Pope Francis Encyclical, Laudato Sí - On Care of Our Common Home. Each week there will be a 30 minute video presentation followed by reflection questions for discussion. Study Guide included. Participants are asked to have read the Encyclical which can be found on-line and pdf format visiting: This site includes a brief video by Bishop Robert Barron. Suggested Donation: $10 for materials Mary Southard, CSJ 27

28 Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York