HOLY FAMILY PARISH. September 2015 Year B Sunday Mass 10:30am Father Francis Peerlinck, Pastor

Transcription

1 HOLY FAMILY PARISH DON BOSCO CHAPEL FORTBAAN SCHOTEN September 2015 Year B Sunday Mass 10:30am Father Francis Peerlinck, Pastor

2 MESSAGE FROM FATHER: VACATION HAS ENDED A NEW PARISH YEAR IS WAITING FOR US Dear Parishioners! A new parish year lies ahead of us. I hope you had a nice vacation together with your husband and wife and children. Thus we can start as a nice hymn sings: 'refreshed in soul, renewed in mind.' I hope you already made a happy start at home and school and business. I too feel prepared for a new parish year with 'Holy Family Parish'. As you know 'Holy Family Parish' is a very mobile parish. At the end of the past parish year we lost some families, and we hope to win some new families in the coming months, as newcomers to Antwerp find their way to our English Mass, the only English Mass in the whole Antwerp area. If you know newcomers, invite them to our weekly Eucharistic celebration; tell them about the possibilities of celebrating First Holy Communion with their children in our parish, and other social activities. A first Parish Council meeting is coming up. All suggestions about Liturgy, catechetic and social programs are heartily welcomed. We plan the blessing of the animals, a Thanksgiving Mass, an Advent Penitential Service, a Christmas Eve celebration, an Ecumenical Service with our Protestant friends, a First Communion celebration, and a picnic Sunday. For many years Holy Family Parish enjoys a choir. Olga and Eric and Camille are our regular guitar players and singers. They do a great job! If you like to join the choir even when you cannot do so every Sunday feel free and help out. I also need mass servants! David and Virag are helping out quite regularly. If you like to serve mass, come up. We can make up a schedule, so that everybody gets a chance to serve at the altar. Last but not least: Let us call on God s blessing for the new parish year, as we go on listening to His Word, celebrating Jesus Eucharistic presence among us, and socializing in his Spirit. Come - as regularly as possible - to our Sunday Mass. Your presence helps others to feel well in church. Father Francis Peerlinck

3 PRAYERS AND SPECIAL INTENTIONS For parishioners who are separated from family, that they find comfort in the friends they have here at Holy Family. For families grieving the loss of a loved one. May they find peace and comfort knowing that God holds them close to Him now. For parishioners who are suffering from serious, ongoing physical problems. For families struggling with job and personal troubles, that they receive strength and courage to continue each day and soon find peace and contentment. CONGRATULATIONS!! Tomorrow, August 31 st, Father Peerlinck celebrates 55 years being a priest! He entered the monastery / noviciate with six young people in 1954, lasting one year. The noviciate was followed by two year philosophy ( ) in our Redemptorist seminary, followed by four years of theology ( ). He was ordained a priest at the beginning of the fourth / last year of theology. Congratulations Father! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Special Birthday wishes for all parish members who will be celebrating a birthday this month.

4 WELCOME We are proud to introduce new grandchildren who were born this summer to parishioners: Congratulations to Mike and Becky Olbrich who welcomed Becca Kate Olbrich, the daughter of son Jason and his wife Katie, who was born on June 23 in South Carolina, USA. The baby and the whole family are doing great! Rosanne Pizzella was on hand when daughter Jennifer gave birth to baby Steven Frederick on May 12 in Michigan, USA. Congratulations to Jennifer, her husband Steve and the whole family!

5 WHO S DOING WHAT IN SEPTEMBER 2015 LITURGY READERS: 30/08/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alan 06/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosanne 13/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathalie 20/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Barbara 27/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alan 04/10/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosanne EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: ( IF YOU SEE FATHER NEEDS HELP, FEEL FREE TO JOIN HIM GIVING COMMUNION ) AFTER MASS TREAT BAKERS: 30/08/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Becky 06/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cait 13/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marta 20/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fancy Fair (no treats) 27/09/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosanne 04/10/2015: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Becky- Blessing of the animals

6 ARMENIA & GEORGIA A VACATION IN TWO NOT DIRECT TOURISTIC COUNTRIES Dear Friends! It is a custom/tradition in 'Holy Family Parish' that I tell you at the beginning of the new parish year something about my trip/vacation I took together with Father Herman this last summer. Our choice fell on Armenia and Georgia, two not-direct touristic countries, which gave a proper/specific character to our two weeks long vacation trip. After a quiet night in the hotel opposite Brussels airport a necessary choice, as we had to be at the check-in of Turkish Airlines at 5:30 a.m. we joined the group of seven persons for our trip throughout Armenia and Georgia. We took the 3 ½ hours flight to Istanbul, followed by a flight of 1 ½ hour to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Waiting hours and flights counted for eight hours on the way. A small bus picked us up at Tbilisi airport, and drove us to the hotel. We got a fantastic panoramic view on the city. Next day the driver took us to the Armenian border, where we began our six day long trip through Armenia. We would come back to Georgia for an eight day trip of that country. Georgia and Armenia are lying in the center of the high mountains of the Caucasus. Together they border in the North to Russia, in the East to Azerbaijan and Iran, in the South to Turkey, and in the West to the Black Sea. West Armenia and West Georgia differ in thinking from East Armenia and East Georgia, insofar as the West feels for Europe, while the East looks to Russia and Asia. Armenia is the size of Belgium, Georgia is twice Belgium. The average elevation of the countries is 2000 meters above sea level. Mount Ararat, today belonging to Turkey, is the highest mountain, and is covered with eternal snow. The mountain is well visible from the capital, Erevan, is very photogenic, and worldwide known as the place where the arc of Noah once stranded after the floods, and mankind began a new life.

7 The temperature in summer is 30 à 35 degrees, which makes visiting places not always easy. Both countries have each 3.5 million inhabitants. Beautiful nature, a rich culture and a lively Christian religion, very well practiced in church and daily life, characterize the people of Armenia and Georgia. Throughout the mountains still runs the old silk-road, on which caravans once traveled to the Far East, and caravanserais are still giving witness today. Armenians and Georgians also have their own wine-road, cultivate big vineyards, while many wine merchants invite tourists to come and taste their different wines. Armenia still joins to its wine his worldwide known cognac. Both countries also possess rich sources of mineral water, which have been worked out to cure resorts. They are used by many people / also foreigners, who want to keep up their good health or restore the health that they lost. If you like big caves, brilliantly lit, and you are prepared to go down two - three hundred steps and come back up the same number of steps, you have quite different possibilities. Armenia and Georgia also have an old and modern history. Beautiful museum in Erevan and Tbilisi offer a retrospective view of their five thousand years old culture. Invaluable golden treasures and many wonderful old manuscripts open the eyes of the visitors to what earlier generations, sometimes with primitive means, have realized. A visit to the museum of modern history in both countries also is worth the effort. They recall the tragic events of the twentieth century that both countries went through. Armenia knew the genocide of 1915, in which Armenians lost their lives, and the Turks only left 1/7 of the country to the Armenian people. Impressive photos serve as witness of the cruelties and heroism shown by the Armenian leaders and people: Our soul belongs to God, our heart belongs to Armenia, and with our bodies you can do what you want. Today many

8 Armenians are living in France and the United States of America. They still stay to their identity in today's world. Armenia and Georgia were also incorporated from 1921 up to 1991 into the Soviet Union. In Gori/Georgia we visited the house/birthplace of Stalin, today a museum that sings the praises of the dictator: he was a seminarian, a poet by nature, came into contact with the revolutionaries, and they made out of him the dictator we know today. Many people in Georgia still love Stalin, because he took care that everybody got a minimum income, something that is no longer the case today. At the moment 20% of the population has no work, they cannot invest in the economy, and elderly people are begging at the churches. Many buildings of the Soviet period are in full decay or they are fallen down. Georgia and Armenia also lost a lot of their territory to Russia. Religion / the Orthodox Church play a very important role in people's lives in Armenia and Georgia. On our 1200 km long trip through Armenia and 1800 km long trip through Georgia about 200 km every day we visited about thirty churches. Armenians ascribe their conversion to Christianity to the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew, while Georgians believe they owe their conversion to the apostle Andreas. Both Churches call themselves apostolic-orthodox, although their Christological differences are not less. The Metropolitan is the highest ecclesiastic person for the people in each country. The seminaries have students who prepare themselves for the priesthood. They chose at the end of their studies whether they will marry or live unmarried/in celibacy.

9 The last ones get better opportunities to go on studying in Israel, Greece and elsewhere. Elisabeth, our guide, was married to an orthodox priest. Contrarily to the West, where churches are closed or broken down, new churches in Armenia and Georgia are regularly opened, while old churches closed or partly destructed during the communist regime are restored and reopened for regular church services. The square churches, built in the sign of a cross, and showing quite typical roofs, contain great frescos, and wonderful icons are serving the liturgical offices and the devotions of the people. People light many candles, making the sign of the cross in church and when passing a church. Armenia and Georgia went not through the secularization of our Western world, so that the spontaneity of the people in Liturgy and devotion is impressive / often moving. Dear Friends! Do you like to visit two not-direct touristic countries and come to know their beautiful nature, their rich culture and their love for the Christian religion, go and visit Armenia and Georgia. The hotels still are practically empty, and people are mostly friendly. They receive every guest as a messenger from God, what you see at the table, filled up with so many dishes. As many churches and monasteries stay near to the top of high mountains, a serious climb is presupposed. A great panorama is your reward. In the churches something is always going on: a liturgical service, a celebration of a baptism or wedding. Whether you will come back home relaxed, is another question. A quiet stay of some days at Batumi or Sukhumi along the Black Sea would not be a bad idea / a good idea. Father Francis Peerlinck

10 INVITATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ALAN Marie and I will be re-visiting BANNEUX in September for a few days, leaving on the 14 th and returning on the 18 th. As many of you know, BANNEUX is situated near SPA, south of LIEGE, and is where OUR LADY appeared many times to a young girl, Mariette Beco. It is a place of Pilgrimage. If there is anything that you would like us to bring back for you, a medal, crucifix, rosary, holy water or maybe a prayer offered up for a loved one, we would be only too pleased to do this for you. Please let us know in good time. GOD IS WITH US ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ALAN A man whispered, God speak to me, and a bird began to sing. But the man did not hear. Then the man repeated, God, speak to me, and the echo of thunder was heard, but the man was unable to hear. Then he looked around and said, God, let me see you, and a star shone in the heavens. But the man did not see it. The man began to shout, God, show me a miracle. And a baby was born. But the man did not feel the heart-beat of life. Then the man became desperate and cried, God, touch me and assure me that you are with me, and a butterfly alighted gently on his shoulder. The man brushed off the butterfly with his hand and disillusioned, continued on his way, sad, alone and afraid. MORAL: Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect. (Translation of a song from the indigenous people of Peru)

11 PARISH PICNIC JUNE 2015 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BARBARA On a beautiful late spring day June 14, we celebrated our traditional outdoor Mass followed by a picnic barbecue. Thank you to the O Leary family for hosting at their lovely home in Schoten. Not only was the Mass an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist outdoors in nature, but it is traditionally the time when we must say good-bye to parishioners who are leaving us. The Redman family has left us over the summer headed to the UK. Along with Michael and Zsuzanna, we will miss Fiona and Oliver who were diligent Mass servers. Also, good-bye to Cecilia and Ramiro Perez Cabral and baby Emma who are off to Basel, Switzerland. A big thank you also to those who organized this wonderful yearly event: Becky Olbrich and her team??????

12 MONTHLY PRAYER CONNECTION Dear Ladies, The summer holidays are slowly coming to the end and we hope you had a relaxing time. We had beautiful sunny days and some rainy. Now we are planning the dates for the prayer connections of the coming season. Please make a note of the following dates : - Tuesday September 8, 2015 at the home of Sharmini - Tuesday October 6, 2015 We ask the Lord s blessing upon our planning. Shalom, Sharmini / Marie-Louise ***************************************************************

13 PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS FOR ANIMALS God Our Heavenly Father, You created the world to serve humanity's needs and to lead them to You. By our own fault we have lost the beautiful relationship which we once had with all your creation. Help us to see that by restoring our relationship with You we will also restore it with all Your creation. Give us the grace to see all animals as gifts from You and to treat them with respect for they are Your creation. We pray for all animals who are suffering as a result of our neglect. May the order you originally established be once again restored to the whole world through the intercession of the Glorious Virgin Mary, the prayers of Saint Francis and the merits of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ Who lives and reigns with You now and forever. Amen. St. Francis of Assisi PET BLESSING AT HOLY FAMILY On Sunday, October 5 th, Father Peerlinck will hold a short service after Mass in the back garden to bless our family pets, a tradition in many communities throughout the world. All pets are welcome!

14 ENTERING AND LEAVING THE CHURCH Before and after mass could everyone please enter and leave the chapel through the back door, NOT through the sacristy. Also, after mass can everyone please leave the church immediately and socialize in the coffee room so as not to disturb any classes or choir practice. After a nice chat in the social room, before you head home for your day, can you please be sure to take your coffee/tea cup to the kitchen and leave it in the sink. Dominique is happy to wash these for us each week, but we can help her by taking them to the kitchen. Thanks so much! PARKING Please keep in mind that there are drive ways on both sides of the church and that these need to be kept free and unblocked at all times during the service. Your help in this is greatly appreciated. COMMUNION FOR CHILDREN All children who have received their First Communion are welcome to receive the Eucharist at communion time. If your children are younger, please encourage them to cross their arms over their chest and come for a blessing at the altar at communion time.

15 HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR MONTHLY BULLETIN Every month on the first Sunday of the month a new bulletin is published and will be available for you to collect in the back of the church. Every week any remaining copies will be available until the next month s bulletin comes out. If you prefer to receive your bulletin in the mail, please provide me with a stamped self-addressed envelope for any month you would like your bulletin mailed to you. Please write on the back of the envelope for what month they are for, so we can be sure to send the correct month. We also upload the bulletin to the church website, monthly if you prefer to read it there. Thank you, Rosanne

16 PARISH REGISTRATION ~~~~~~~~~~~ PAUL VAN DEN BOSSCHE We would like to welcome all the new families who have joined our parish over the summer. If you have not yet registered to join the parish, please see Paul. By registering with the parish you will be added to our church directory and be sure to be informed of any important events happening in the parish. If you are registered in the parish and you didn t get a welcome back letter last month, it s most likely because the information we have for you is out dated or incorrect. Paul will have a current copy of the directory in the back of the chapel and/or in the coffee room after mass. Please look through it to make sure your information is correct. Even if you think it s correct, please check to make sure it s complete. To contact Paul you can him at 44meurope@gmail.com or see him after mass. The goal is to have all corrections made and new families added so an updated directory can be ready for printing and distributed the first or second Sunday of October. *************************************************************** ****************************************************** REMINDER: Sunday, September 20 th mass will be held in the coffee room rather than the chapel. This always makes for a nice cozy celebration. We look forward to welcoming you all to this special, once a year, alternative meeting place. If you would like to take a day off from cooking, this is the perfect opportunity. The Flemish Parish will have a restaurant in the back room of the church. If you would like to make a reservation, please do so not later than Sept 14 th to the address or listed on the announcement:

17 Programma Elshoutfeesten 2015 Vrijdag 18 september: Bingo avond Zondag 20 september: Verzorgd restaurant (vooraf te bestellen a.u.b.) Teken/kleurwedstrijd Springkasteel Allerlei kraampjes Frietjes, pannenkoeken Cava bar Café Pagadderke Alles in en rond de wijkgebouwen, Fortbaan Menu restaurant Menu A: Kipfilet met champignonsaus provençaalse Saus = A2 met pepersaus = A3 met natuursaus = A4 Nagerecht Koffie Menu B: Soep Soep = A1 Koude schotel met Nagerecht Koffie Beide menu s worden geserveerd met lekkere frietjes en sla Menu A: volwassenen = 19,00 Kinderen = 9.50 Menu B: volwassenen = 12,50 kinderen = 6, Inschrijvingsformulier restaurant Fam/ Mevr/Mr...tel... adres. . Bestelt tegen...uur, volgend(e)) menu(s) Menu A1. X volwassene. X kind Menu A2. X volwassene..x kind Menu A3. X volwassene. X kind Menu A4. X volwassene. X kind Menu B. X volwassene. X kind Restaurant open van tot 14uur en van tot 19uur Bestellen voor 14 september bij Dominique, Fortbaan 77, tel. 03/ of zalen.elshout@gmail.c

18 BACK TO SCHOOL HUMOR

19

20 PARISH COUNCIL 2015/2016 Pastor Fr. Francis Peerlinck President Mike Olbrich Vice President Alan Barnett Treasurer Brigitte Preuss Religious E Parish Registration Paul Van den Bossche meurope@gmail.com Bulletin Rosanne Pizzella mswazoo@gmail.com Sunshine Vivianne Staplehurst viv@verijke.com Hospitality Becky Olbrich olbrichm@aol.com Liturgy Rosanne Pizzella mswazoo@gmail.com Advisor Barbara Noels barbara.noels@hotmail.com Music EricWouters&OlgaVelez eandohfp@gmail.com UPCOMING EVENTS: September~~~~ 20st Mass in the coffee room at 10:30 October ~~~~ 4th Blessing of the animals after mass in the back garden November ~~~~ Thanksgiving Celebration mass and pot luck December ~~~~ Advent Penitential Service and Christmas Eve Mass PLEASE SEND ROSANNE ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR THE OCTOBER BULLETIN BY SEPTEMBER 29 TH. THANK YOU