WE WELCOME, WE WORSHIP, WE WITNESS

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1 WE WELCOME, WE WORSHIP, WE WITNESS Holy Family Parish, Amherst NS April 22nd 4th Sunday of Easter World Day of Prayer for Vocations I am the good shepherd. The shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. John 10: Holy Family Office (902) Father Craig Christenson Parish Priest/Moderator of Cumberland County Office Hours Monday Friday 9-12 pm Noon Glenna O Quinn Parish Coordinator Evelyn Currie Office/Finance Manager Laurie Perry - Caretaker Deacon Howard Gotell Father Craig is getting better and better! Thank you for all the prayers for improvement of Father s health. He is hoping to start getting back in slowly to some things, and we will keep everyone posted as he progresses. Thank you as well to the Liturgy Team for planning and preparing our Lay Team for this weekend s services. We are very grateful for the YES s that are given so freely and emphatically, when we ask for help from our community! Thank you!! This past week we had our 1st Spaghetti Pasta-oral Planning Dinner on Tuesday and it was a great success. These two dates (last Tuesday and April 22nd, Sunday) are opportunities for our parishioners to be a part of the bigger plan, for our parish going forward. At these dinners, we are discussing and gathering all the thoughts, ideas, suggestions, changes and big sky thinking of our parishioners. The Stewardship Committee will then take this information and build the Pastoral Plan of Holy Family Parish, for the next 3, 5 and 10 years. Each idea, each person, each background and each experience is very important in developing a plan to meet the needs of our people here, but also for our work outside these walls too. If we look at the past 10 years, there have been a great deal of changes we have witnessed. We have lost a large number of very faithful servants, as they made their final journey back home to the Lord. Every person matters here at Holy Family, and therefore, every loss of a family member matters greatly to us. We have had new families and individuals joining our community and they have added to the beautiful tapestry of our Faith Family. One thing a staff, (or a ministry/council/ committee) can t do is know what is on peoples minds, as well, unless they are given information directly, they are unable to act on it or make improvements. It is great to have discusses with others to garner more ideas, however if we are wanting things changed or improved, it is only a helpful discussion when given to the groups that can make the change. These Spaghetti Dinners worked 10 years ago because there were promises made to the groups, in order for it to be a success for everyone; 1. Promised a delicious meal and great fellowship 2. Promised that the dinner and workshop would be 2 hours max. 3. Promised that all the ideas, suggestions and critics would be added to the information gathered and addressed in the planning stage with the Stewardship Team (and on to the necessary contacts for change) 4. Promised that we would deliver on all points that would make our parish community even better than it was when the planning began. We really hope that our Sunday night participants will be even larger than our Tuesday, as we work together to plan our future. If you are interested but didn t register for the dinner, you are more than welcomed to join us at 4:30 pm for the workshop part of the evening. We will be completely finished at 6pm. Take time to join the discussion. Thank you to all who are assisting to make these dinners a HUGE success including the Stewardship Team! God Bless, glenna WELCOME AND BLESSINGS If you are not of the Catholic faith, we welcome you to our Family. If you desire, please come up at Communion time, cross your arms and receive a blessing from Fr Craig or Deacon Howard. If you are new to our parish and wanting to become a member, please fill in the information sheet in the back of the bulletin. Thank you!

2 PARISH LIFE, FAMILY LIFE! Spaghetti Dinner and Pastoral Planning Sessions: Our first Spaghetti Dinner was fantastic this past Tuesday Evening. We are truly grateful for those who came and shared ideas, thoughts, suggestions, improvements, etc. Thank you to the combination of Tuesday Lunch Team and the Knights of Columbus for preparing and serving the dinner to participants. We still have room for the Sunday Session from 4-6pm, so please consider being a part of the FUTURE! Dates April 22nd, 4 6pm. Please RSVP Some things we want you to think about as you plan to attend this dinner: (Make sure you reserve your spot) Vacation Bible Camp : Next Day: Wednesday, April 25th 1 3pm Wear your old things as we are painting and having lots of fun with things that can be messy! WE ALL LOVE BEING KIDS!! REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!! Campers Ages 4 13/ Jr & Sr Leaders 13 + and our BIG KIDS can be any age up to 100!! Come Join the Fun!! *If you were a camper, Jr Sr Leader or Volunteer at last years camp, all you need to register is Glenna at glenna@holyfamilyamherst.ca to confirm your spot with YES I AM COMING TO CAMP in the subject line! Any NEW campers, JR SR Leaders or Volunteers you will need to fill in the registration form. Sign up at the registration tables in April or it can be ed to you. Looking at our life here at Holy Family, what do you love or want to keep/continue here at Holy Family? What do we need to look at maybe to not continue or to change to meet today s needs? What things could we add, or create new and needed here at Holy Family? As we work together at these sessions, we ask the Holy Spirit to make us aware of what God is asking for us in the community. Lord, where are you going? Where do you want US to go Lord to do your work here in this place? Things We are Looking For: island things, nets, fish, water things old jewellery, Pool noodles any color Juice ($1 ones from Walmart), gold fish, big bag of popcorn, margarine, raisin bread/ cheese (for June) VBC FRIENDSHIPS! Our Vacation Bible Camp mashed together with the Friendship Club on this past Wednesday, and what a MATCH UP!!! There was a great turnout 35+ sharing in snacks, cutting out things for decorations for the camp, and so much laughter!! Thank you to the two teams for VBC and Friendship Club for hosting this great event and sharing the space for fellowship and community!! Society of St. Vincent de Paul: MISSION - The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is: To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy. VALUES - The Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul implies that as Vincentians we; see Christ in anyone who suffers, come together as a family, have personal contact with the poor and help in all possible ways Financial Reports recap is available in the Gathering Area. Please feel free to take a copy. If there are none there, see someone from the Office or in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and more copies will be made up. HELP US MAKE CAMP GREAT FOR 160+ T-Shirt SPONSOR for Camper Sponsor a Camper! for $10 to cover the cost of the T-Shirt for Camp Week. Camper Snacks Sponsor support camp is to sponsor the snacks for a camper for the week for $5.00. Cookbook and Dishcloths Remember to pick up your Youth Cookbook/ Dishcloth at Mass for $20. HAVE YOU PICKED UP YOURS? Mothers Day or Father s Day great gifts!!!

3 PARISH LIFE, FAMILY LIFE! CWL NEWS: Next Executive Mtg: May 2nd at 10 am Next Regular Mtg: May 9th at 1 pm******** Special Event at next meeting: We will start with the regular meeting at 1pm and that will be followed with an afternoon Farewell Tea at 2:30 pm for Kay Pugsley who will be moving to Ontario with her son Steven. The parish is invited to join in the Tea starting at 2:30 pm. Let s send her off with lots of love and wonderful memories. Faith Development Updates: M&M Choir March Practises : April 22nd and May 6th 6:00 pm Sacraments: Reconciliation May 5th Saturday 10 am Confirmation May 20th Sunday 11:15 am 1st Eucharist May 27th Sunday 11:15am A bird s eye-view of the upcoming schedule: April 29th Family Session and Family Mass May 6th Closing Party for all Classes, Teachers, Assistants and parishioners who want to join in. Hot Dogs and Ice Cream Sundaes for the treat! May 27th Final Family Mass before Summer Starts!! Knights of Columbus The Next Regular Meeting is this Thursday, April 26th at 7pm and all Knights are Welcomed to attend! The 4th Degree Meeting is on the 1st Thursday of each month, and the next being May 3rd at 7pm. ** Are you a 4th DEGREE Knight or want to be?? Are you thinking of becoming a Knights? Contact David Gould ( ) or Rick d Entremont ( ) Knights Breakfast: May 12th, 2018 Just in Time for Mothers Day, join us for the next Knights Breakfast from 8-11am. Cost is $6.00 for a delicious and filling breakfast, served with love! Consider becoming a Knight and join in the brotherhood of serving God and the church. Knights Council #3916 Bursary DUE May 5th Two bursaries, of $500.00, are available through Knights of Columbus Council #2916 for any graduating student in a Cumberland High School, accompanied by a letter of reference from your parish priest. As well other requirements listed on the back page of the Application form in the Gathering Area. Deadline May 5th. St. Charles Nativity Cemetery Opening: The St. Charles Nativity Cemetery will be re-opening its gates on Mother s Day weekend, May 12/13th. Over the next month, the cemetery will be going through it s winter cleaning up process, cleaning up broken tree branches, garbage around the graves and all the things that have blown off of graves. They will be repairing any lots that were sunken during the winter. Please remember when caring for the graves of loved ones there are specific rules about the kinds of things that can be placed at the grave. These rules are to ensure the safety of those working, when mowing the lawn or whipper snipping around the headstones. Flowers, Hedging and Care of Cemetery: Plastic flowers, solar lights, borders, fences, railings, walls, hedging trees and plants in, around or on grave sites are prohibited in all sections of the Cemetery. The use of glass jars or metal canisters as cut flower containers is prohibited. They are dangerous to those working the Cemetery. As well, the use of gravel or any other material on the lot except grass is not allowed. Only cut flowers or saddles may be placed on gravesites' If you have questions, please call the office at or to pick up a copy of the rules & regulations of the Cemetery.

4 Collection Weekly Update Weekend April 14 & 15 Envelopes $ Loose $ Pre-Authorized $1, Children $11.30 Total: $ SSVP $ Good Friday $30.00 Lenten Folders $ Easter $ Funny Thoughts: Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways? Why is it when you transport something by car, its called a shipment, but when transported by ship, it is called cargo? Why is it, whether you sit up or sit down, the result is the same? If a cow laughed real hard, would milk come out their nose? When sign makers go on strike, is there anything written on their signs? BEING GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD S BLESSINGS! Meetings and Happenings APRIL / MAY 2018 OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER AS ONE! Apr. 22nd Sun 10:00 am Faith Development Classes Classrooms SUNDAY 4:00- Spaghetti Pastoral Plan Dinner please register your spot at the MacIntyre Hall 6:00pm Office. Sun 6:00 pm M&M Choir Practise Church Sun 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St Apr. 23rd Mon 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Mon 7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul Society Meeting St. Charles/ Nativity Room Apr. 24th Tue 11:30 am Last Tuesday Luncheon MacIntyre Hall Apr. 25th Wed 9:30 11:30 Vacation Bible Camp Work Day MacIntyre Hall Wed 6:30 pm Living Your Strengths #2 (Session2) Driscoll Room Apr. 26th Thurs 7:00 pm Youth Group Night Off-site/ Bowling Night Thurs 7:00 pm Prayer Group Meeting Church Apr. 27th FRI 7-9 pm Chase the Ace Community Night MacIntyre Hall Apr. 29th Sun 10:00 am Final Family Session 2018 MacIntyre Hall Sun 11:15 am Family Mass Church Sun 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St Apr. 30th Mon 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. May 1st It s May Day!! May Day! May 2nd Wed 9:30 11:30 Vacation Bible Camp Work Day MacIntyre Hall Wed. 6:30 pm Living Your Strengths #2 (Session 3) Driscoll Room May 3rd Thurs. 7:00 pm Prayer Group Meeting Church Thurs. 7:00 pm Youth Group MacIntyre Hall Thurs. 6:30 pm Marriage Preparation Session #1 Driscoll Room Holy Family Parish LOONIE DRAW Next Draw April 15th April 15th Winner of $84.50 was Peter Frenette!! #6 Thank you for playing! WHAT TO DO?? -- Numbers are sold before/after Sat/Sun Mass. Your number can be played weekly at the office. Prepay each week, a few weeks or to the end of December House rules are available at the office. Financial Reports 2017 Next weekend you will be able to pick up copies of: Holy Family 2017 Financial Report and St. Charles Nativity Cemetery 2017 Financial Report Pick up from the Gathering Area tables. If there are no more copies on the tables, please let one of the Staff know, and more will be copied and put back out! Thank you!! Fundraising and Fun for the Future! Chase The Ace : April 13th Winner : BILL LORETTE With a WIN of: $ There are 45 Cards remaining. Next CHASE the ACE: April 27th, 7 9 pm A SIGN of the TIME: JACKPOT EST: $ 2, Entertainment Line-Up April 27th May 4th May 11th Andy Melanson Harold Miller and Eddie Dupuis Drew Polegato Hey have you been wondering when our DIGITAL SIGN will be up and in working order? Well the time is a coming. Very soon we will be installing the new unit and starting to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS of our church community and our mass times, funeral notices and more!! Keep Watching!

5 PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS! Our Deep and Sincere Condolences...To all Parishioners who have experienced the loss of a loved one, and the family and friends: Eternal life grant onto your child O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Light a candle in the gathering area, 75c and support the activities here at Holy Family and remembering a loved one. for Those In Need: Please keep these individuals and their families in your prayers at this time: FATHER CRAIG CHRISTENSON ROGER CHAPMAN son of Rita Davison BETTY LEE and CHRSITINA MACKENZIE daughters of Yvonne Stewart. May these individuals find peace and comfort from the Lord and that they know that their Holy Family family is praying for them and sending them love. May they experience the Grace of God in their illness and the healing of the Lord s hands, as He holds them in care. April 29th, 2018 Readings 5th Sunday of EASTER Preparing for Sunday Mass 1st Reading: ACTS 9: nd Reading: 1 JOHN 3: Gospel: JOHN 15; 1-8 Mary, Mother of Mercy Prayer Group: We invite you to join Prayer Group Nights Thursdays at 7pm in the Church. Together we join music, fellowship and prayer to support, encourage and be in our faith with each other. With our numbers we are in the church for our gatherings, and is a wonderful blessing. Welcome! FRIENDSHIP CLUB THANK YOU! Thank you to all who helped this past week for our Friendship Club and all those who came out to find out what at the fuss is about!! It was a great afternoon with lots of laughs, camp decorations created and snacks enjoyed! New Friendships too!! :) Cumberland County Mass and Lay Services! 4th Sunday of Easter Apr 21st 4:00 pm St. Paul the Apostle, River Hebert Lay Led Service Apr 21st 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Lay Led Service Apr 21st 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service Apr 22nd 9:00 am St. Brigid s, Parrsboro Lay Led Service Apr 22nd 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led service Apr 22nd 11:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service Apr 22nd 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Lay Led Service 4th Sunday of Easter Weekday Masses Apr. 25th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst Apr. 26th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst Apr. 27th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst 5th Sunday of Easter Apr 28th 4:00 pm St. Paul the Apostle, River Hebert Lay Led Service Apr 28th 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Mass for David Richard by The Mary Mother of Mercy Prayer Group Apr 28th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service Apr 29th 9:00 am St. Brigid s, Parrsboro Lay Led Service Apr 29th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led service Apr 29th 11:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service Apr 29th 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Bill Cormier by his sister Yvonne Stewart

6 Our County, Our Community, Our Family! COUNTY TEAMS MEETING: May 8th at 6:30 pm meeting of Cumberland County Pastoral Council and the Cumberland County Finance Council at Holy Family. RSVP Glenna or Father Craig has asked for those attending to try to watch the Lenten Video series from the Archdiocese before the meeting, If there are items wanted on the agenda, please to Glenna to be added to the meeting list. Hope to see everyone on May 8th! :) Community Things Happening: Seniors Safety Program and Funeral Preparations: The RCMP, in cooperation with Mundle Funeral Home, will be holding safety sessions and funeral planning, in Pugwash at the Funeral Home, 204 Water St Everyone is welcomed - all religions, all people, all ages. Wednesdays 9:30 11:30 am from May 10th June 13th. Refreshments and Light Lunch provided. Contact Ray Bristol Seniors Safety Coordinator at Bridge Adult Service Center May 9th Soup Luncheon 11:30 1:00 pm, $8.00 / eat in or take out. 16 Stations St Volunteer Food Handlers Course: May 4th from 6:30 9:00 pm at Christ Church Parish Hall off LaPlanche St. No Charge. Call Deadline: April 22nd. Make Plans to Enjoy These Events!! Catholic Register News: Pick up a FREE copy in the Gathering Area. Some things to read this week: Pope Francis makes Easter plea for peace First Nations not giving up on apology Youth Poverty creates inequality, study warns The Saint of Silence - Blessed Oscar Romero Sizing up a TRUDEAU from a different era Kids, puppets and faith a producer s dream: The OPUS JOYOUS SHOW. Lots more stories too. New issues are out on Fridays, drop back old copies for others to enjoy too. Thanks! 2,418,538 HAIL MARY S Prayed: April Hail Mary Prayers are for all the children preparing for the Sacraments of the church. These young children are being given the wonderful gifts of their Sacrament and we pray that these gifts are opened and shared as they learn about each of them in their celebrations. Chalice Please stop to check out the CHALICE display in the Gathering Area, This weekend we welcome CHALICE for a presentation. Please consider adopting a child in need, or supporting a family. You will find an insert in the bulletin, giving you lots of information about this fabulous organization. Holy Family has 2 Chalice children; Kim Tamayo 10 and Tobias Rivas 10. If you have questions, please touch base with Doug Pineau for more details via our office Belonging To Our Family at Holy Family! Welcome Home Are you looking for a parish, or returning home? We welcome you and encourage you to continue your faith journey with us. Fill in the form, drop in collection basket or bring into the office. Our Welcome Home Team will be in touch! Count Me In: Have a change of address, phone number, or any contact information? Please fill in this form for us to update our system. If you are unsure if you are on parish list, fill in this form and drop in the collection basket or at the office. Thank you! Holy Family Parishioner Registration Form Name(s): (Add Additional Names on Back) Phone Are you on Facebook? Yes / No Permission to Yes / No Address Postal Code Would you like church envelopes? Yes / No Would you like information about Pre-Authorized Payments? Yes / No Welcome to all Newcomers!! Place this form it in the collection and If you have any questions call us at (902) Our Welcome TEAM will be in touch with you!