HOLY FAMILY PARISH Don Bosco Chapel Fortbaan Schoten

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1 HOLY FAMILY PARISH Don Bosco Chapel Fortbaan Schoten February 2010 Year C Sunday Mass 10:30am Fr. Francis Peerlinck, Pastor

2 MESSAGE FROM FATHER: A NEW ARCHBISHOP FOR BELGIUM Dear Parishioners! As you could hear on radio and television and read in the news papers, the Church of Belgium has a new archbishop. After 25 years of being archbishop of Mechelen- Brussel, Cardinal Godfried Danneels had arrived at the age of 75, the official time to resign from the direction of the archdiocese, while making place for a younger man / bishop. Half January 2010 Pope Benedict XVI nominated bishop Joseph Léonard, bishop of Namur (South Belgium), to become the new archbishop and primate of the Belgium Church. It is presumed that the new archbishop will also become cardinal, as soon as Pope Benedict will nominate / indicate new cardinals. Belgium has four Flemish dioceses: Brugge, Gent, Antwerpen, Hasselt, and three French-speaking dioceses: Liège, Namur, Tournai, and one archdiocese: Mechelen- Brussel. As Cardinal Godfried Danneels was a Flemish man, and turns have to be taken, his successor is a Walloonian, a church-political tradition which Pope Benedict has respected. That a Flemish bishop speaks fluently French, is normal! The new archbishop speaks fluent Flemish, what is exceptional for a Walloon. The first reaction of the Belgium press to the nomination of bishop Léonard was quite negative, because he is known for his conservative way of thinking. To compare Cardinal Danneels with bishop Léonard they are quite different personalities. Cardinal Danneels was / is a diplomat, taking care to say what is politically and religiously acceptable for Church and State today. The new archbishop is a philosopher, known as an intelligent man, but staying to the Church s doctrine / tradition. The choice of Pope Benedict for bishop Léonard is understandable: He himself is a theologian, and staying to the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Both bishops came to know each other, and understood each another pretty well. At the same time the modernity of Cardinal Danneels did not bring many people to the Church. On the contrary! In his 25 years of being archbishop, he saw the Belgian churches becoming always more empty, the seminaries slowing down, and extreme laws about abortion and euthanasia were accepted by the government. We should not ascribe all these losses to Cardinal Danneels, as the whole Western secularized world saw the same tendencies. Yet the secular evolution went in Flanders faster and stronger than in neighboring countries. Bishop Leonard, presenting himself on television appeared as an amiable man, who will clearly give the Church s position to difficult subjects. He only speaks for Christians, not for other-believing people. The future will show what the new archbishop means for the Belgian Church. Meanwhile we call on God s blessing for archbishop Joseph Léonard over all his undertakings in the Church. Father Francis Peerlinck

PRAYERS AND SPECIAL INTENTIONS For the people of Haiti who are dealing with the loss of loved ones as well as their homes and communities, that God give them the strength and courage to move forward

For friends and relatives who are suffering mental and physical illnesses, that God give them comfort and hope that their lives will improve and they may return to good health and happiness.

3 PRAYERS AND SPECIAL INTENTIONS For the people of Haiti who are dealing with the loss of loved ones as well as their homes and communities, that God give them the strength and courage to move forward and look to brighter days and new life. For the passengers and those left behind of the flight this week from Beirut that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. For friends and relatives who are suffering mental and physical illnesses, that God give them comfort and hope that their lives will improve and they may return to good health and happiness. TOUCH A CHILD'S SOUL WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: CHILDREN'S LITURGY Or Little Church as we also call it, needs your help. We are looking for teachers. It involves maybe 30 minutes for planning and it creates a life long memory for the kids, Children between the ages of 4 to 7 come together for 20 minutes were we teach, play and act the gospel! If interested, or you would like more information please contact Claudia Corsino at claudiacorsino@yahoo.com or see her after Mass.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Holy Family would like to take this opportunity to wish Alan Barnett a very Happy Birthday! Alan will celebrate his birthday on Feb 4 th.

relationship between the European Union Flag and the Immaculate Conception.

4 HAPPY BIRTHDAY Holy Family would like to take this opportunity to wish Alan Barnett a very Happy Birthday! Alan will celebrate his birthday on Feb 4 th. EU FLAG THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION~~~~~ALAN BARNETT Whilst reading through my copy of The Catholic Herald, which I receive each week from England, my attention was drawn to an article explaining the relationship between the European Union Flag and the Immaculate Conception. The writer of the article had entered a shop in Belgium and the proprietress, on learning that he was on a pilgrimage, asked him if he knew that the EU symbol was taken from the Bible. She reached for her worn copy of a French bible and, after explaining that the flag is a symbol of the Virgin Mary, proceeded to quote Revelations 12.1: Then a great and mysterious sight appeared in the sky. There was a woman, whose dress was the sun and who had a moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head. At the time when the designer of the flag, one Arsene Heitz, was considering a design to submit to the EU, he was reading the history of the Blessed Virgins Apparitions in Paris, Rue du Bac, known today as the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal and in an interview in 2008 he acknowledged that he derived the design of the 12 Golden Stars from the book of Revelation. To celebrate the adoption of the symbol, the council of Europe commissioned and installed a magnificent stained glass window in Strasbourg Cathedral, which depicts The Blessed Virgin Mother standing beneath an oversized circle of 12 stars on a deep blue field. In addition, the European Flag was adopted by the then European Economic Community on December 8 th 1955, the feast of The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Coincidence? I think not.

5 THE JOURNEY OF LENT February 17 to April 3, 2007 Lent is a forty-day season of reflection for Christians. The "forty days" correspond symbolically to the forty years Israel traveled through the desert towards the Promised Land, or the forty days Jesus lived in the wilderness to prepare for his life's work. The traditions of Lent are derived from the season's origin in ancient times as a period when the church prepared candidates for their baptism into the Body of Christ. It eventually became a season of preparation not only for new Christians but also for the whole congregation. Self-examination, study, fasting, prayer and works of love are disciplines historically associated with Lent. Conversion literally, the "turning around" or reorientation of our lives towards God is the theme of Lent. Both as individuals and as a community, we look inward and reflect on our readiness to follow Jesus in his journey towards the cross. Lent ends on Palm Sunday (sometimes also called "Passion" Sunday because it remembers the passion or suffering of Jesus on the cross). Holy Week follows as we walk with Jesus on his journey towards the cross. The journey ends at sunrise on Easter the Sunday of the Resurrection when we celebrate Jesus' resurrection from death and our own resurrection into new lives, new community, new hope through Christ.

6 A WORD FROM THE TREASURER Some parishioners may not be aware that Holy Family Parish is a selfsupporting parish. It happens through your generous donations during Sunday s collection. Most of the collection money is spent for renting the facilities, paying the salaries and other expenses such as the bulletin, coffee, tea, juices and milk as well as birthday gifts and other small items for running the parish. In addition to these expenditures, Holy Family Parish donates 750 each year toward the Rwandan students as well as 300 to the Vlaamse ziekenzorg. Before Christmas last year we gave toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap equivalent to 50 to Zenith Refugee Center. You can be assured every cent or Euro you drop into the donation basket is highly appreciated and is carefully considered before being spent. Your generosity keeps our parish running as well as allowing us to be able to help others! HAITI During the Sunday service of Father Peerlinck included the people of Haiti in the intercessions and we prayed for them. What they went through and what they are facing now leaves us feeling very helpless. To reach out to them the Parish Council of Holy Family Parish agreed to donate We should keep them in our prayers because they have to rebuild not only their own personal lives, but also a whole country! RWANDA JAR While drinking coffee or tea after mass you can help support our Rwandan Students. Since the beginning of the church year 2009/2010 the jar has accumulated 170,76 and a 50 US Dollar bill! Therefore I would like to encourage everybody to enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea while having some coins on hand. Thanks to Barbara for walking the jar around most Sundays and also, to all the bakers, for their treats, which make the coffee/tea/socializing extra special!

7 THANK YOU ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VIVIANNE A Huge thank you to all whom so kindly contributed towards our collection of toothpaste and toothbrushes for the Zenith Center. We have 250 families that we assist weekly with free food parcels and clothing, bedding and Pampers, which they can purchase for a small token payment. With the money that is collected, we are able to provide a warm environment with free refreshments PLUS, we regularly purchase new items of bedding and towels that they can buy for half the retail price. This at least allows families to have new items, which become more affordable to them but all that they purchase is regulated to ensure that the system we have is not abused. During these present extreme weather conditions we are enduring, I arrived home last week after a very busy day at Zenith, I opened my front door to a lovely warm house. After experiencing the desperation of many of the families at Zenith in trying to keep themselves warm, I felt truly blessed that I could come home to a pre-warmed home. I am able to leave my Christmas lights burning providing a welcoming sphere and I have all the food and toiletries that we all take so much for granted. At that moment, I sent my husband an to thank him for working under the pressure that he has upon him, to provide all these luxuries. We are all human and of course, I too will forget that what we have, is for many a luxury. However, at this moment, when we are all trying to keep warm, it is a constant reminder to me of how very lucky many of us are. If during the week you can take a moment to think of those who are less fortunate. I will always happily accept any donations of items that you no longer can use, or, if your shopping budget can occasionally include an item of need, i.e. washing products, toiletries, these will be gratefully received. Many thanks again to all. Vivianne Staplehurst NOTE: There is a letter of thanks from Zenith on the church bulletin board in the social hall if you would like to read that as well.

Hispaniola is the second largest island of the Greater Antilles which includes Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.

8 HAITI by Barbara Noels Haiti the name evokes suffering, poverty, violence, and now devastation. What do we know about this country? Haiti is located in the Caribbean Sea, on the western side of the island of Hispaniola. It shares the island with the Dominican Republic to the east. Hispaniola is the second largest island of the Greater Antilles which includes Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. Because of corrupt government, violence and disease it has the highest percentage of orphans in the Western Hemisphere. Only ½ of the entire population can read and write and life expectancy is only 52 years. Today about 8,000,000 people live in Haiti, about 25% live in the capital of Port au-prince. Haiti was part of the New World discovered by European explorers. Christopher Columbus, on his first voyage across the ocean looking for a passage to India, landed there in Sure that he had indeed reached India, he named the natives he met there Indians. The native Arawak population was worked to death or killed by disease in the years afterward. Black African slaves were imported into the island. Today 95% of the population is descended from these Africans. In 1697 the western part of the island was given to France and named Saint- Domingue. The colony brought France great wealth, especially through the labor of black slaves. In the 1790 s slaves in Saint-Domingue revolted and overthrew their masters and the island became independent in The former slaves changed their country s name to the original name of Ayiti, or Haiti.

Haiti was the first black republic in the world and only the second republic in the Western Hemisphere. Despite being 200 years old Haiti s democratic system has often broken down.

Haiti has had 22 constitutions in its 200 years and in its long history seldom has one elected leader been followed by another one.

9 Haiti was the first black republic in the world and only the second republic in the Western Hemisphere. Despite being 200 years old Haiti s democratic system has often broken down. Ten leaders have declared themselves dictators for life; the military has taken over several times. Haiti has had 22 constitutions in its 200 years and in its long history seldom has one elected leader been followed by another one. After years of rule by the Duvalier family, a brief time by Catholic priest, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, René Préval is currently the elected president. Not only has an earthquake struck the island, but the area is often hard hit by hurricanes. Since an oil embargo was imposed on Haiti in the 1990 s to force the removal of a military government, the people had to resort to cutting down trees for fuel. The forests were destroyed so hurricanes race across the land quite easily with nothing to stop them. Yes, Haiti s past has not for the most part been a happy one. Let us all hope by contributions and wise investment Haiti s future will be better. How can I help Haiti recover from the earthquake? The local Antwerp newspaper, Gazet van Antwerpen, is supporting vzw Cunina, a foster care home for children founded by a lady from Geel, Belgium. Contribute at this account number: Many Belgian charities are grouped under this one number : Doctors Without Borders at this number: Red Cross Flanders helps Haiti too at this number (earthquake Haiti) or you can make a contribution on their website Resources: Blashfield, Jean F. Haiti (Enchantment of the World). NY: Children s Press, c2008. New York Time Almanac

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER~~~~~~~~~~~~~FRIDAY 5TH MARCH NORWEGIAN CHURCH, ITALIELEI 8, ANTWERP AT 10.

God even in and especially during difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God s greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope.

10 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER~~~~~~~~~~~~~FRIDAY 5TH MARCH NORWEGIAN CHURCH, ITALIELEI 8, ANTWERP AT H (PARKING IN BACK ) This year the service comes from Cameroon and the theme is: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God The women of Cameroon tell us, "In the Cameroonian context people praise God even in and especially during difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God s greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will be better." World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. It is a movement initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions and is symbolized by an annual day of celebration the first Friday of March to which all people are welcome. It also brings together women of various races, cultures, and traditions in closer fellowship, understanding, and action throughout the year. Through World Day of Prayer, women around the world: affirm their faith in Jesus Christ, share their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their opportunities and needs. Women are encouraged to become aware of the whole world and no longer live in isolation, to be enriched by the faith experience of Christians of other countries and cultures, to take up the burdens of other people and pray with and for them, to become aware of their talents and use them in the service of society. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. For information contact Vivianne Staplehurst:

MONTHLY PRAYER CONNECTION ~~~~ TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9 A small group of women meet each month at someone s home for a quiet time of fellowship, prayer and reflection.

11 MONTHLY PRAYER CONNECTION ~~~~ TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9 A small group of women meet each month at someone s home for a quiet time of fellowship, prayer and reflection. The International Christian Women s Club of Antwerp organizes this and invite you to join them. Many women from Holy Family parish are part of this group. The next prayer connection is: Tuesday February 9, 2010 at the home of Marie-Louise, Valkenlaan 67, 2950 Kapellen. The theme is : "Jesus Christ, the Light of the World". We start at 10 o'clock in the morning with coffee and prayer time starts at around 10.30h. If you need more information, directions, a ride or have a prayer request please let us know. Bring a friend. Marie-Louise (tel. 03 / ) Sharmini (tel. 03 / ) Lent Begins ~ Ash Wednesday ~ February 17th On February 17th Ash Wednesday, no evening Mass will be celebrated at Don Bosco Chapel. You can however take this opportunity to check out one of your local Flemish churches as most will have some service at various times in the day. It is a nice opportunity to begin Lent as our preparation to Easter.

12 WHO S DOING WHAT IN FEBRUARY The Alter servers this Month are: 07/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sydney & Claudia 14/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Adriana & Peter 21/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sam & Arianne 28/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anya & Caroline 07/03/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Liturgy Readers: 07/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brigitte 14/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alan 21/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosanne 28/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Barbara 07/03/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rowena Eucharistic Ministers: 07/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alan 14/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kath 21/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brigitte 28/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leo 07/03/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Barbara If you have any questions, please contact Rowena Subject to change Children s Liturgy Leaders: 07/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Claudia 14/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Claudia 21/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Claudia 28/02/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Claudia 07/03/2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Claudia If you have any questions, please contact Claudia

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.

13 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 LEAVING THE CHURCH AFTER MASS After mass (and before) could everyone please leave and enter 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!

14 VALENTINE TRIVIA 1. According to one superstition, if a young girl wanted to see her future mate in a dream or a vision, what should she do on the Eve of Saint Valentine's Day? a) Go to a graveyard at midnight and sing a particular song while running around the church 12 times. b) Pin five bay leaves sprinkled with rose water to her pillow before going to bed. c) Sleep with a sprig of rosemary pinned inside her pillow. d) All of the above. 2. From mid-january to mid-february, the ancient Greeks held the festival of Gamelion, a celebration to mark what? a) The birth of Eros (Cupid) b) The marriage of Zeus and Hera c) The mating of the birds d) The return of spring. 3. During the Middle Ages, there were superstitions which said that you could determine what kind of man you would marry on the basis of the first bird seen on Valentine's Day. Seeing a robin meant marriage to a sailor, a sparrow to a poor man and a goldfinch to a man of wealth. What did it mean when a girl saw a dove? a) A kind man b) A soldier c) A clergyman d) A cheapskate 4. According to an old European belief, certain members of the animal kingdom celebrate Valentine's Day as well. What annual event is said to occur on February 14th? a) Garter snakes have their annual 'mating ball'. b) Birds choose their partners. c) Garden snails shoot 'love darts' at each other. d) Hens begin laying their eggs 5. Before it became fashionable to give chocolates and flowers, what was the traditional gift given by a man to a woman on St. Valentine's Day? a) A pair of gloves b) A piece of jewelry c) A hair ribbon d) A kid goat

6. According to one legend, St. Valentine was a Christian who was executed for performing marriages after the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed the institution. Why did the emperor ban marriages?

15 6. According to one legend, St. Valentine was a Christian who was executed for performing marriages after the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed the institution. Why did the emperor ban marriages? a) Not enough men were enlisting in the army. b) To reduce the birth rate. c) So that men's first loyalty would be to the gods, not to their families. d) All of the above 7. What is the name of the cherub that shoots arrows of love into the hearts of humans? a) Cupid b) Eros c) Amor d) All of the Above 8. During the Middle Ages, when knights would participate in jousting matches, they would dedicate their performance to a lady of the court whom they admired and perhaps were in love with. To let everyone know how he felt, a knight would pin a handkerchief or a scarf (known as a favor) belonging to the woman where? a) On his hat. b) On his chest. c) On his sleeve. d) On his back. 9. In Wales, the tradition used to be for a man to carve one of these out of wood and present it to his sweetheart on Saint Valentine's Day. What was it? a) A heart-shaped box b) A letterbox c) A spoon d) A ring 10. Today, an "X" on a card or letter represents a kiss. This practice has its origins in medieval times, when those who could not write would sign documents with an "X". How did this practice become associated with a kiss? a) The signer would kiss the "X" to show their sincerity. b) The "X" symbolized the cross, or love of God. c) The "X" symbolized two mouths touching. d) None of the above. Answers on bottom of back cover.

16 Parish Council 2008/2009 Pastor... Fr. Francis Peerlinck President... Kevin Young Vice President... Alan Barnett Treasurer. Brigitte Preusz Religious Ed.... Katie Young Parish Registration... Paul Van den Bossche Bulletin... Rosanne Pizzella Hospitality... Sunshine..Vivianne Staplehurst Liturgy... Rowena Verhees Advisor... Barbara Noels Music... Eric Wouters & Olga Velez UPCOMING EVENTS: February 2 nd Groundhog day in US 4 th Alan s Birthday 14 th Valentine s Day ~ Tell the one you love they are important to you. 17 th Ash Wednesday; no service at Holy Family; March 5 th World day of Prayer 28 th Palm Sunday April 1 st Holy Thursday 4 th Easter Sunday PLEASE SEND ROSANNE ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR THE MARCH BULLETIN BY FEBRUARY 23RD. THANK YOU! 1.D, 2.B, 3.A, 4.B, 5.A, 6.A, 7.D, 8.C, 9.C, 10.A

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Don Bosco Chapel Fortbaan Schoten

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Don Bosco Chapel Fortbaan 79 2900 Schoten www.holyfamilyantwerp.org Fr. Francis Peerlinck, Pastor February 2014 Year A Sunday Mass 10:30am MESSAGE FROM FATHER: THE LITURGICAL CALENDER