HOLY FAMILY PARISH Don Bosco Chapel Fortbaan 79 2900 Schoten www.holyfamilyantwerp.com September 2006 Year B Sunday Mass 10:30am Fr. Francis Peerlinck, Pastor
MESSAGE FROM FATHER: AS WE BEGIN A NEW PARISH YEAR Dear Parishioners! After a nice vacation cruise from Amsterdam to Norway, up to the North Pole, down to Jan Mayan Island, Iceland, the Shetland Islands and Scotland, I am back home in Antwerp, and feel refreshed in soul and renewed in mind, being prepared to serve Holy Family Parish during the coming year. I hope you too had a nice vacation with the whole family, and made a good new start at home, at school, in business and the parish! As you know many of our parishioners moved in the past parish year. Some new families have arrived, and will fill out the empty places in our Sunday chapel. We heartily welcome all newcomers, and hope that parents and children will find their way in the celebration of the liturgy, in the catechetic program and the social activities. If you are interested in any job in the parish, please let us know. We greatly welcome every helping hand. As a first Parish Council meeting is coming up, we like to remember that all suggestions about liturgy, catechetic and social programs are heartily welcomed. As each year we have to plan our Thanksgiving celebration, Advent Penitential Service, Christmas Eve Mass, Ecumenical Service, the celebration of First Communion, and so on. Let us find out together how all things can be done for the best. For many years Holy Family Parish has enjoyed a wonderful choir, since a couple of years Olga and Eric are our guitar players, and since last year Shohreh is our pianist. You know how important music is to our Sunday celebration. Therefore, I appeal to those adults and children who could join the choir, even if they cannot do so every Sunday, to contact Olga or Eric after mass. I also lost my mass servers! If you like to serve, please tell me. I will be happy to help you serving at the altar. Last but not least: Let us call on God¹s blessing for this new parish year, as we go on to proclaim His Word, celebrate Jesus eucharistic presence among us, and try to do some social work where we can. I wish a nice parish year - full of enthusiasm and inspiration - for all of us! Father Francis Peerlinck 2
PARISH REGISTRATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BELEN ORRANTIA We would like to welcome all the new families who have joined our Parish. If you are interested in finding out more about Holy Family or would like to join the parish, please see Belen. By registering, your details will be printed in the church directory thus allowing everyone to communicate better. To contact Belen at home please call: 03 653 4473 WELCOME We warmly welcome Ed and Linda Bosch to our parish. Already Ed has stepped up to help with the children s Liturgy program and Linda has offered her services as Hospitality hostess. Thank you both. A warm welcome also, goes out to Samuel and Maria Luisa Villacian and their daughters Adriana and Claudia. OUR FAREWELLS Unfortunately, during the summer whilst many of us were on our vacations seeking the sun, many of our dear friends have moved on to far away places to begin new jobs, new lives and new beginnings. We will miss the Coluantoni s, Grantham s, Juza s, Rivera s and Sheldon s. May God bless them as they settle into new homes, jobs and schools. You can write or contact the Grantham s at: 72 Guildford Road, Ash Aldershop, Hampshire, GU12 6BT, England tel: +44 (0) 1252 331928 WELCOME BACK PRAYER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ROSANNE Every good gift comes from the Father of light. May He grant you His grace and every blessing, and keep you safe throughout the coming year. May He grant you unwavering faith, constant hope, and love that endures to the end. May He order your days and work in His peace, hear your every prayer, and lead you to everlasting life and joy. Amen 3
PRAYERS AND SPECIAL INTENTIONS For friends who have moved to begin anew in other countries, that they find joy and contentment in their new lives and that God bless their families with new friends. For families struggling with job and personal troubles, that they receive strength and courage to continue each day and soon find peace and happiness. For Marie Barnett who had surgery on her eyes this week. For parishioners who are suffering from serious, ongoing physical problems 6 years ago, the world witnessed terror beyond belief. We pray for the families and victims of 9/11 and ask God to keep them and all of us under his ever watchful eyes and protection. PRIVATE INTENTIONS SAID DURING MASS If you have any prayer or intention that you would like Father to say during Mass, either for your family, someone or something in the Parish, or the community, please give these to Father in writing before Mass any Sunday. This way, the prayers read aloud are directed to the needs of those present. 4
MONTHLY ROSARY SEPT 4TH~~~~~~~~~~ ALAN BARNETT During the summer break our Rosary group continued to pray the Rosary and we thank Mary and Rowena for allowing us to meet in their homes. In Sept. we will gather at Rowena s home, Koningin Astrid Laan 34, Kapellen on Sept 4 th. Starting at 10:00 AM, we pray one of four mysteries and should finish around 11:30. Rosaries and prayer sheets are provided, so why not come along and join us? If you would like more informationm, plaease don t hesitate to call: 03 464 2468 INVITATION~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ALAN BARNETT Marie and I will be visiting Lourdes in September, leaving on the 19 th. For those of you who have not heard or Lourdes, this is a small town in France at the foot of the Pyrenees where in 1858 Our Lady appeared 18 times to a young peasant girl named Bernadette, claiming on the 16 th apparition that she was The Immaculate Conception. Thousands of pilgrims worldwide make the journey to Lourdes to pray at The Grotto, where our Lady appeared. In front of The Grotto is an alter behind which there is a box where pilgrims can leave prayer petitions, asking Our Lady s intercession. If there are any parishioners who would like such a petition or prayer left in this way, or maybe a candle lit at The Grotto, Marie and I would be only too pleased to do this for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. 03 464 2468 Thank you. 5
THANK YOU~~~~~~~~~~ PASTOR STEVEN SWANSON Dear Friends at Holy Family Parish, On behalf of the entire Fiesta Vacation Bible School team, I want to say a GIANT thank you for allowing us to use your building August 14-18. We filled the rooms with 40 children and 36 volunteers. It was a really happening place!! The children learned 5 Bible stories, played games, made fun crafts and discovered Jesus love in many ways. We hope that many families will find their way to our parishes to continue to grow in God s grace and love. With our sincerest appreciation, Pastor Steven Swanson (Pastor) and Becky Jones (Youth Pastor and VBS Director). LIBRARY BOOKS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BRIGITTE Please check if you have any unreturned library books. There are some books still missing from the library cart that need returned. Thank you! PARISH COUNCEL NEWS Over the summer we have found a new Vice President. Allan offered and the council graciously accepted his offer to serve the parish with his time and talents. Thanks so much Allan and welcome aboard! With the loss of many families in the parish this year, we find ourselves in need of a new, Religious Education coordinator, Liturgy advisor and alter servers. If you would like information about what any of these positions include or you think you could help the parish out by filling one of these positions, please talk to our President, William Carey, anytime after mass. Potential alter servers should contact Eileen Preuss after mass or at 03 651 2396 6
PRAYER CHAIN~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VIVIANNE STAPLEHURST Our Prayer Chain is open to all to request prayers but we also need people willing to be placed on this Prayer Chain. If you would like to have your name included on our list, please let Vivianne know either by e-mail : viv@verijke.com or tel : 03 633 0797 HOSPITALITY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~LINDA BOSCH We welcome Linda not only as a new member of the parish, but also as our new Hospitality hostess. Thank you Linda for your generous offer of help in this ministry and may God bless you in your efforts. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS Religious Education classes begin as soon as we can get them organized. All classes, except Eucharist/Reconciliation are held immediately AFTER Mass. If you need to enroll your child, enrollment forms are available at the back of the church most Sundays in September. And, if you would like to help the parish by teaching a class please contact Father Peerlink or our president William Carey. 7
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN Nearly every Sunday we have a special beginning of the Mass with the children ages 4-9. We say the normal prayers of the Mass and the gospel in understandable terms (Q&A, role play, discuss or draw), and return the children at Offertory time. They understand the Mass and the Gospel more easily this way, and Mass is more manageable for them! Right now we could really use some help with leading the group. (If you ve already made your Confirmation, you are eligible to lead!). Preparation is based on a very complete plan, and takes normally only 30-60 minutes for the week you are scheduled, and you are urged to observe a couple of times before you commit! Just see Belen to make arrangements to sit in. Thanks! MONTHLY PRAYER CONNECTION ~~~~ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5 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. Many women from Holy Family parish are part of this group. We start at 10 o'clock in the morning (with coffee and tea and time to get acquainted) the actual prayer time starts at 10:30 and we finish around 11:30/12:00. The next prayer connection will be held on Tuesday September 5, 2006, at the home of Lai-yin Liew, Den Geer 7, 2180 Ekeren, 03 / 541 56 87 Email: liew.family@gmail.com. The theme of the morning this month is "What a difference a day makes". If you would like more information or you need directions or a ride please contact Marie-Louise 03 605 7188 or Sharmini 03 354 0143. 8
PARKING Please keep in mind that there are driveways on both sides of the church and that these need to be kept free at all times during the service. Your help in this is greatly appreciated QUIET BEFORE MASS The short time before Mass in the chapel is a time of quiet personal prayer and preparation for many parishioners. Therefore, please do not socialize in the chapel before Mass begins and try to keep noise to a minimum. We have a social hour after mass with coffee, tea and refreshments for this purpose. AFTER MASS TREATS Please sign up if you can bring a treat for our social time after Mass. The sign up sheet is posted outside the coffee room. Again, we remind the children (who usually arrive at the coffee room first!) to please select only one treat...and wait for "seconds" until everyone has gotten a chance for "firsts". Thank you! THE RWANDA JAR~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BARBARA NOELS Just a reminder: Please drop a few loose coins into our Rwanda Jar which is sitting next to the coffee pot. Throughout the year we will update you about how this project is progressing and inform you when we have any information about the 2 Rwandan students we are sponsoring with your loose change. 9
OFFERTORY GIFTS Each Sunday before Mass, we ask a family to present the Offertory Gifts to Father as representatives of the entire congregation. However, if there is a particular Sunday that you would like to do this (family visiting, a birthday that week ), please contact Alan Barnett. 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 for a blessing at the altar at communion time. MASS CARDS If you would like a Mass offered in remembrance of a dear departed one please see Father. Mass cards are available for a small donation. HOLY FAMILY ALBUM~~~~~~~~~~ VIVIANNE STAPLEHURST Every year, sadly, we have to say goodbye to families from our Parish. Each one is important to our Parish and we ask them to write a token message, in our Family Album. This grey album can be found most Sundays on the table at the rear of the Church. If you wish to take this album home to read, please contact Vivianne Staplehurst, before removing from the Church. 10
YOUTH GROUP ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BECKY JONES Youth Ministries exist to reach students with the truth of God s love, connecting them with other believers, guiding them in their spiritual life, and equiping them to live full and happy lives. In recent years, The Antwerp International Protestant Church (AIPC) and Holy Family Parish have had a very fun and active joint youth ministry for 4 th & 5 th graders, middle school and high school youth. This Sunday, September 3, the youth group will be having thier youth and family kickoff at Peerdsbos in Brasschaat. They will arive there approximatly between 12 and 12:30 for mini golf and lunch. If any youth (middle and high schoolers) and their families from our congregation would like to go, feel free to drop by anytime after 12:30. 11
DEAR YOUTH AND FAMILIES, I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready for a new school year! I am excited about the upcoming year and the opportunities that are available for youth and their families through the Antwerp International Protestant Church. Every Sunday morning we will have Youth Bible Study (YBS) to grow together in God s word. We will be using the Life Together Student Edition published by Youth Specialties. This is a great resource written by Doug Fields and Brett Eastman, which will provide opportunities for the youth to learn about God, Jesus, themselves, and others. YBS will meet Sunday mornings from 9:30am to 10:30am in the Antwerp International School Theater Building. YBS will be followed by our worship service, which begins at 10:45am in the Theater Building. We will also have Hang Out events every six weeks or so. These will be times for youth and their friends to get to know each other better and have some fun in an environment that glorifies God. Hang Out events can be anything from visiting the downtown markets to movie nights to swimming. Please see the calendar on the reverse side of this page for specific dates and Hang Out events. Please let me know when youth have special events, such as sports, theater or music productions, or other similar activities. I enjoy being able to support the youth and encourage their God given talents and passions. On Sunday, September 3, we will have our Youth and Family Kickoff event. Join us for worship at 10:45am, then after service we will head over to Peerdsbos in Brasschaat for a game of mini-golf and lunch. All youth, their families, and friends are invited. I am so blessed to be a part of your lives and am looking forward to the upcoming year. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at aipcyouth@hotmail.com or 0479 488 644. God bless, Becky Jones Missionary to Youth and Families 12
YOUTH GROUP CALENDAR 2006-2007 September 3 (Sun) Youth & Family Kickoff (Peerdsbos) September 10 (Sun) Youth Bible Study Kickoff Youth Bible Study every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 Except Nov. 19, Dec. 24, Dec. 31, Jan. 7, & April 8 October 14 (Sat) Youth Hang Out (Around Antwerp) November 18 (Sat) Youth Hang Out (Movie Night) December 10 (Sun) Youth Hang Out (Christmas Party) Dec. 22 Jan. 7 Winter Break (No Youth Activities) January 14 (Sun) Youth Hang Out (Swimming) January 14 (Sun) Youth Bible Study Resumes March 4 (Sun) Youth Hang Out (Around Antwerp) April 22 (Sun) June 3 (Sun) June 17 (Sun) Youth Day Retreat Last Youth Bible Study Youth & Family Wrap-Up 13
CATHOLIC PODCASTS TAKE THE INTERNET BY STORM! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~LINDA JANE With the dawn of the Internet age, first there was electronic mail - "email", then weblogs or "Bloggs" (personal diary entries posted on the Internet)...and then, ipod broadcasts - or "Podcasts". AND THE COOL THING IS YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE AN ipod TO LISTEN TO THEM! In August, 2006 the winners of the Second Annual People's Choice Podcasts awards were announced (at www.podcastawards.com) and three outstanding Catholic podcasts were among the winners. These are: The Catholic Insider for best in the Mobile Podcasts category Rosary Army for best in the General category Daily Breakfast for best in the Religion Inspiration category To listen to these podcasts all you have to do is go to www.sqpn.com, select the podcast name listed at the left and then select which episode you want to listen to on the next web page. There are several other great podcasts to find there, so check them out!!!!! I am a particular fan of ALL of these and I don't miss an episode now since discovering them. If you want your computer to automatically receive new episodes as they are released, you can download the software itunes at www.apple.com/itunes and then, after it is downloaded and installed, you go to the www.sqpn.com (or other websites), click "Subscribe" and off you go! By the way, there are other amazing podcasts to check out. I listen to them EVERY DAY, and have found these a spiritual lifeline for me especially in this transition time in finding a new parish since we left Holy Family and moved back to England. 14
THESE ARE: Pray-as-you-go podcast found at: www.pray-as-you-go.co.uk, (beautiful meditations on the gospel readings of the liturgical calendar, including a very special piece of music to accompany the prayer and meditations each day). Verbum Domini podcast giving all the daily readings at: www.verbumdomini.com/. You can listen to these very easily as you don't have to wait to download the file, all you have to do is select the date in the little white box at the right of the web page - or of course subscribe in itunes. Happy listening! * HA HA HA * HA HA HA * HA HA HA * HA HA HA * HA HA HA * Thank God for Church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in Church bulletins or were announced in Church services: The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus." Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. 15
PARISH COUNCIL 2005/2006 Pastor... Fr. Francis Peerlinck... 03 232 2546... frans.peerlinck@scarlet.be President... William Carey... 03 658 1537... sb183288@skynet.be Vice Presidents... Alan Barnett... 03 464 2468 Treasurer... Brigitte Preuss... 03 651 2396... belrpreuss@skynet.be Religious Ed.... Parish Registration... Belen Orrantia... 03 653 4473... mariabelen@gmail.com Bulletin... Rosanne Pizzella + Paul Van den Bossche 03 322 7753 mswazoo@scarlet.be Hospitality... Linda Bosch... To be announced... Sunshine... Vivianne Staplehurst... 03 633 0797... viv@verijke.com Liturgy... Advisors... Barbara Noels... 03 664 7231... BNoels@AIS-antwerp.be Music..Eric Wouters & Olga Velez UPCOMING EVENTS: September~~~ Religious Education classes begin November~~~~ Thanksgiving Celebration and dinner: Mass (5:30pm) Date to be announced. December~~~~ Advent Penitential Service, Christmas Caroling? and Christmas Eve Mass January~~~~~ Ecumenical Service at Holy Family Parish PLEASE SEND ROSANNE ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR THE OCTOBER BULLETIN BY SEPTEMBER 25 TH. 16