March 17, 2019
From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
 
FAREWELL TO FR. FELINO REYES

 
On behalf of the members of The Bells of St Mary’s – The Church of the Immaculate Conception, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Fr. Felino for his presence and service here at our Church. You have contributed a lot to the growth of the Hispanic Community in a variety of capacities since the year 2014. I have witnessed your spirit of generosity in the use of your time, talent and treasure in building and uniting our Community as one. 
 
This Sunday, March 17, 2019, after 9:00 am Spanish Mass, I invite everyone to join our parish family in the Parish Hall to say ‘thank you’ to and wish Fr. Felino well as he relocates and transitions to a new diocese.
 
May the good Lord continue to guide and direct you, Fr. Felino, in your ministry.
 
Keep us in your prayer as we assure you our prayers too.
 
SUNDAY REFLECTION
 
Today’s Scripture readings deal with persons conversing with God. One of the traditional Lenten practices is prayer, apart from charitable works and fasting.
Do I find prayer important? How often and when do I pray?
 
Last Sunday with daylight saving time, I was able to come to the Church early enough and spent some alone time with the Lord. Just sitting in the pew of our beautiful Church, listening to the surrounding sounds and gazing at the sanctuary light near the tabernacle before people started coming in was very soothing. I think that was my best moment that very day. Silently resting in His presence made me appreciate a whole lot about the story of Jesus, Peter, John and James up the mountain. 
 
Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” The Scripture says, “But he did not know what he was saying.” The story of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor gives us a glimpse of the glory that was hidden in Jesus. 
 
Prayer is more than simply just talking with God. It means resting in God’s presence, meditating and contemplating on His wonders. Be it a prayer of gratitude, sorrow, adoration, petition or forgiveness can help bring back that sense of peace or serenity that the world cannot offer. Peter discovered this peace and got a glimpse of God’s glory on that mountain. 
 
Notice that Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up Mount Tabor to pray. We need to enter into God’s presence (sacred time, space or place) and be aware that He is with us. The experience of God’s presence is what Peter found and treasured most in this story. 
 
Meditating on his suffering like praying the Stations of the Cross during this Lenten Season can change us too. The key to this sacred encounter is to create time from our busy schedules and join us to pray the Stations of the Cross after the 12:05 pm Mass, or at 6:45 pm or at 8:00 pm in various languages. 
 
The lesson of the Tabor experience was for Jesus Himself to confirm in their presence what He was going to suffer and to comfort His followers that they should not be scandalized or discouraged. But they should be strengthened and be prepared for His passion, death and resurrection.
 
I believe St. Patrick, whose feast we celebrate today discovered this peace and strength in the Lord. 
 
Can you describe your experience of God, Jesus or the Spirit that changed your life? 
 
Stewardship
 
Tithing—God’s Plan for Giving Sunday Collection For 03/10/19 was $ 3,271.00
Last week second collection For The Support of the Catholic Relief Services was $864.00
 
Tax Statement
Anyone that needs their donation statement for Tax purpose is to stop by the Rectory Office and leave your name and envelope number and we will mail it out to you.
 
 
GUIDELINE FOR LENTEN OBSERVANCE
FASTING binds all persons who have completed their 18 ^th birthday through those who have completed their 59 ^th year, unless prevented by poor health. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. Eating meals in between is not allowed although fluid may be taken. (Canon 1252)
ABSTINENCE binds all persons who have completed their 14 ^th birthday, unless prevented by poor health. On days of abstinence during Lent, the consumption of meat of mammals or fowl is not is not allowed. The Church strongly encourages the observance of Friday abstinence throughout the year, but failure to do so is not regarded as sinful. (Canon 1252)
Prayer Ideas: Read from the Bible each day, pray for someone new from the church/school/work each day. Attend Mass at least once during the week other than Sunday.
Fasting Ideas: Give up a certain/food/drink/ or candy that you love, or give up the computer or TV one day per week, stop eating meals out, give up an activity that wastes your time.
Alms giving/Service Ideas: Volunteer for a local organization, nursing home or hospital.
 
~ Stations of the Cross ~
· Friday after 12:05pm Mass Stations of the Cross in English
· Friday at 6:45pm Stations of the Cross in Arabic
· Friday of 8:00pm Stations of the Cross Spanish in the Church. You are all invited.
 
Sundays Readings
First Reading : Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; page 46: God appeared to Abraham and made a covenant to his faithful servant, promising many descendants and much land. Abram put faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as righteousness.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14:                                        page 47:          “ The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
Second Reading: Philippians 3:4: 1: page 47:          Paul urged the Philippians to follow his example : “Therefore, my brothers and sister, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord.”
Gospel : Luke 9:28b-36; page 48: Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. There he was transfigured before their eyes. A cloud overshadowed them, and a voice said, “There is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 
 
Religious Education 
Religious Education Classes
March 23, 30
April 13
Special Dates for Religious Education Students
March 23 - Confirmation Rehearsal 10:00 am.
April 6 - Reconciliation Family Day for
 Communion Parents & Candidates
April 18 - Holy Thursday Celebration, begins
 6:00 pm all students are invited to come.
 

 
Mass Schedule for the week of
March 17, 2019 to March 23, 2019

Below are the Special Intentions for this week

 Sunday, March 17, 2019:
7:30 am – For the Parishioners
9:00 am – Accion De Gracia *Portillo Tillo
11:00 am – Ada Irma & Clarence Mirach Decease*Nancy Mirach

Monday, March 18, 2019:
8:15am Emmett Clarke (Health) * Carmel Mangan 
12:05pm – Carl & Vee Motta * Son George Motta     
          
Tuesday, March 19, 2019:
8:15am Available
12:05pm – Charles Paroubek (Healing)* Gina Aceto

Wednesday, March 20, 2019:
8:15am Available
12:05 pm – Emmett Clarke (Health) * Mary Clarke
 
Thursday, March 21, 2019:
8:15am - Available
12:05pm - Available
7:00 pm– Available
 
Friday, March 22, 2019:
8:15am – Available
12:05pm – Carla Vee Motta (Decease) * Son George Motta
8:00pm
 
Saturday, March 23, 2019:
12:05pm - Narolin Reyes
5:00 pm – Fr. Justin Biase OFM CONV * Tony Felicissimo
7:30 pm – Eliseo Lugo Jr. (Muerto) Malta Gonzalez
 
Request a Mass Intention
Those wishing to honor a loved one during the celebration of Mass may pick up Mass cards in the parish office. Mass cards are available for the living and deceased and provided opportunities for prayerful remembrance of anniversaries, birthdays, and other special intentions. Masses are usually booked at least several months in advance so if you want the Mass, it is very important that you call the parish office well ahead of time.