Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie

211 Pentagon Blvd.Sault Ste. Marie ON P6B 5J4

St. Gerard Majella

March 31, 2019

Year – CFOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY

EUCHARIST & RECONCILIATIONWeekend Masses: Weekday Masses :Weekend Masses:

Saturday : 5:00 p.m.

Sunday : 9:00 a.m.

and 11:00 a.m.

(Children’s Liturgy)

Weekday Masses :Tuesday: 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 am

Thursdays in Nursing Homes at 10:30 a.m.

and 7pm in ChurchFriday 7:00pm

1st Thursday: Maple View2nd Thursday: Davey Home

3rd Thursday: Great Northern Retirement Home

4th Thursday: Cedarwood Lodge

Reconciliation :

Saturday 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm or by appointment

Parish Mission Statement

St. Gerard Majella Parish strives to be a warm,

welcoming Catholic community where the faithful gather to

celebrate liturgy, to foster faith-sharing and to spread the Good

News by word and action. Nourished by Word and Sacrament,

the community of St. Gerard’s supports the spiritual growth,

fellowship and charity of its parishioners.

Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass & AnointingThe first Tuesday of each month

Parish Priest:

Father Alex Saurianthadathil C.Ss.R

OFFICE HOURS:Tuesday to Friday:

8:30 am to 12:00 pm

T : 705 949 0435 / F : 705 946 8617

fellowship and charity of its parishioners.

We are so happy you came to celebrate with us. If you

are new to the Parish and haven’t registered, we

encourage you to join our family.

Visit - www.stgerardssm.ca

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“If you are what you should be, you will set the

world ablaze.” –St. Catherine of Siena

Would you like to purchase

Memorial Easter Flowers

for a Loved one,

and help the Sanctuary

look beautiful?

Details inside

Parish Ministry

Chairs/Co-ordinatorsFinance Committee: Steve Drinkwater

Parish Pastoral Council: Ron Zagordo

Building Committee:Fundraising Committee:

Catholic Women’s League [C.W.L]:Shirley Leonard

Knights of Columbus[Grand Knight]:Steve Summers

Liturgy Committee: Susan Cushner

Sacristans: Maeve Coccimiglio

Parish Alive: Toni Nanne-Little

Sacrament Preparation:Baptism: Sandra Rollin

Reconciliation &

Mass Intentions

March 26th – March 31st ,2019Tuesday April 2nd 7:00pm EUGENIO & PASQUA DA PRAT+by the Da Prat familyWednesday April 3rd 9:30 amLUCIE ANNE ROLLINS+ by Lillian CarboniThursday April 4th

10:30am : Maple ViewIVAN DUFRESNE+by Theresa Dufresne7:00pm :Friday April 5th 7:00pmEUGENIO AND PASQUA DA PRAT+ by the Da Prat familySaturday April 6th 5pmRON BRESCACIN+ by wife Louisa & childrenGIUSEPPE & OLGA D’URZO+ by Guiseppe & Vanda Marasco

Parish information – Phone: 705 949 0435

Reconciliation & First Holy Communion: Lisa Tomas

Confirmation: Sarah Stickels

Lectors: Patricia Michaud

Children’s Liturgy: Grace Mitchell

Music: Susan Cushner Steve PattersonTeresa Zuppa

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist:Renee Wysynski & Judie Kearns

Ushers: Frank Gallo

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA]: Steve Summers

Hospitality: Mary Davies

Prayer Line:Mary VanBoerdonk & Rhea Emond

The Lord’s Cupboard: Jane McNally

Decor Committee: Sheila Beishlag

Funeral Luncheon: Sabina Remondi

Funeral Team – Servers:

GIUSEPPE & OLGA D’URZO+ by Guiseppe & Vanda MarascoSunday April 7th 9amELLEN MANZO+ by John Manzo & familyENESTINE RIOUX+ by Rhea Emond11amINTENTIONS OF ALL PARISHIONERS

Thank you for your generosity!

Finance Report

Sunday, March 24th 2019 $1,669.90

Sunday , March 24th : Electronic Giving $1,232.25

Other

New Entrance/Roof Project 140.00

Building Fund/New Entrance Project - To Date $278,001.70

Total Income $3,042.15Funeral Team – Servers:Ed Martin & Doreen Simard

Bereavement Cards: Mary Coventry

Communion Service in Nursing Homes:Anna GriswoldSteve DrinkwaterBill DeGroot

Assist at Masses in Nursing Homes:Rhea Emond

Coffee Hour:Anna Griswold & Gina Drinkwater

Parish Social Group: Doreen Simard

Social Justice: Nicole Chouinard

Parish Website: Isabelle Wheten

Thank you for your generosity!

STATIONS OF

THE CROSS The Way of the Cross is a

devotion in which we

accompany, in spirit, our

blessed Lord in His wonderful

journey to Calvary, and

devoutly meditate on His

suffering and death.

Please join us:

On Fridays following the 7pm

Mass and Saturdays at 4:40pm

prior to our regular weekend

Mass.

Please help make the sanctuary look beautiful for Easter.

Your donations can be made in memory of loved ones whose names will be published Easter weekend.

Please write your name and envelope number or name and address as well as the names of the loved ones you would like to remember.

WELCOME TO OUR FAITH COMMUNITY

Are you visiting or interested in joining St.Gerard? Welcome!!! If this is your spiritualhome we invite you to register with theparish. If you live outside the parishboundaries the only way we are able toassist you is if you are registered with St.Gerard and this is the parish you attend onSundays. If you are new to the parish pleaseintroduce yourself to our pastor.

PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS

Please call the Parish Office at 705 949 0435for an appointment. A Baptism PreparationCourse is required for all parents andGodparents. A Godparent must be 16 yearsof age, baptized Catholic and beConfirmed. Please make arrangements atleast one month in advance by contacting

INFANT BAPTISM

Parish Information – Phone: 705 949 0435

Let us Listen to God’s WordWeekWeekWeekWeek of March 25th of March 25th of March 25th of March 25th ––––March 31stMarch 31stMarch 31stMarch 31st

Monday Monday Monday Monday Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10d Luke 1.26-38

Tuesday Daniel 3.25, 34-43 Matthew 18.21-35

Wednesday Deuteronomy 4.1,5-9 Matthew 5.17-19

Thursday Jeremiah 7.23-28 Luke 11.14-23

Friday Hosea 14.1-9 Mark 12.28b-34

Saturday Hosea 5.15b – 6.6++ Luke 18.9-14

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

1st Reading: Joshua 5.9a, 10-12

2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5.17-21

Gospel: Luke 15.1-3, 11-32the Parish office.

In grade 2, children may receive theSacraments of Reconciliation and First HolyCommunion.

At our parish the Sacrament ofReconciliation is celebrated in the first weekin March or before the March break.

RECONCILIATION

Preparation for First Holy Communion beginsafter March break. First Holy Communion iscelebrated in May.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The sacrament of Confirmation is availableto those who have been baptized, receivedReconciliation and First Holy Communion.Candidates must be in grade 7 or higher.Confirmation is generally celebrated inNovember. For more details please call theparish office.

CONFIRMATION

CARE OF THE SICK & HOME BOUND

WEDNESDAY PARISH SOCIAL GATHERINGS(not just for seniors anymore)

The next Social Gathering will take place on Wednesday, March27th, 2019 in St. Gerard Majella parish hall at 9:30 am. There is a shared coffee time, treats and fellowship, followed by card games and/or board games. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Gospel: Luke 15.1-3, 11-32

CWL Up-Coming EventsGeneral Meeting

Regional LuncheonOur Spring Regional Luncheon will be on

To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sickand/or Eucharist for the home-bound,please contact the parish office. Visits to thehospital are made regularly; please call andlet us know you would like a visit.

CARE OF THE SICK & HOME BOUND

Please make marriage arrangements six (6)months in advance by contacting the ParishOffice.

MARRIAGE

CHILDREN’S LITURGYIt is so heart-warming and a special joy tosee young families taking part in the HolyMass and engaged in the life of the parish.We welcome crying babies! It is a sign thatthe church is young and alive. We have acommitted, caring and energetic teamorganizing the Children’s Liturgy Programevery Sunday. We encourage parents tobring your children to participate in theLiturgy of the Word with children during ourSunday 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Our Spring Regional Luncheon will be onSaturday, March 30 at Grand Gardens North.

Guest speaker will be Gabi Doleske, representing Days for Girls,

an organization that sews and distributes washable feminine hygiene kits for women locally and

internationally.

The menu will be pasta and meatballs, salad and dessert. Tickets are $20 each.

Contact Colleen Murphy at 705-759-6086 or murphyckelly@gmail.comfor tickets.

Deadline for tickets is Friday, March 15.

Donations of nonDonations of nonDonations of nonDonations of non----perishable foods will be collected perishable foods will be collected perishable foods will be collected perishable foods will be collected

on the weekend of March 30on the weekend of March 30on the weekend of March 30on the weekend of March 30thththth----31313131stststst . Please bring . Please bring . Please bring . Please bring

your donations to the parish hall before Mass. Also your donations to the parish hall before Mass. Also your donations to the parish hall before Mass. Also your donations to the parish hall before Mass. Also

please check the expiry dates before bringing in your please check the expiry dates before bringing in your please check the expiry dates before bringing in your please check the expiry dates before bringing in your

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WWWWeeee tttthhhhaaaannnnkkkk yyyyoooouuuu iiiinnnn aaaaddddvvvvaaaannnncccceeee ffffoooorrrr yyyyoooouuuurrrr ggggeeeennnneeeerrrroooossssiiiittttyyyy....

THE LORD’S CUPBOARDTHE LORD’S CUPBOARDTHE LORD’S CUPBOARDTHE LORD’S CUPBOARD

FUNERAL CELEBRATIONSIf you need any help when preparing for afuneral, please do not hesitate to contactthe Parish Office. As Catholics, the bestmodel we can choose is to give sufficienttime for grieving by having a visitation andthen having a celebration of one’s life withthe celebration of Holy Mass.

MEMORIAL DONATIONSWe invite all parishioners to consider “St.

Gerard Majella Church” when choosing acharitable institution for Memorial Donationsin the death announcement in the localmedia to honor a loved one who haspassed. This form of financial support andheartfelt gesture would truly bless and enrichthe life of St. Gerard Majella Church. Yourthoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!

MASS REQUESTS

Parish News!

A Catholic Netflix

St. Gerard Majella

has purchased a GIFT for YOU!!

Enjoy a free subscription to formed.org - an

incredible online gateway to the best Catholic MASS REQUESTSTo request a Mass intention, either call theoffice or come into the office. Place youroffering of $15.00 per Mass in the envelopeand bring it to the parish office or put in theweekend collection. Cheques can be madepayable to “St. Gerard Majella Church”.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BECOMING

CATHOLIC

We are always ready to begin the processby which an adult or older child becomes aCatholic, either by full initiation in Baptism, orby reception into full communion. We arealso happy to prepare you for adultConfirmation. For children aged 7-16,parents may call the Parish Office.

HOME – SCHOOL – PARISH Our parish cherishes an amazing working relationship with three Catholic Schools in the neighbourhood:

St. Paul’s SchoolSt. Basil’s School St. Mary’s College

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Eucharistic Adoration

and Breaking of Bread

You are invited to an hour of

Eucharistic Adoration

On Tuesday, April 2nd beginning

at 7pm and concluding with the

celebration of

Mass and Anointing.

In the words of St. Alphonsus

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•Go to stgerardssm.formed.org

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Parish News!

First CommunionFirst CommunionFirst CommunionFirst Communion

2019201920192019

Lesson DatesLesson DatesLesson DatesLesson Dates

First Holy Communion: The weekend of May 4/5 2019

Dates for First Holy Communion Lessons

Session - 1: Part B: Sunday, March 31st (during 11:00am Mass)

Session - 2: Part A: Thursday, April 4th (7:00- 7:45pm)

Session - 2: Part B: Sunday, April 7th (during 11:00am Mass)

Session - 3: Part A: Thursday , April 11th (7:00-7:45pm)

Session - 3: Part B: Sunday, April 14 (During 11:00am Mass)

Parish Activities for the

WeekAprilAprilAprilApril 1111stststst ---- April 7thApril 7thApril 7thApril 7th

Mon Mon Mon Mon ----1111 AA Meeting- Parish Hall

Tue - 2 7:00pm Eucharistic adoration, Mass & Anointing

Wed - 3 9:30am Mass & Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Social Group7:00pm Bible Study

Thu - 4 8:30am – 8pm: Confessions at Precious Blood Cathedral10:30 Mass at Maple View7:00pm Mass at ChurchFirst Communion Session/Meeting

Session - 3: Part A: Thursday , April 11 (7:00-7:45pm)

Session - 3: Part B: Sunday, April 14th (During 11:00am Mass)

Session - 4: Part A: Thursday, April 25th (7:00-7:45pm)

Session - 4: Part B: Sunday, April 28th (during 11:00am Mass)

First Communion Session/Meeting

Fri - 5 7pm Mass followed by Stations of the Cross

Sat - 6 4:00-4:30 Confessions4:40pm Stations of the Cross5:00pm Mass

Sun - 7 9:00 & 11:00 am MassesChildren’s Liturgy at 11:00am

SEASON OF LENTLent is the yearly celebration by the Church of

its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During

Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to

celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various

stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares

the faithful for Easter as they recall their

Baptism and do penance in preparation for the

greatest Feast of the year.

Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or

prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit

of penance. Through forty days of closer

Novena to Our Mother

of Perpetual Help

Devotion to our Lady had a rich historical tradition in the

Catholic Church.

Countless miracles, healings and conversions are attributed to Mary by those who pray to

her as Our Mother of Perpetual Help. of penance. Through forty days of closer

attention to God’s Word and of more fervent

prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the

Paschal Mystery. Lenten instructions stress

these baptismal and penitential themes.

During Lent it is important to teach the social

consequences of sin as well as the fact that the

heart of the virtue of penance is hatred of sin

as an offence against God.

The Church encourages penitential practices

that are external and social, reflecting the

circumstances of individuals and communities,

as we pray and do penance for sinners.

Weekday Masses during the

Season of LentTuesday 7pm

Wednesday 9:30 am

Thursday 7pm

Friday 7pm

Help. Together with millions of

Catholics around the world, let us also go to her miraculous

picture to be inspired:•She inspires us in our call to

discipleship.

•She points us to her son.

•She intercedes for us unceasingly.

Join our Novena to Our

Mother of Perpetual Help on Wednesdays during 9:30

a.m. Mass at St. Gerard

Majella Church

Parish News!

Celebrating the Sacraments

Of Christian InitiationMy Dear Parishioners,

At the beginning of Catholic Education Week, our parish community will experience a unique event by welcoming into the Church 20 children/youth between the ages of 5 and 15. 3 of those will receive the Sacrament of Baptism, 13 of them will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and 4 of them will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.

Bishop Marcel Damphousse, with the assistance of other priests will officiate the

celebration on Sunday, May 5, 2016 at 4:00 P.M.at St. Gerard Majella Church.

.

at St. Gerard Majella Church.

I cordially invite all parishioners to join us in the celebration and show our support to the new members of our Catholic Faith Community.

What is this all about? Well, 30 -50% of students at many of our Catholic Schools are not baptized. Seeing the need, we have offered an opportunity for families who are interested to be enrolled in the RCIC program [Rite of Christian Initiation for Children]. 15 of our parents have accepted our invitation and are excited for their children. I would like to thank those parents in a special way for their openness to embrace catholic faith.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in the preparation of this evangelization project, especially the principal and the staff of St. Paul’s School.I appreciate their commitment, hard work and enthusiasm in preparing these children to celebrate the Sacraments.

We are working diligently on this evangelization project and I humbly request your participation and prayerful support at the celebration.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday, May 5th at 4:00 p.m.!

Your brother in Christ,Fr Alex

Coming to Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday May 4

This year it is free to attend but space is limited!

Save your spot soon at www.newevangelization.ca

Parish News!

LENT DAY OF

CONFESSIONS 2019

“Return to me with all your heart”

(Joel 2:12).

The Catholic Parishes of Sault Ste.

Marie present

a Lent Day of Confessions on

Thursday, April 4th from 8:30 am—

8:00 pm at Precious Blood

Cathedral. Various priests will be

available all day for the Sacrament of

Reconciliation. As we prepare for

Easter, this is a great opportunity

to encounter God's mercy through the

Sacrament of Reconciliation.Sacrament of Reconciliation.

… For providing your valuable time and talents to our parish family. Without you none of our endeavours would be possible!Starting from April 7/8, during each weekend Masses, we would like to recognize one of our parish ministries and people involved in it. On the weekend of April 7/8 we recognize: Funeral Reception Committee.

This committee helps ease a family's burden by preparing a reception in our parish home at the time of a loved one's loss. The committee organizes each reception under various functions and shifts. Some members are responsible for setting up the hall and others are invited to make refreshments. Some are called to provide baked goods while others serve at the reception and clean up afterwards. In all, this is a very valuable and rewarding parish the reception and clean up afterwards. In all, this is a very valuable and rewarding parish service. New members are always welcomed! If interested please contact Sabina Remondi or Father Alex.

It’s Registration time again! Please call St. Paul Catholic School (705) 945-5533 for registration information for Junior and Senior Kindergarten aged children. Children must be 4 years old (for JK) and 5 years old (for SK) before December 31, 2019. Both Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes are full day programs. We also have on site before and after school daycare. Call us … we would be pleased to give you a tour of our school.

Development & Peace:In Colombia, over 6.5 million people have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, natural disasters, and development projects. With your support, Development and Peace’s partner the National Agrarian Coordination (NAC) is working with Indigenous women, many of whom are victims of forced displacement, to help them gain the skills and confidence to be intermediaries with the authorities. By promoting inclusive and participatory democracies, we are addressing one of the root causes of forced migration!Next week is Solidarity Sunday, when the Share Lent collection in support of the work of Development and Peace will take place. Your generosity has a real

impact on the lives of our sisters and brothers in the Global South! Envelopes can be found in the back of the church and also enclosed in the bulletins.

Regional News!

@ Our Lady of Good Counsel

114 MacDonald Avenue

Come join with AL SMITH

as he takes us to the Cross through the wisdom of

venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

April 7-9, 2019 7:00 pm each night

Sheen shows how the Seven Last Words

spoken by Our Lord from the cross are, in fact,

a full catechism on the spiritual life.

For more information call

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish at 705 942 8546

Precious Blood Cathedral

Parish Missions During Lent

St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church

( 293St.George’s Ave E. Sault Ste Marie ON)

has scheduled a Parish Lenten Retreat for the

followingDays: Sunday April 7th, Monday April

8th, Tuesday April 9th, 2019 all at 7:00 p.m.

The Retreat Master will be

Fr. Bohdan Swystun from St. Demetrius

Church in Toronto.

All Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s are

welcome and encouraged to attend and

partake in this Special Lenten Mission. There

will be opportunity for Holly Confession.

Precious Blood Cathedral

in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Museum

is looking for photographs, stories, and artefacts to help tell our story of Sault Ste. Marie Catholic heritage in our

new Gallery of History in the Gathering Place.

Stories and artefacts from various parishes and Catholic institutions will be celebrated. Please bring any

photographs, stories, and artefacts you wish to donate to the Parish Office starting March 24.

For more information about this initiative and volunteer opportunities please contact Precious Blood Cathedral

Parish Office 705-256-8474.

HIGH SCHOOL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE: ALL IN

All high school aged youth are invited to participate in the Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Conference

on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall in North Bay, Ontario. Join high school students from across Northern Ontario for a day of faith, music, sharing, talks and powerful witness featuring popular Catholic Speaker Michael Chiasson. This year’s theme is “All In” as we reflect on our relationship with God and others, encouraging our students to live out their unique mission in life with passion. Registration fee is only $20! Register online at www.holynamestalphonsus.com/allin or pick up a Registration Form at your church or by visiting your high school Chaplain. This event is presented by a Registration Form at your church or by visiting your high school Chaplain. This event is presented by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.

Mass of Chrism – 2019

The Chrism Mass will be held at Christ the King ChurchSudbury, ON

Time & Date: April 11 at 7:00 p.m.

The Celebration of Chrism Mass is an opportunity for priests, deacons, members of the Diocesan Order of

Service, religious women and men and lay faithful to experience, along with the bishop, the bond of communion

and solidarity within the church. All are invited to participate in this special diocesan celebration.