Church of Saint Philip NeriPennsburg, PA 18073March 11, 2018

Rev. Robert A. Roncase, PastorDeacon Michael J. FranksDeacon Patrick J. Kennedy Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor EmeritusRev. John J. Scarcia, Pastor EmeritusLocke Highleyman, Business ManagerShirley Misiak, Office ManagerCatherine E. Faust, Director of MusicWendy Benner, Coordinator of PREP/Religious EDJoan Lampart, Coordinator of Parish OutreachTom Dewees, Director Catholic Family Life CenterDianne Linden, Administrative Assistant CFLCAnita Fuhs, Youth Minister

Parish Phone Numbers:Rectory 215.679.9275Youth Ministry

267.733.2572Religious Education/PREP 215.679.7839Catholic Family Life Center 215.679.2237Parish Hall 215.679.8116

Fax Numbers:Rectory 215.679.0386Religious Education/PREP 215.679.8370Catholic Family Life Center 215.679.8370

Church & Rectory Address:1325 Klinerd Rd; Pennsburg 18073

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMEmail Address:

ofcmgr@spnparish.orgWebsite Address: www.spnparish.org

Religious Education Office Summer Hours:26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA 18041Monday & Friday: Offices are closedTuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pmWednesday: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pmEmail address: prep@spnparish.org

Neri Center Address575 Main Street, East Greenville, PA 18041

Catholic Family Life Center Address26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA 18041Email address: tdewees@spncflc.orgWebsite Address: www.catholicfamilylifecenter.com

Youth Ministry Office hours: (East Greenville) Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pmWednesday: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Email address: youthministry@spnparish.org

ROSARY: Prayed in the ChapelMonday’s at 1:00 PM

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION in St. Anne ChapelMonday – Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 PMSaturday:9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

First Friday's:10:00 AM - 7:00 PM followed by Benediction.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTSFor a floral arrangement to be placed at the altar, please call the rectory.

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:00 PM Sunday – 7:30 AM; 10:00 AM Holy Day Masses as announced

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE - St. Anne Chapel The Chapel is open Monday thru Saturday until7:00 PM for your visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

Daily Mass is celebrated in theChapel attached to the rectory:Monday’s: Communion Service: 8:00 AMTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:00 AM

CONFESSIONSSaturdays: 4:00 – 4:45 PM or: at the Rectory BY APPOINTMENT.

BAPTISMS: Please call the Rectory to schedule2nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the 10 AM Mass3rd Sunday Baptisms are held at 11:30 AM

SPONSORS: Sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation need to be at least 16 years of age, be baptized andReceive the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation, attend Mass weekly, and if married, be in a valid Marriage.

PRE-JORDAN CLASSES Call the Rectory Office to schedule.

MARRIAGES Arrangements should be made at least SIX MONTHS before the date of the wedding.

NEW PARISHIONERSStop by or call the rectory between 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

SHUT-INSCall the Parish Outreach Office.

SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICKCall the Rectory Office.

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

We are the Catholic Parish Community of St. Philip Neri, answering Christ's call to discipleship through Word, Sacrament and Service. We proclaim God's hope and love to all.

Station of the Cross and Benediction will be held every Friday during lent beginning on Friday, Feb 16th and continuing every Friday thereafter until Good Friday Mar 30th.The starting times will alternate each week as listed below, with the services lasting approximately 45-60 min. It is our hope that by altering the starting time, individuals and families will find more opportunities to participate in these services as a way to walk and draw closer to Christ during the Lenten season. Any questions contact the rectory, or see Fr. Roncase, Deacons Mike or Pat.

Lent 2018 - Stations of the Cross and Benediction Schedule:

Communion Services during Lent: Communion services will be made available in the Chapel during the Lenten season beginning on Thursday Feb 15th, continuing each day Monday through Friday, with the last service ending on Wed Mar 28th. The starting times will vary with the day, whereas, on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays , services

will begin at 6:30 AM (morning); and on Tuesday and Thursdays, services will begin at 4:30 PM (afternoon). Duration of the services are expected to last approx. 20 min. Any questions contact the rectory or see Fr. Roncase, Deacons Mike or Pat.Serving at Mass March 18Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Linda Benko G. Plosa John Burke J. Warnas Priest Deacon Dave Boone Teri Boone

7:30 am – Beverly Bowser A. Canigiani Cameron Bowser P.

Frank Priest Deacon Lori Brozena Barbara Jaruszewski

10:00 am – Andrew Souder M. Souder Karen Garland M. Gehringer Priest Deacon Christine Adelsberger Steve Adelsberger Keith Greczek Stephanie Greczek Rose Anderson Mary E. Paulk Bob Brennan Eleanor Brennan

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENTMarch 11, 2018

Monday, March 129:00 AM – 7:00 PM - Adoration in the Chapel6:30 AM – Communion Service

Tuesday, March 138:00 AM – Eileen Cahill, (John Burke)9:00 AM - 7:00 pm - Adoration in the Chapel4:30 PM – Communion Service

Wednesday, March 146:30 AM – Communion Service8:00 AM – Beatrice Dzurenda, (Francis & Delia Grim)9:00 am - 7:00 pm - Adoration in the Chapel Thursday, March 158:00 am – Pat Meinzer, (Rita Latshaw)4:30 pm – Communion Service9:00 AM – 7:00 PM - Adoration in the Chapel

Date Time ServicesFriday,  Feb 16th

7 -8 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Feb 23rd

3-4 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Mar 2nd

7 -8 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Mar 9th

3-4 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Mar 16th

7 -8 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Mar 23rd

3-4 PM Stations & Benediction

Friday,  Mar 30th

3PM Out-door Stations (weather permitting)

Friday, March 166:30 am – Communion Service8:00 am – Josephine Cain9:00 am - 7:00 pm - Adoration in the Chapel3:00 pm – Stations of the CrossSaturday, March 1710:00 am - 4:00 pm - Adoration in the Chapel5:00 pm – Thomas Virus, (Wife Judi, Daughters & grandchildren)

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENTMarch 18, 2018

7:30 am – For the Living and Deceased Members of the Parish.10:00 am – Dr. Peter Cianfrani, (Bob & Barbara Schwind)

WE INVITE YOUR PRAYERSFor the sick, those in hospitals, nursing homes, also for their caregivers; and all those we hold close in our hearts.

Please pray in particular for: Jean Anderson, Robert Kanya, Michael Quigley, Barbara Schwind and Lillian Yout.

For those who have died, and in particular for Anna Hoffman, grant them eternal rest and peace.

PARISH NEWS

SAINT PHILIP NERIAT LARGE PARISH COUNCIL

MEMBERS Welcome any questions or comments you may have.Tony Bauer: ajbauer337@gmail.comRay Carr: bigdaddy2530@gmail.comKevin Charlton: mpcharlton@comcast.netMatthew Fuhs: matthew.fuhs@comcast.net

Karen Katrinak: karenkat1@verizon.netTheresa Walker: cheg1978@comcast.net

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: 2017Any parishioner requesting a copy of their contribution statement for 2017, call the rectory office between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM or email to: ofcmgr@spnparish.org. Statements are mailed upon request only.

HOUSE BLESSINGSHouse Blessings can be arranged by calling or emailing Shirley Misiak at the rectory during business hours, Monday thru Friday (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) (215.679.9275) or email to:ofcmgr@spnparish.org to make a request.

The request will then be recorded and then forwarded to one of the Deacons who will follow up with a phone call to schedule a visit.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONSMarch 5, 2017 March 4, 2018Envelopes: $ 5,734.00 $ 5,171.00Online: 1,882.00 1,568.00Loose: 958.00 789.00Children: 57.00 27.00Total: $8,631.00 $ 7,555.00

SPECIAL SUNDAY COLLECTIONS:March 2018

For those who do not receive Sunday collection envelopes or if you are an on-line giver, the following special collections are: Easter Flowers, Rice Bowl, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Latin America & 100th Anniversary.

PARISH IMPROVEMENTSIn response to parishioner’s inquiries, if you would like to make a donation to a specific project being considered by the Church, please put your check or cash in an envelope and place the project you want to donate to on the front of the

envelope and put it in the Sunday collection or drop off at the Rectory. Your dollars will be put towards your specific project. The top four (4) projects currently being looked into are:

1. New Church Roof2. New Church AC3. Repaving Church Parking Lot4. Refurbishing of Church Organ

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2018Palm Sunday (March 25)Easter Sunday (April 1)

March 24 - SaturdayConfessions in Church:3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

March 25 - Palm SundayVigil: 5:00 pmPalm Sunday: 7:30 am

10:00 am

March 26 - Monday6:30 am - Communion Service in Chapel5:00 pm - Mass in ChapelConfessions in Church:7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

March 27 - Tuesday6:30 am - Communion Service in Chapel8:00 am - Mass in ChapelConfessions in Church:7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

March 28 - Wednesday6:30 am - Communion Service in Chapel8:00 am - Mass in Chapel

March 29 - Holy ThursdayNo Communion Service or morning Mass7:00 pm - Mass of the Lord’s Supper - ChurchNO Adoration

March 30 - Good FridayNo Mass today – No Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.Chapel open until 3:00 PM for Adoration without Exposition.

7:00 pm - Reading of the Passion,Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communionin Church

March 31 - Holy SaturdayNo Morning Mass or Adoration10:00 am - Decorating the Church for Easter12:00 pm - Blessing of Easter Food 7:00 pm - Easter Vigil Mass

April 1 - Easter Sunday7:30 am - Mass in Church10:00 am - Mass in Church

EARLY TRANSMISSION SCHEUDLEBulletin announcements for Easter Sunday, April 1st, must be submitted to the rectory office no later than Monday, March 19 th .

Liturgical Ministers needed for:HOLY WEEK/EASTER VIGIL

We are in need of Youth Altar Servers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers for the Triduum Services:

*Holy Thursday Mass of Last Supper:March 29 at 7:00PM

*Good Friday Passion Service:March 30 at 7:00PM

*Holy Saturday Easter Vigil:March 31 at 7:00PM

Contact Deacon Mike Franks to let him know of your availability. He can be reached at: 484.919.9603 or deaconmikefranks@verizon.net.

The Holy Week Schedule will be posted in Church the weekend of March 24/25. Additional information will be presented during the announcements at the Sunday Masses.

Easter Sunday Masses will be assigned as usual in the next Liturgical Ministers Schedule which will be available by mid-March.

CLEANING THE CHURCH FOR EASTERCan you spare a few hours? We are going to be cleaning the Church for Easter on Tuesday, March 27th at 9:00 AM immediately following morning Mass.

If you are interested, call or email the Rectory Office (215.679.9275) between 10AM & 4PM or email: ofcmgr@spnparish.org.

Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift!For a donation of $35 or more, there is a beautiful Folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family.

In memory of Mark Giambrone; requested by: James & Mary R. Giambrone.

We also have Living Memorials for those special occasions in life.

SPN CHURCH HOAGIE SALETuesday, April 3rd

CHEESE, HAM, ITALIAN or TURKEY12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

Orders are to be placed by March 27th.Call Rita: 215.679.7009

SPN SENIOR CLUB TRIPThe bus trip scheduled for Monday, April 9th to the Atlantic City Resorts Casino has been cancelled due to a lack of interest.

SPN CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE CENTER

UPCOMING EVENTS:Registration required for ALL programs.

Friday, March 16 - Kids Friday Night Series – Rolling Games Station – Mobile Games/Virtual Reality – Play the latest video games and systems – Wii, Switch, X-box!  6:00-7:15 pm Grades 2-5; 7:30-9:00 pm Grades 6-12.  Cost: $15/person. 

Friday, March 16 – Friday Night Movie – Risen – 7:00 pm – Neri Center – Cost: free.  Refreshments always served!

Saturday, April 14 – Museum of the Bible – Washington, DC - Enjoy an immersive and personalized experience as you explore one of the world’s largest assemblies of biblical artifacts and texts in the world!  Cost:  $57 (includes tickets and transportation).  Lunch and dinner are not included.  7:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Registration due Mar. 30.

PLEASE NOTE:  SOLD OUT – WARREN COUNTY SPRING WINERY TRAIN TRIP for Saturday, May 12.

JOYFUL HEART LOUNGE AND LIBRARY – All DVD Blu-Ray movies previously shown on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are available to rent out for free!  Also check out our periodicals and magazines. Hours are Tues/Wed/Thurs 8:30 am – 2:00 pm and Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

EASTER EGG HUNTSaturday – March 24

10:00 AM SHARPRAINE OR SHINE!!Ages 1 – 11 years

SPN Parish Church groundsA reminder to all parents: you are responsible to bring and pick up your children.

SPN SENIOR CLUB CALENDAR 2018March 28: Third Anniversary Luncheon:Wearin’ of the Green

April 9: Bus Trip to Atlantic City Casino

April 25:LuncheonSpeaker: Dr. Stephen Eiss on Aging Eyes

May 23:LuncheonMother’s & Father’s Day Celebration

June 27:LunchMaintaining Physical Balance – David Brewer

July 10:Bus Trip to Atlantic City Casino

July 25:Senior Club Luncheon –Life Long Learning – Eliza Mann

August 20:Bus Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse –“Nun sense”

August 22:LuncheonSpeaker: Kevin Crilley – Green Lane Park:“Then and Now”

September 26:Luncheon“Navigating the Government Systems forSenior Services”

October 11:Bus trip to Penn’s Peak:“An afternoon with Dolly & Kenny”

October 24:Luncheon/Halloween Party

November 14:*Luncheon: Honoring our Veterans – Missing Man

November 30:Bus Trip to American Music Theatre:“The First Noel”

December 19:*Luncheon:St. Mary’s School/Children’s Choir

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAYApril 8, 2018

3:00 PM in church

Divine Mercy Sunday is the first Sunday after Easter and people all over the world will celebrate this Feast of Mercy. It is a day chosen by Christ as a day of extraordinary graces, a complete outpouring of His mercy upon all who approach Him with great trust and faith. It is a time where we will come to appreciate the immense gift which God offers us on the Feast of Mercy and through the devotion to His Divine Mercy. Let us experience the joy of encountering that grace which transforms all things. Any questions please contact Dawn Ellis @ 215-679-2160.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWSThe Annual Archdiocesan Mass honoring the Gifts of Persons with Disabilities, the Deaf Community, Family, Friends and Caregivers is Saturday, March 24 at 10:30 AM at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., will be the principal celebrant and homilist. There will be a reception immediately following the Mass featuring entertainment by Santino Dragon New Year Brigad. Go to www.opdarchphilly.org

Spring Contact Meeting for the Office for Persons with Disabilities – April 28. The Workshop will consider how to foster active

participation in worship for children with disabilities and their families. The disability contact/advocate for each parish is asked to attend. Clergy, parish staff, parents and other parish volunteers are welcome to attend. Go to www.opdarchphilly.org

Mother of Children with Disabilities Retreat: Tuesday, May 1 at Malvern Retreat House, Sr. Suzanne Mayer IHM will direct a retreat for mothers and grandmothers who are raising children with disabilities and also those who have adult children with disabilities. There will be time to pray, reflect, and chat with other mothers. Go to www.opdarchphilly.org to register.

AREA SCHOOL NEWSSaint Aloysius Parish School - PottstownGrades PreK3 thru 8th GradeREGISTRATION IS OPEN TO NEW FAMILIESSaint Aloysius Parish School has opened registration to new families for the 2018-2019 School year.  Our school offers an education for students beginning at 3 years old in our PreK3 program thru 8th grade.  You are invited to schedule a guided tour by calling the main office at 610-326-6167.  For more information about Saint Aloysius Parish School please visit the school website at: www.saintaloysiusschool.com . Follow us on Facebook at:www.facebook.com/saintaloysiusps/Noteworthy: The cost of Saint Aloysius Parish School Pre-K program is much more cost effective than area daycare.  The average price of daycare per day is $40.00 while a Saint Aloysius education for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 is $25.00 or less. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. 

AREA NEWSJuly 24th - July 27th, 2018PILGRAMIDGE TO SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BEAUPRÉ SHRINE10 018 Avenue Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (QC), G0A 3C0 CANADA

Sine as early as 1665 with the writings of an Ursuline nun, Blessed Marie de l'Incarnation, the pilgrimage history of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one that is marked by extraordinary events which continue even to this day. Join us to celebrate Mass on her feast day July 26th, 2018.

The Pilgrimage Tour includes round trip bus fare and hotel accommodations. Meals are not included. To learn more about the Shrine you can go to: https://sanctuairesainteanne.org/en

For more information about the tour you can go to www.saintannepilgrimage.myevent.com.

For a brochure please contact Randy Pagnotta at theevangelist@mctus.net and in the subject line put “Saint Anne's Pilgrimage - interested in more information”, or call 610-564-0921. If you cannot join us we would be happy to take your petitions to the Shrine for you. Send an email to theevangelist@mctus.net and in the subject line put Saint Anne's Petition. SPECIAL NOTE: Passports are required for entry into Canada.

METANOIA (metanoiayoungadults@gmail.com)

March 2018:Tuesday, March 13: Bible Study @ St. Rose of Lima – N. Wales – 7:30PM

Sunday, March 18:Service Project at Manna on Main Street – Saint Stanislaus at 9:00 AM

Tuesday, March 20:Theology on Tap at Appalachian Brewing Company in Collegeville. Doors open 7:00PM; talks at 7:30PM

Tuesday, March 27:Holy Hour @ Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North Wales at 7:30 PM.

A THANK YOU FROM:Hope Valley Community Church

Dear Brothers & Sisters at St. Philip Neri,

Just writing to say THANK YOU for your monetary gift back in October. We are finally getting the time to write thank you notes. Please forgive us for taking so long!

While the fire was unexpected and painful to go through, we know that God will bring good out of the situation! We believe the building will be restored this year and we are excited to see what God is going to do in the future in this building. He blessed us when He made it possible for our small church to acquire this large, school building and we believe He will continue to bless us and use us in the community.

We have currently raised $16,149.89. The building damages came to about $1.1 million dollars. Insurance will cover most of that but the borough is asking that we make an additional $250-300,000 worth of upgrades to the building. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover upgrades, but, we have faith that God will move this mountain. Your donation was large and certainly unexpected. We have added it to our RESTORING HOPE Fund.

Thank you again. We are so grateful and humbled by your generosity. We covet your prayers over the next year.

Pastor Peter and Julie SmithPENN FOUNDATION

Behavioral Health Services

Understanding Autism: Tips and Tools forBeing an inclusive House of Worship

Individuals with autism and their families have unique needs.

Learn and share more about what it means to have autism and how you can provide a supportive worship environment.

Tuesday, April 108:00 AM|Breakfast and fellowship

8:30 AM|Presentation

Saint John’s United Church of Christ500 W. Main Street|Lansdale

RSVP by April 3 to:Debra Ryan -

Director of Community Outreach215.453.5165 or:

dryan@pennfoundation.org

Mass for those suffering from Addiction

Saturday – April 21Sacred Heart Church

Royersford PAMass at 11:00 AM

All are invited.Addiction has touched far too many families and taken far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, Mar 11, 2018FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (LAETARE SUNDAY); SECOND SCRUTINY OF THE ELECTBe the changeHaving facts on hand is not equivalent to “getting it”: that is, really perceiving the ramifications of what we know. We all suffer from a rash of too much information. What are we supposed to do about famine, stranded refugees, all the humanitarian crises of our era? What’s to be done about natural disasters, gun violence, global warming, and children neglected and abused in our own cities? Jesus comes to heal our blindness, and to bring us into the light. Once we see, we are called to do.

TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 (31). “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”

Monday, Mar 12, 2018LENTEN WEEKDAY

Take Jesus at his wordWhat caused an anxious parent of a dying child to accept Jesus’ word as sufficient? “Your son will live” is not medicine. These four words are not magic. Yet they were enough because of the authority of the one who spoke them. Do we believe in the words of Jesus in the same way? Try living as if you do. Start with accepting that your sins are forgiven. This is the miracle of new life that Jesus promises us now and when his Kingdom comes.

TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 (244). “The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.”

Tuesday, Mar 13, 2018LENTEN WEEKDAYBathed in graceNot long before Jesus heals the sick man at the pool, he encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. The stories have much in common. Neither knew who Jesus was or the power he possessed, but Jesus knew everything about them—and offers to wash away their troubles, in fact, without them having to ask or repent first. Both were afflicted and shunned for a long time, coming to the water alone with nobody to help them. Jesus goes ahead and heals them, before they have a clue. But isn’t that just like God? Giving us what no one else will give? Giving it to us before we have the sense to ask? Our job: Tell others of God’s amazing grace.

TODAY'S READINGS: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16 (245). “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat and walk?’ But the man did not know who it was.”

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2018LENTEN WEEKDAY

Extended hoursGod worked to create the world in six days and then rested on the seventh. Thereafter, all creation was called to rest on the seventh day and to observe with God a sabbath of holiness. But the gospel reminds us that God’s work continues even after quittin’ time. Jesus therefore ignores the whistle and stays at his post, doing the work of God even as the world rests from its labors. God’s mercy and compassion know no rest. They continue as long as human weakness is in need of healing. Followers of Jesus, therefore, punch in at Baptism and stay on the job until the work is done.

TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30 (246). “Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’"

Thursday, Mar 15, 2018LENTEN WEEKDAYKeep the focus where it belongsAs Lent proceeds, one of the temptations that can sidetrack us is to start feeling pretty good about ourselves: I am keeping my resolution, I am praying more, I’ve asked God to forgive my sins. Soon our hands folded in prayer become fingers pointing at others: They gossip, they lie and steal, they are weak and sinful. We may not be that obvious, but the readings today show that the religious leaders were quick to misjudge. We can’t let the good that Lent is doing for us evaporate by failing to embrace and love others.

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47 (247). “You search the scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them; it is they that testify on my behalf.”

Friday, Mar 16, 2018

LENTEN WEEKDAY; DAY OF ABSTINENCELearn your origin storyWhere Jesus came from was always a source of trouble. King Herod went after all the babies around Bethlehem because of the prophecy that said the next king would come from there. People later scoffed to hear that Jesus was raised in Nazareth—a town that didn’t get any respect in cosmopolitan Jerusalem. Some also complained that Jesus came from anywhere at all, because the Messiah’s origins ought to be a bit more mysterious. But no one seemed to get where Jesus was coming from in a cosmic sense: from the One who sent him. Are we as clear about our origins?

TODAY'S READINGS: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 (248). “We know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”

Saturday, Mar 17, 2018MEMORIAL OF PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARYUnited we standUntil the mid-1800s most Irish immigrants in America were middle-class Protestants, but in 1845 Ireland’s Great Potato Famine forced nearly 1 million of its poor Catholics to flee to America’s shores. Open and hostile anti-Catholicism made it difficult for the new arrivals to find work and be accepted in American society. What helped the Irish Catholics, they soon discovered, was their large population, which when organized gave them political power. There is strength in numbers whether it is in fighting prejudice or showing compassion. Get yourselves and others organized around a just cause and

become a force to be reckoned with.TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53 (249). “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”

MUSEUM OF THE BIBLEWASHINGTON, DC

SATURDAY - APRIL 14, 20187:00 AM – 6:00 PM

(please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure)

A Hagey bus will provide a comfortable ride to this new museum! You will see one of the largest assemblies of biblical artifacts and texts in the world. Enjoy an immersive and personalized experience as you explore the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible. The Museum of the Bible will be an unparalleled experience, using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life! There will be an on-site café to enjoy lunch, and we will stop for dinner on the way back to the CFLC (lunch and dinner not included in cost).

!!! REGISTRATION REQUIRED !!! - DEADLINE MARCH 30

Cost: $57.00 – includes tickets and transportation (does not include lunch or dinner).

REGISTER: www.catholicfamilylifecenter.com; or mail form with check payable to SPN CFLC to:SPN Catholic Family Life Center, 26 East 6th St., East Greenville, PA 18041; or phone 215-679-2237.

Name: _______________________________ *Email: ___________________________

Address: ______________________________ *Phone: ___________________________

City/State: ____________________________ Zip Code: __________________________*Required for notification of change or cancellation