Fr. Craig’s Contemplations 5th Weekend of Lent During this point in our Lenten Journey, it is good to bring to prayer the fundamental consideration that Jesus Christ’s coming implies; one-to recognize our failings and GO to Jesus and search out forgiveness. In other words, we go to Jesus to seek out His Light and His Peace. On the other hand, we sadly encounter those who seem “satisfied with themselves and think they do not need a relationship with Christ or His Word” perhaps they consider themselves, “spiritual” but not “religious.” Our loving Lord Jesus always allows us to make this decision in freedom, that is to be in relationship with Him or not. And so, as we enter into the month of April and approach ever closer to Holy Week. It is good to consider the gift of the sacrament of confession. It is good to consider in prayer, where have I done well and where have I not. Our Church will offer the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) on April 4 at 7:30pm. Also, confessions will be heard each Monday evening, one hour before Mass and each Saturday one hour prior to the Vigil Mass. May our Lord give you peace during these final weeks of Lent. God bless you, Fr. Craig
READINGS FOR APRIL 3, 2022 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT THIRD SCRUTINY 1st Reading—Ezekiel 37: 12-14- Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord!
Responsorial Psalm: 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8- “With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”
2nd Reading—Romans 8: 8-11 - Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Gospel Acclamation-Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ, King of endless glory! “I am the Resurrection; I am life to all who trust in my name.”
Gospel—John 11: 1-45- When Jesus heard that Lazarus had died, he stayed 2 days where he was before departing for Judea. The disciples were surprised he wanted to go back to a place where the people wanted to stone him. But Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him.” The disciples were confused again so Jesus said, “Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.” When he got there his sisters were weeping and said, “Lord, if you had been here our brother would still be alive.”
5TH SUNDAY OF LENT - A – April 3, 2022
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church: We pray for men and women who bring our faith to life and continue to nourish it -- parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers in the faith, priests and bishops, all who teach us wisely. We pray to the Lord …
2) Let us pray for wisdom and peace: God of every nation, give us leaders who are just and compassionate. Help those who are suffering from war and famine around our globe. Bring peace to the people of Ukraine. We pray to the Lord . . .
3) Let us pray for those who are chosen for the Easter sacraments: May your Holy Spirit come upon our friends preparing to join us in the church. Help us all to renew our faith. We pray to the Lord . . .
4) Let us pray for those burdened with illness: May your healing care extend to those who are ill in body, mind or soul. We pray especially for – Betty Morici Kevin Petrusha Catherine Konen Chuck Marteney Joe Bouknight Jack Little Margaret Davidson
And for all who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord . . .
5) Let us remember the dead: Lord Jesus, you wept at the death of Lazarus, your friend.
Have mercy on those for whom we pray, especially for Dorothy Lehner, mother of Donna Czarnik and…
(5:00 Mass) Fr. John Hardy, Tom Rogan (8:30 Mass) Bob Knowles, Sandra Savel (10:30 Mass) Tony Kruska, Beverley Morski We pray to the Lord . . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS – April 3, 2022
Sign-up for the Good Friday Blood Drive. A volunteer will be happy to assist you in the gathering area.
Please check the board for food donations for the Easter outreach to the poor. Food must be returned no later than next Sunday, April 10th.
Volunteers are needed for the OCEF Food Sort and Distribution. Please stop and sign up the book provided in the gathering area.
We need volunteers to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday. Please contact Julie and let her know if you will do this.
The Knights of Columbus will be conducting their annual M.I. (Tootsie Roll) Drive the weekend of April 8-10. You will see them with their yellow aprons and friendly smiles at a few selected businesses around town and after the weekend masses at St. Anne Church. All donations go to the mentally impaired, with 80% of the funds collected staying in our community. We thank you for your generosity.
Tickets for our May 6th “Lights, Camera, Auction” fundraiser are now available in the parish office or you can purchase them through our website. There is an architectural plan in the gathering area where you can see the plans of the facelift for the kitchen. Please stop and take a look
Our Lenten Communal Penance Service is this Monday, April 4th at 7:30 p.m.
Next Friday, April 8th we will have Mass and adoration for peace in Ukraine. We will begin with Adoration at 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. followed by Mass and then Adoration until noon.
Next weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday, all celebrations will begin in Hardy Hall and we will then process into the church.
(Saturday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for our potluck dinner.
(Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship. (10:30 Mass) and now our Youth Minister, Kim, will acknowledge those who received the Timothy Awards.