Thu
Thank you to Bishop da Cunha and all those who attended the Listening Session
Serenade for mothers
Many thanks to Ivan and the girls who surprised all of our mothers with a serenade on their day at the 11:30 Mass. It was a moment of joy and excitement for everyone.
Pope St. Pius X Awards
Congratulations to Daniela Rivas for receiving the Pope Pio X Youth Award from the Bishop!. Each year a youth is elected from each parish for their commitment to the mission of the Church. Daniela is one of the youth who continues to help and offer her service to the parish. God bless you for giving a good example to the children of how to be a disciple of the Lord. Congratulations Daniela!
Mother’s Day Event
Let's celebrate all the Mothers with our traditional supper and crowning on Sunday, May 27, 4:00 PM-9:00 PM, at the Fisherman's Club. This year our candidate is Carol Walsh from the group of our Catechists. Tickets are $10 and includes a meal. Please call the rectory.
St. John St. James Graduation
Monday, June 11 at 7:00 PM we will celebrate the graduation of the 8th graders. Congratulations!
Bishop Stang Summer Camp
Bishop Stang High School invites families to learn about their summer Program offerings. Visit www.bishopstang.org and click “Summer 2018” (under Athletics). The program come in all forms; academic, athletic and performing arts. Join them for great learning experiences and for a whole lot of fun throughout the summer!
Baptism
We welcome the new member of our parish who received the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jay Jeremiah Rivas Hernández.
Pope Francis Place Yard Sale
Thanks to all those who attended Pope Francis Place Yard Sale last weekend and cooperated with this cause. As well as the team of volunteers who work hard to maintain this center of help for the community. With your support, we raised $645.25 dollars. God bless you!
Marriage
Couples who are planning to marry should contact Father Pregana no less than 6 months prior to the desired date. In addition, fulfill the requirements of attending Marriage Preparation classes, provide certificates of Baptism, and other requirements that will be explained during the first appointment.
RCIA
The sessions for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has begun for those who wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in the spring. We welcome any adult (18+) who wishes to prepare for the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and / or Confirmation. Please talk to Father Pregana.
Altar Servers
We’re starting a new class for Altar Servers! Any boys or girls in the parish who have made their First Communion are invited to serve at the altar. There will be two classes on Saturdays: June 16 & 23 at 11:00 AM. Please sign-up in the Sacristy, or see Fr. Pregana.
Lectors
The parish invites new Lectors to speak to Fr. Pregana for the next training session. Lend your voice to proclaim God’s word!
Cookbook Committee
We are looking for members to lead the new Cookbook Committee. After 30 years since the last printed version, let us celebrate our united Parish family with our favorite recipes. All interested call Jane Paul 508-971-9824.
New schedule
Pope Francis Place presents a new program from November 6 due to the needs in our community and the change of season.
Mondays to Wednesdays: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Fridays: 6:00-8:00 PM,
Saturdays: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Thursdays and Sundays: Closed
Prayers
Let us have in our prayers to Tyjeuan Rodriguez, an 11 year old member of the parish who has been diagnosed with leukemia. He will be hospitalized for the next 31 days while he undergoes treatment. Please keep him and his family in your prayers, especially during these holidays. May the Lord grant him healing and strength for his family.
Second Collection is for Church Maintenance. Thank you for your generosity.
Funeral
Keep in your prayers the souls of Maria Cecilia Madruga Fernandes, Bienvenida Carrión, Antonia Sánchez and Edwin F. Spencer. May their souls and all the souls of all departed, rest in peace.
OLG Scholarship
Consider helping a child receive a catholic education at our parish School St. James St. John by making a donation to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Scholarship Program. Let’s share the faith with the next generation!
Visits to sick
Our Pastoral Care of the Sick visits the catholic residents at the Jewish Nursing Home each Sunday morning to distribute communion. If you are interested in joining the ministry, please talk to Rosa Maria Rivas or Fr. Pregana.
Faith Formation
Welcome back to all the children in our Faith Formation Program!
Tim Mitchell will be available at the church entrances on Sunday mornings to register children for classes in the fall. There is no fee to register.
Sacramental years: Communion or Confirmation They are required to participate in the two-year formation, which means that children attending Catholic School must attend the parish formation in Grade 2 (Communion) and Grade 8 (Confirmation). Classes begin on Wednesday, September 6, 5:00-6:15 PM at St James St John School for First Communion and for Confirmation on Sunday, September 10, 8:30-11:00 AM at our parish.
We need teachers & volunteers! See Tim or Fr. Pregana.
Classes for Level 1-5, First Communion Prep. Start on Wednesday, September 6 from 5:00-6:16 PM at St. James/St. John School, 180 Orchard Street.
Middle School and Confirmation Prep will begin classes on Sunday, September 10 from 8:15-11:00 AM in the church hall.
Registrations
St James-St John School is now accepting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year for grades Preschool 3 through Grade 8. We offer a rigorous academic program rooted in gospel values. Our program also offers weekly classes in art, music, foreign language, technology, Physical education. In addition we offer before and after school extended care, a full-time nurse, peer tutoring, hot lunch program in a welcoming family atmosphere. We are an accredited institution by NEASC. Need based scholarship funds can be applied for through the FACE Scholarship Fund. Please contact the principal Cristina Raposo at principal@sjsjschool.com for more information or (508)996-0534 www.sjsjschool.com
Landscaping & Clean up
Thanks to the group "Eden" which cares for the lawns and gardens around the parish. Recently, they pruned the great tree in the middle of the property and it looks great now. They also are installing a new decorative fence near the forsythia garden. On Saturday, a group of men from the parish cleaned the brush from our parking lot on County Street. Thanks to all for your efforts to maintain our parish property!
If you’d like to lend a hand with the parish property, talk to Roberto Ayala, Elmer Portillo, or call the parish office. Your parish grounds look great!
Budget Envelopes vs. eGiving
Through the budget envelope company, the parish has arranged for online donations, an easy and economical way for your weekly offering. It’s easy to sign up using your current budget envelope number. For more information, visit the parish website.
Marriage Preparation
Those couples preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage should schedule their Marriage Prep sessions online at the Diocesan website: http://www.fallriverfaithformation.org/marriage/marriage-prep
Children’s Choir
Phil Pereira invites all the young people of the parish to join the choir at the
9:00AM Mass. The rehearsals are on Mondays at 5:30 PM.
Memorial Bequests
Those who wish to make a bequest to the parish may do so while living or through their will. The bequest is free to estate tax and can reduce the amount of your assets claimed by the government. A bequest can be a specific amount, a piece of property, a percentage of an estate, or the residue of an estate. Your lawyer or estate planer can best assist you in remembering your parish.
Church Cleaning & Care
Thanks to the groups who have taken responsibility to keep our church clean. Caring for God's house is our common effort, so thanks from the community!
Do you want to be Catholic?
Would you like to become part of the Church? Would you like to complete your Sacraments (Communion, Confirmation)? If so, you’re invited this fall to be part of the group who are preparing to receive the Sacraments at Easter. The sessions are held on Sundays at 10AM in the church hall. Please call the rectory, or talk to Juan and Margarita Ayala, to register. Make the decision this year!
Reading & Literacy Training
Listening Sessions With Bishop da Cunha
Come and share your hopes and dreams for our Church! Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is hosting a series of Listening Sessions at different parish locations as part of the strategic planning process here in the Fall River Diocese. Members of diocesan parishes are invited to attend one of them to offer their thoughts into that process. Listening Sessions are scheduled as follows: March 20, St. Mary Parish, Norton; March 21, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; April 5, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee; April 12, St. Mary Cathedral; April 18, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; April 20, St. Julie Billiart Parish, Dartmouth; April 23, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; May 4, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, IN SPANISH; May 9, St. Ann Parish, Rayham and May 11, St. Mary Cathedral, IN PORTUGUESE. All sessions will take place from 6:30-8:00 PM with the exception of the one in Centerville, which will begin at 7:00 PM.
Mariage Preparation Schedule 2018
Registration and more information www.fallriverfaithformation.org
January7- St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 1:00-8:00 pm
January 27- St. Mary's Parish Center, 12:00-7:00 pm
March 3- St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
March 24- Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
April 7- St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
May 5- Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
May 19- St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
June 2- St. Mary's Parish Center, 12:00-7:00 pm
Sept. 15- Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Oct. 13- St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Oct. 27- Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Dec. 1- St. Mary's Parish Center, 12:00-7:00 pm
Faith Formation Calendar 2017-2018
More information www.fallriverfaithformation.org
Youth/2018
March 18- High School Youth Convetion, Bishop Connolly HS
March 19-Jr High School Rallies, AM session, Bishop Connolly HS,
PM session Holy Cross Parish Center
March 20- Jr High School Rallies, AM session, Pope Jonh Paul II HS
April 6-8- Yes! 33 Retreat- Cathedral Camp
May 8- Pope Pius X Award
Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)/2018
February 18- Rite of Election, St. Mary Cathedral
Adult Spirituality/2018
March 10- Men and Women's Conference, Stonehill College
Adult Confirmation
Confirmation Classes/Fall 2017
Sept. 20- Oct. 25- November 10- Bishop Stang HS
Confirmation Classes/Spring 2018
February 24- March 3,17,24- April 7,18- Holy Family Parish Center
March 6,13,20,27- April 3,10- Location to be announced
Bereavement Support
Sept. 26-Nov. 7 2017- Office of Faith Formation
January 9-February 20, 2018- Office of Faith Formation
March 20-May 1, 2018- Office of Faith Formation
May 15-June 19, 2018- Office of Faith Formation
July 24-Sept. 4, 2018- Office of Faith Formation
Oct. 2- Nov. 13, 2018- Office of Faith Formation
Dec. 5, 2018- "We Remember" Prayer Service, Holy Trinity Parish
DACA
On September 5, 2017, the President's administration announced that the DACA program was going to end. However, on January 13, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Inmigrations Services (USCIS) announced that due to a federal court order, "USCIS has resumed accepting request to renew a grant of deferred under DACA" until further notice.
You need to know:
1- People who have EVER had (or currently have) DACA are allowed to file requests for DACA;
2- People who had their DACA terminated will be able to file requests for DACA;
3- People who NEVER had DACA will not be able to request DACA.
It is unclear how long this policy will continue- it could change any time. Therefore, it is recommended that all eligible individuals who had or have DACA to speak with a inmigration attorney immediatly to fing out what their rights are regarding this change in policy.
Catholic Social Services of Fall River may be able to help you with your application for free.CSS represents people on their DACA cases at no cost and has helped over 200 people with their applications. This service is only available to those who have ever had or currently have DACA.
More information: Call Catholic Social Services, Fall River (508) 674-4681
FACE
FACE financial aid has a new deadline of January 31, 2018. If you are planning on applying, please do so as soon as possible. The website is https://online.factsmgt.com/signin. They are asking for your W-2's and tax forms, and they will probably not be done by the deadline, but the application needs to be filled out, and the needed forms can be uploaded later. Late applications will not be accepted! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Brady at the school, and she will be able to help you. sbrady@sjsjschool.com
Hope and Opportunity Initiative
The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) and Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools are excited to announce The Catholic School’s Hope and Opportunity Initiative. This Initiative will provide 100 scholarships for up to $2000 per student for the 2018-19 school year to new low-income K-8 students in Fall River, Taunton, and the Greater New Bedford Area Catholic Schools. If you, or someone you know, wants to send their child(ren) to a Catholic School please contact Sarah Heaton at (508)678-2828 or sheaton@CatholicSA.org.
The Silent Days with the Masters
Spend some quiet time in prayer and silence while getting to know one particular saint or master in our tradition. All are saturdays from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM at St. John Neumann's Parish,
157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, MA 02717. Free entrace, but need to RSVP with Karen Howard at klhoward@aol.com o 508-947-0193 or call the rectory at 508-763-2240.
May 5th- St. Thererse of Lisieux
July 21st- St. Francis of Assisi
September 29th- St. Gregory of Nyssa
Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate/Ordination to the Priesthood
This year the Diocese of Fall River is very blessed for the ordination of Ryan Healy as Transitional Deacon on Saturday May 19 at 11:00 AM, as well as Matthew Gill, Juan Carlos Munoz and Daniel Nunes are to be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday June 9 at 11:00 AM. The gifts of Holy Orders are being given at St. Mary's Cathedral. Join these beautiful occasions and keep them in your prayers.
Hymn Fest for Our Lady
Sunday, May 20 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River, at 4:00 PM. Come and enjoy honoring Our Blessed Mother in her month of May through her song. Traditional Catholic hymns directed by an outstanding vocalist.
Pentecost Taize Service
Join St. John Neumann Parish on Sunday, May 20 at 7:00 PM, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, MA, for a spiritual evening.
Family Festival
St. John Neumann Parish invites to their 34Th Lakeside Family Festival. Barn sale, blessig of the bikes event, classic car show, games, food and more. Free admission. Rt. 18-157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, MA. Friday, May 25 at 6:00 PM-11:00 PM, Saturday May 26 and Sunday May 27: noon-11:00 PM; Monday, May 28: noon-5:00 PM. More information go to: www.sjnfreetown.org/lakeside-family-festival
Sacred Heart Home Fundraiser
A fun night of music, karaoke, buffet dinner, raffles and cash bar. All proceeds will benefits Sacred Heart Home's Chapel. On Thurdsday, May 31 at 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. Inner Bay Café & Grille, 1339 Cove Road, New Bedford, MA. Tickets: $25.00 each. More info: Bridget Sherrod, 508-996-6751 ext 121 or bidgets@dhfo.org
Training for new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Consider offering your time and talent to the service of the Church and the community. The trainings for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for this Spring are approaching, talk with Father Pregana before April 22nd.
Dates and places are as follows:
Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 PM- St. Mary's Church, Darthmouth
Tuesday, May 15, 7:00 PM- St. Pius X Church, South Yarmouth
Monday, May 21, 7:00 PM- St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, South Attleboro
Corpus Christi Procession
Join Our Lady's Chapel on Sunday, June 3 departing at 2:00 PM. The procession will be stopping at Our Lady of Purgatory Church, St. Lawrence Martyr Church and the Missionaries of Charity Convent. Come and witness to our faith in the real presence of our Lord in the Eucharist.
Eucharist Minister
Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford need volunteers as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist on Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. If you feel called to help in this important ministry, please contact Pauline C. Gates, Director of Pastoral Care at 508-336-6751, ext 1124.
Adelante
The Institute for Latino Studies and the Catholic School Advantage are excited to announce a new conference at the University of Notre Dame called Adelante, who offers an opportunity for a wide variety of people serving the Church. We encourage the participation of Directors of Hispanic Ministry, leaders and members of Coros, leaders and members of Movimientos, Catholic school principals, teachers, marketing coordinators, recruiters, admissions directors, school board members, counselors, madrinas/parent ambassadors, directors of religious education, business managers, and anyone else who is engaged in this mission to advance educational opportunities for Latino children.
Adelante is a new and exciting opportunity that builds on the success of the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI), which for seven years has led the way in making Catholic schools more available, more accessible, and more affordable to Latino children and families. Of the schools that have attended the LEI, the average growth in Latino enrollment is over 30%. This two-and-a-half day conference begins Sunday, July 8 at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday, July 10 at noon. Adelante will help build awareness around topics pertaining to Latinos in Catholic schools, as well as expand the network of advocates for this mission. The cost is $350 per person which includes lodging, meals and materials. Participants are responsible for their travel.
Amaka Waterm Borehole Project
The Cranberry Catholic Collaborative with Sts. Martha and Mary, Sacred Heart, St. Rose of Lima Parish together a Fr. J.T. Osunkwo, a Parochial Vicar native Nigerian priest, are involved in the Amake Waterm Borehole Project to provide clean water to Fr. Osunkwo home village. This is a great opportunity for high school students across parish lines to help. More information: Amy Dow, Director of Project Development, amydow@cranberrycatholic.org or Fr. J.T. at judethaddeus@cranberrycatholic.org.
Sacred Heart Home Fundraiser
A night of music, karaoke, buffet dinner raffles and cash bar. All proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Home's Chapel. Thursday, May 31, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM at Inner Bay Café & Grille, 1339 Cove Road, New Bedford, MA. More info.: Briget Sherrod at 508-996-6751 ext 121.
Camps Bernadette & Fatima
Camp Fatima for boys and Camp Bernadette for girls are now accepting registrations for the 2018 summer season. The camps, located in the Lakes Region of NH, offer 2-week overnight sessions for children. ages 6-15. For more information contact Brendan Stackhouse at 603-364-5851 or email brendan@bfcamp.com, or register online at www.bfcamp.com.
Pilgrimage through Poland
Join St. Julie Billiart Parish on a Pilgrimage through Poland ~ September 16-24, 2018. Supported by Collette tours, the trip is nine days, and includes twelve meals. Led by Pastoral Associate, Paula Raposo we will explore Poland’s deep Catholic faith. Aninformation meeting will be held on Monday January 22, 6pm at the St. Julie’s Rectory, located at 494 Slocum Rd, Dartmouth (just past Bishop Stang High School). We will travel through the homeland of Saint Pope John Paul II with a visit to Wadowice, where he was born and raised. At Jasna Góra Monastery, get up-close to the famous Black Madonna (Our Lady of Czestochowa). Celebrate Mass where Saint Faustina entered the convent. In Krakow, spend time at the Shrine of Divine Mercy where the tomb of Saint Faustina is located. Explore Niepokalanow, one of the largest Franciscan monasteries in the world. Reflect when a local expert guides you through the former concentration camp of Auschwitz. Contact Paula at paula@saintjulies.org or 508 993 2351 x 109
Journey to Ireland with Fr. Tom Washburn
Fr. Tom Washburn (St. Margaret's) will lead a 10-day journey to Ireland from October 1-12, 2018. The journey will include: Our Lady of Knock Shrine, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Connemara, the cities of Galway, Killarney, Cork, and Dublin, Blarney Castle, and more. We will experience the beauty of Ireland, visits to holy places, stories, song, and all the things that make Ireland such a wonder to behold. All inclusive cost is $3,335.00. Contact Fr. Tom (pastor@stmargaretbbay.org or 508-759-7777) for full information, or to register for this tour.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus. November 6-15, 2018. Hosted by Rev. Philip N. Hamel, St. Joseph-St. Therese Parish, New Bedford, MA. $3,499.00 p/p from Boston. Includes roundtrip air from Boston, First class hotels, breakfast & dinner daily, comprehensive sightseeing. Porterage entrace fee and more. For details contact Rev. Hamel 508-995-5235 (leave message-repeat phone number) o e-mail PNHamel@aol.com (in subject box: Pilgrimage to Italy).
Local Volunteer Hospice
Beacon Hospice seeks local volunteers for quality end-of-life care to local terminally-ill patients out of its Fall River office. There are so many ways to be a volunteer like visiting patients on an ongoing basis, sitting vigil, knitting blankets, chart of life for our dementia patients, etc...Interested? Contact Erin Hassell, Volunteerr Coordinator, 508-324-1900 ext. 108 or erin.hassell@amedisys.com
Sacred Heart Home
Do you feel God asking you to do something more for him? One way to help in his Vineyard would be to volunteer as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Our need, at the present time, is for Sunday and Monday mornings. If you feel called to help, please contact Pauline C. Gates, 508-996-6751 ext 124.
Hospice Volunteer
Kindred Hospice is seeking volunteers to care for patients in facilities and homes throughout Massachusetts. Volunteers can choose where, when and how to give their time. They offer in-person trainings and orientations to fit busy schedules. For more information, contact Cynthia Dynan at 508-672-0580
Knitting for a good cause
Your homemade blankets could bring warnth, confort and cheer to terminally ill Veterants patients. Any size, red, white and blue is greatly appreciated. Contact Erin Hassell, Volunteerr Coordinator, 508-324-1900 ext. 108 or erin.hassell@amedisys.com
Retrouvaille
A program to help couples heal and renew their marriages. If you feel lost, alone, or bored in your marriage; if you are constantly fighting, or simply “shut down”; if you are considering separation or divorce, Retrouvaille provides marriage help! For more information call: 1-800-470-2230, or visit: www.HelpOurMarriage.com
Retreats:
Prayer Groups (English)