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The Baptisms are on the last Sunday of each month.
For special days, talk directly with Father.

 


Bishop da Cunha’s 2019 Lenten Message
 Another holy season of Lent is upon us. At this time of the year we look forward to a change of season and await the warmth of spring after a long and cold winter. Lent is a time for deeper reflection on the mystery of our Salvation as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
 
I am sure many of us feel that Lent is not what it used to be; that some among our Catholic population have lost the true meaning of Lent. We remember with some nostalgia when we were growing up, how Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent were special days of penance, prayer and sacrifice. The Church has not changed its teaching, nor has she lost the spirit of Lent, but our secularized world has influenced and affected our view of Lent.
 
The Church still reminds us, and the readings from the Liturgy during Lent confirm, that the Lord calls us and invites us during this time to a life of change and conversion. The Scripture readings speak of beginning anew ; of fasting, prayer and almsgiving ; of conversion of heart ; of forgiveness . They speak of the hardness of the human heart , they challenge us to love our enemies , and remind us that we are all called to live a holy life.
 
This Sacred season of Lent is a great opportunity for families to spend more time together, to pray together and to teach their children the meaning of Lent, and to teach the importance of cultivating a spirit of sacrifice. I have heard parents say that they don’t want their children to go through what they went through. They want to give their children what they themselves could not have, in many instances because their parents could not afford . However, just because they now can afford to give material things to their children, things that they could not have, does not mean they are doing what is best for them. Parents do a great service to their children when they teach them discipline, show them the value of sacrifice, require them to do their share of work around the house, are able to say no when necessary, know how to put limits on the use of technology, teach them to care for others, and to share their resources with the poor and needy. Children who grow knowing the value of sacrifice, discipline and hard work, will grow to be better citizens and better Christians.
 
My prayer and my wish for all of us this Lent is to embrace the spirit of prayer, penance and sacrifice, to recognize our need for continuous conversion, and to pass onto the next generation these same values we received from our parents and grandparents. By doing this, we will be teaching future generations how to live and share the same values we treasure. I pray that we all may contribute to build a better world, to live in peace with each other, respecting and loving one another as brothers and sisters.
             
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River
 
 

How is Easter Sunday determined? Palm Sunday? Ash Wednesday?
Jesus rose from the dead on the first Sunday following the feast of Passover. (Technically, he may have risen Saturday night, but that still counts as Sunday on the Jewish reckoning, which begins each day at sunset instead of at midnight.)  The date of Passover is a complicated thing. Theoretically, the date should be the 14th of the Jewish month of Nisan, and it should correspond to a full moon (the Jewish calendar being partly lunar). In practice, it didn’t always work out that way. The month-moon cycles got out of synch, and sometimes feasts would be held on a "liturgical" full moon even when it was not an astronomical full moon. As a result, rabbis periodically had to announce when Passover would be celebrated. Christians didn’t like being dependent on the pronouncements of rabbis for how to celebrate Christian feasts, so they came up with another way of determining the date. They decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after (never on) the Paschal full moon. Theoretically, the Paschal full moon is the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. However, this day can be reckoned in different ways. One way is by looking at the sky, which yields the astronomical spring equinox. But since this shifts from year to year, most people follow the calendrical spring equinox, which is reckoned as March 21. On the Gregorian calendar (the one that we use), Easter is the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon on or after March 21. Easter thus always falls between March 22 and April 25. Now, to find Palm Sunday (the sixth Sunday of Lent) you start with the date of Easter and back up one week: It is the Sunday before Easter Sunday. To find Ash Wednesday, you start with the date of Easter Sunday, back up six weeks (that gives you the first Sunday of Lent), and then back up four more days: Ash Wednesday is the Wednesday before the first Sunday of Lent.

Lenten Reflection: Losing Ourselves to Christ
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
Our liberation, our solitude, our vision, our understanding and our sal- vation do not depend on anything remote from us or beyond our reach. Grace has been given us along with our good desires. Where there is a genuine life of solitude, poverty, prayer, silence, penance, work, charity, obedience; where the law of the gospel, which is a law of life and grace, is fully and fervently kept and not obscured by legalism and sermonizing, it will be easy to see that here is a way of authenticity and truth in which one does not merely discover and assert a private identity, a “personality” in the sense of a successful role, but learns that the truest way to find himself is to lose the self he has found in Christ. Do you want to be yourself or don’t you? Are you going to stand on your own feet before God and the world and take full responsibility for your own life? Thomas Merton
What most keeps me from taking responsibility for my life and decisions?

Lent Preparation
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 60. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14. Join us to mark the beginning of Lent as a parish family!
 
Stations of the Cross
The parish will offer “Soup & Stations” at midday on the Fridays of Lent starting on March 8, join us at 12:00 PM in the church for the Stations followed by a light lunch in the hall.  Also, the Stations of the Cross will be celebrated at 7:00 PM in the church on the Fridays of Lent.  All are encouraged to make this sacrifice as part of our Lenten practice.

Diaconate Ordination
We congratulate Brother Jordan Zajac, O.P., son of Peter and Judy Zajac members of our parish, who will be ordained to the Order of Deacons next Saturday, March 16 at 9:30 AM in Washington, D.C. Following his Solemn Profession, Brother Jordan now takes the next step toward being ordained a Priest.  Let us pray for him, his brothers and all young people whom consider a vocation to Church ministry!
 
Our Parish App
Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish is excited to announce our own parish app which you can download on both Apple & Android phones. We hope it  fosters a stronger sense of community and faith. Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish will be able to communicate with all parishioners via messages & notifications to keep you in the loop with what is going on in our church.  Other features will include: daily Mass readings; Catholic news from around the world, an easy-to-reference list of Catholic prayers; a helpful examination of conscience; a reminder feature called “Mass Mode,” for Mass and confession. This includes phone silencing notification to help encourage us all to be more present while at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish.   
Download the app and give it a try!  Text App to 88202 to download our parish app

Winter reminder
The daily Mass is cancelled if school is cancelled due to snow. The Sunday Masses are never cancelled.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
The parish is grateful to Jaime and Yanet Lopez for coordinating our parish efforts for providing a safe environment for our children.  Jaime and Yanet will coordinate the CORI and Safe Environment Training for all parish volunteers.

Safe Enviroment Training
Every volunteer and employee in the parish who works with children, are required to participate in the Safe Environment Training found online at: https://fallriver.cmgconnect.org  
The volunteer must complete the registration from any device (cell phone, computer or tablet) with Internet access. Once completed, print the certificate and provide it to the parish. Then, they must complete a CORI Acknowledgement Form and provide a copy of a valid driver’s license or valid photo ID and a clear copy of the ID must accompany the CORI Acknowledgement Form. Any questions call the rectory.
 
Confirmation Retreat
On Saturday March 30 the candidates for Confirmation (Grade 9) will participate in a Confirmation Retreat  at Cathedral Camp, the bus will depart from the Church at 8:30 AM and return at 3:30 PM, which will allow them to attend the 4:00 PM Mass, if they choose. Please, remember to provide all the documentations necessary for your child to receive the Sacrament next Spring.

New Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers
We are looking for new lectors and Eucharistic ministers to serve at Mass.  Please consider your gift of time and talent to the parish.  Serving at the liturgy is a great way to make a return to the Lord for all the good we receive!  Talk to Fr. Pregana.

New Ministers Schedule
To all Ministers and Lectors the new schedule that will begin in Lent is in preparation if you want a change, please talk with Father Pregana.
 
Low Gluten Host
To all parishioners who are on a low-gluten diet, we have low gluten hosts for communion. Those who wish, please talk with Father Pregana.
 
Update of Gabriella
Let's keep praying for Gabby and her family. Gabby is in recovery at home, but must travel to Boston daily to receive chemotherapy treatment. Thank you for all your support to the Rivas family.
 
Rica
The sessions for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults have 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.

Youth Choir
Phil Pereira invites all the young people of the parish who want to join the choir for the 9:00AM Mass the rehearsals are on Mondays in the Church at 5:30 PM.

Faith Formation
Our parish faith formation program has been directed by Tim Mitchell for the past 11 years.  This fall Tim decided to retire as Director.  The parish is extremely grateful to him for all he has done with forming the young people of the parish.  He guided them from kindergarten through First Communion to Confirmation and we are so thankful for all the dedication and self-sacrifice that he invested in this ministry.  He will continue in the other ministries as Lector and Eucharistic Minister.  Please join me in thanking Tim for his service to the parish!
Three parishioners have stepped forward to help coordinate the program:  Yaitza Mojica-Rodriguez (Wednesday afternoons); Angelly Jovel (Saturday nights); Rachel Jupin (Sunday mornings).  Thanks to them for their time and dedication in the important ministry of forming our young people in the faith! If you would like to offer your time to help form our young people, please talk to one of them, or to Fr. Pregana.  

First Communion requirements
If your child has not been baptized,Fr. Pregana will be performing the sacrament of Baptism on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM.Please contact the Parish Office at (508)992-9408 to write your child on the list.

First Penance
As part of the preparation of the children who will be receiving the Sacrament of First Communion on May 4, there is the First Penance or Reconciliation. This sacrament not only helps to erase sins, but also serves to experience the mercy of God and infuses divine grace into the soul. The First Penance will be on Saturday, April 6 at 10:00 AM. Parents are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Confession to share this important moment with their children.

First Communion & Confirmation
First Communion ~ May 4 @ 10:30 AM
Confirmation ~ May 5 @ 3:30 PM
First Penance April 6 @ 10:00-11:00 AM
 
Faith Formation News
Sessions Levels k-7: No session on Mar 27, 5:00-6:15 PM, SJSJ School.
CHOSEN (Confirmation), Gr 8 & 9: Sunday, March 24, 9:45 AM. Parish Hall.

Faith Formation Teachers
Consider to say “yes” to the Lord by sharing your faith with the next generation of Catholics! We are in need of 6th grade teachers.  Speak to Father Pregana.

Closet cleaning
If you’re one who organizes their closet in the fall, please consider donating clothes that you haven’t worn in a while!  Pope Francis Place could use clothes, especially for the fall and winter.  Donations should be brought to the side door at church.  Thanks for doing some fall organizing!

Pope Francis Place
Our parish center for charity needs your help!  Pope Francis Place needs coats and clothes for the Fall/Winter season. What can you donate? Winter clothes for the whole family (men, women, children), sleeping bags, winter shoes, baby items.  Other things needed:  household items in general (pots and pans, plates, etc.) and furniture. Donations can be dropped off at the rectory. (Please don’t leave things outside of PFP or the City will fine us!)  Thank you!

Notice
Just a reminder that donations to Pope Francis Place should be brought when it is open, or to the Church when it is closed.  Please do not leave ítems outside the building. 

Pope Francis Place
Our charity center Pope Francis Place is in the stage of changes. We give thanks to Rosemary Sousa who did a great job in leading the Center and who continues to collaborate with us. We welcome Berta Herrera, another generous member of the community, recognized for her spirit of cooperation in the Parish. We continue working for the needy always caring the words of Pope Francis: "Faith without solidarity is a faith without Christ, a faith without God, a faith without brothers".

Schedule Pope Francis Place
Pope Francis Place presents a new program from August 8 due to the needs in our community.
                  Mondays: 10AM—1PM
                  Tues & Wed: 10AM-1PM, 6PM-7:30PM
                  Fri:  6PM-7:30PM
                  Sat: 10AM-12

Baptism
We welcome a new members of our parish who received the sacrament of Baptism last Sunday: Diego André Abarca, Andrés Alexander Sabán Jimón, Dariel Sinay Ixcuna, Jayren Alexander Núñez and Eileen Jannellyz Abarca Rivas.  

Congratulations!
Congratulations to the newlyweds Fernando & Cristina Serra. May God bless your marriage and your family!
 
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.

Do you want to be Catholic? Now is the time!
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.

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.

Second Collection: Fuel Assistant . Thank you for your generosity.

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!

Funerals
Keep in your prayers the soul of  Robert C. Collet. May his soul and all departed rest in peace. 

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 General Information
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). 

Registrations
St James-St John School is now accepting registrations for the 2019-2020 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 Viveiros-Serra 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

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!