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Our Parish is committed to providing a safe place for all the faithful. Therefore, we follow a strict policy of The Essential Three for all who minister, work or volunteer in our parish. We ask for your cooperation and support. The safety of our community depends on all of us doing our part. Please visit the Diocesan Safe Environment page for more information: https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/office-of-safe-environment/ 0
Statement on Moral Concerns on Creating a Vaccine for COVID-19
Joint statement by the Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas and Chairman of the Pro-Life Activities Committee, and the Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend and Chairman of the Doctrine Committee, addressing moral concerns on creating a vaccine for COVID -19.
www.usccb.org/moral-considerations-covid-vaccines
Reconciliation
For all those who wish to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:30 PM in Spanish; and Saturdays at 3:30 PM in English. No appointment required
Holy Communion
To all those who can not attend Holy Mass and would like a priest visit to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory or talk with Fr. German.
Spiritual Communion of St. Alfonso María de Ligorio
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
School Reopening
The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Office announced today that all Catholic schools serving Pre-K through Grade 8 students will fully reopen this fall with in-classroom instruction five days per week. The four Catholic high schools in the diocese will announce their plans for re-opening on an individual basis.
While the safety and health of students, faculty and families are paramount, research has shown that in-person instruction offers the optimal learning environment. Moreover, each school has submitted a plan to the Central School Office that follows the guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Each school is able to follow the three to six feet of social distancing requirement and still provide 100% in classroom instruction. For students or families who have compromised health conditions, every school will also offer live streaming capabilities to ensure students choosing to learn remotely are still part of the school community. Positive parent feedback of the Catholic school remote learning experience started immediately and continued through the end of the 2019-20 academic year. While parents were highly satisfied with their child’s remote learning experience, there is consensus that students of all ages yearn for the sense of community provided by their Catholic school.
“We are so pleased that our students will be able to come back to the school they know and love this fall,” said Stephen A. Perla, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Fall River Diocese. “Our school leaders have worked extremely hard to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students and teachers. They are just as excited to return to a building full of life with the activity and sounds of happy kids.”
Andrew Raposo, principal of Espirito Santo Parochial School, Fall River, added, “We are blessed with such a big building that can safely accommodate our students and more. We welcome any family who may have some concerns about their child’s learning experience and are interested in how our school could help bridge a learning gap.”
“Education is the hot topic this summer and we are so thrilled to return as close to ‘normal’ as possible,” indicated Mona Lisa Valentino, who is principal of St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis. “Our students are excited to be back in class in August to pick up where they left off in the middle of June. There is a very strong sense of community and we welcome all new families who may feel a need to change their child’s educational direction.” St. John Paul II High School announced their return to school plans earlier this week. Similar announcements will be made by Bishop Stang High School, Bishop Connolly High School and Bishop Feehan High School.
For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www.catholicschoolsalliance.org.
About the Catholic Schools Alliance
The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Our schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, we prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.
List of Catholic Schools of Fall River Diocese
All Saints Catholic School – New Bedford
Bishop Connolly High School – Fall River
Bishop Feehan High School – Attleboro
Bishop Stang High School – North Dartmouth
Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School – Taunton
Espirito Santo – Fall River
Holy Family Holy Name – New Bedford
Holy Name School, Fall River
Holy Trinity School, Fall River
Our Lady of Lourdes School, Taunton
St. Francis Xavier – Acushnet
St. James St. John – New Bedford
St. John Paul II / St. Francis Xavier Prep / St. Margaret Primary – Hyannis and Buzzards Bay
St. John the Evangelist – Attleboro
St. Joseph School – Fairhaven
St. Mary Catholic School – Mansfield
St. Mary Sacred Heart – North Attleboro
St. Michael School – Fall River
St. Pius X – Yarmouth
St. Stanislaus School – Fall River
Bishop Stang Summer Clinics
Bishop Stang, a Catholic, college preparatory, high school in Dartmouth, MA, invites families to learn about their Summer Program offerings. Visit www.bishopstang.org and choose “Summer Clinics” under Athletics. The programs come in all forms; academic, athletic, visual, and performing arts. Join them for great learning experiences and for a whole lot of fun throughout the summer! Contact: Dennis Golden, Director of Athletics; dgolden@bishopstang.org
Faith Formation Registration
Registration for Faith Formation and Confirmation will be held during the weekends of August starting tomorrow Sunday, August 1st, after all the Masses in the Parish Hall . Fee is $20.00 for the book. If the book is returned at the end of the program and it is not damaged, then the $20 will be returned to you.
Altar Servers
The Diocese of Fall River has allowed altar servers at Masses following COVID-19 protocols. All families who want their children to be altar servers call the parish office to register 508-992-9408.
Eucharistic Ministers
The Diocese of Fall River has now allowed Eucharistic Ministers at Masses following COVID-19 protocols. Those interested must be fully vaccinated, wear a masks and gloves. If you like to be put on the schedule, please call the rectory 508-992-9408.
FREE INTERNET FOR STUDENTS
NBPS is offering free internet to families who do not have it. Call 508-997-4515.
MESSAGE FROM THE IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE CENTER
For anyone who has Covid-19 and is living in a household with many people, help is available. The Immigration Assistance Center has set up free accommodations at the Holiday Inn in Taunton. Transportation is free to the hotel. More information call: 508-996-8113, ask for Helena.
For people who are working in the fish industry who are sick and continue to work because they are sick and cannot afford to stay home, should call Helena for financial assistance. She has contracts with the fish companies to get compensation for the workers, regardless of legal status.
Please share this message. Thank you!
HELP FOR RCIA
We are looking for help with our RCIA program. The RCIA assists adults wishing to become Catholic or complete their sacraments of Initiation. We need someone to assist our English candidates. Interested please call the parish office 508-992-9408.
Notice
We want to announce the closure of Pope Francis Place. This decision was made due to the lack of volunteers and the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic that forces us to be more cautious in the management of this type of institution. We want to thank all the people who during this time helped raise up this work that benefited the needy families of our community. Also, to all donors, without them it would not have been possible this labor of love. Many thanks to our parish family for their selfless service to Pope Francis Place too.
Lectors for Spanish Masses
We are in need of Lectors for the daily Spanish Masses (Monday, Thursday, Friday at 7 PM). Interested please call the parish office at 508-992-9408.
Diappers & Things new Location
Pace Head Star, 32 Madison Street, New Bedford, 9:30 AM -12:00 PM
Drive-up or walk up beginning 10/6/20, alternating Tuesdays.
CEDC Community Economic Development Center, 1285 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, 3-6 PM.
Beginning 10/13/20, alternating Tuesdays.
Faith Formation Program Announcement
For all families who have their children registered in the Faith Formation Program, packets and books can be picked up after the 11:30 am Mass in the parish hall or Monday - Friday, 9 AM-3 PM in the parish office.
Pipe Organ Renovation
We have received a special gift of $3,000.00 dedicated to the renewing of our church pipe organ. It is now somewhat operational, but not fully, we will continue to make repairs as the generosity of our music lovers come forward.
From our Parish History Book
“In 1927 Father Noon was able to obtain an extraordinary organ. It was purchased from Trinity Church in Boston. Originally built by Johnson in 1896, it was electrified and rebuilt by William Laws and Son when it was purchased by Father Noon. It is a four manual organ, containing sixty stops with a separate echo organ placed at the left end of the nave high above the sanctuary in the arched recesses. The organ has forty-eight adjustable combinations with three separate swell boxes. The echo organ itself has six stops and chimes, and is played from the main choir loft. A special cabinet was also provided to house the organ, decorated in the general motif utilized in the building. On this first Sunday, the organist, Mr. Joseph Fagan, who served the Church and God in that capacity for forty-seven years, arranged a special musical program.
Ceiling Leak
Upon investigation of our parish facilities, we have come across a leak in the roof near the tower of the church. Deacon Thomas Palanza has been asked to coordinate a contractor for its repair.
Your Parish Needs you!
To all parishioners who want to be part of the group of volunteers to help before Masses, please call the Parish office. 508-992-9408
Sign of Peace
Due to recent events with the increasing number of virus cases (coronavirus and influenza), the Department of Public Health has taken basic measures to help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases. The main one is to keep our hands clean at all times and avoid waving hands or kisses. Let’s give a sign of peace instead of hugs. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-should-i-know-about-flu
Hands free for driving * Hands free for worship
In Massachusetts, starting February 23, 2020 it is prohibited to drive with a cell phone in hand. Remember to
RCIA
We welcome any adult (18+) who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion or Confirmation are invited to receive the talks of the sessions of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to prepare to receive the Sacraments after the Lent. Please talk to Father Pregana.
Pray for vocations from our parish
Congratulations to Brother Jordan Zajac, son of Peter and Judith Zajac, who will be ordained a priest of the Dominican congregation on May 23, 2020; and Jeremías Carranza who is in formation for the Permanent Deacon. Let us pray for them and all the vocations in our Church so that their hearts are filled with the Spirit of Wisdom for the proclamation of the Gospel and bear witness to the presence of the Lord among us.
O Father, you desire all of us to be
Grant to them the willingness and generosity to give of themselves, their lives, their
May more men and women go forth as priests, deacons, brothers and sisters to bring the truths of our Catholic faith to all others so that soon they, too, may know You better and
Permanent Diaconate
Jeremias Carranza began the formation process to be Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. Jeremiah along with 16 other participants is receiving a retreat this weekend before his official incorporation into the diaconate classes. His wife Hisella is serving as part of the retirement preparation team. Let's keep Jeremias and Hisella in our prayers during this time of formation.
Speed bumps have been
"Eden" Crew
Thanks to the Eden Ministry
Our Parish
Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish is excited to announce our own parish
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
The
Any questions
Low
To all parishioners who are on a low-gluten
Faith
Our parish faith formation
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.
Marriage
Couples who are planning to marry should contact Father Hebert 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.
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!
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 2021-2022 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!
Reading & Literacy Training
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
Job Oportunity
Family Service Association is a non-profit comprehensive private social services agency dedicated to the development and implementation of services designed to provide strength and support to individuals and families throughout southeastern Massachusetts. We have a full-time (35 hours per week) Care Coordinator position in our Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Community Partner Program in the New Bedford region. Preferably bilingual English / Spanish. More information: María Zúñiga, 774-644-7415 www.frfsa.org
Family Love: Vocation And Path To Holiness
Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness is the official prayer for the Tenth World Meeting of Families and can be said in honor of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year. The prayer thanks God for the gift of family and asks God that families would be witnesses to the love of Christ. Pray for an increase in love and holiness in the family with this meaningful prayer card! Available in English and Spanish.
https://store.usccb.org/
Health and Wellness
The Catholic Schools Office is pleased to launch a Health and Wellness section on the Catholic School's website. Please check this site often as we add more information about maintaining the health and safety of our students in our schools.
https://www.catholicschoolsalliance.org/health-and-wellness/
Family Prayer for Vocations
Strengthen the gift of prayer for religious and priestly vocations coming from all communities that make up the Catholic Church in the United States! These prayers implore God’s grace for parents and children and seek God’s grace in whatever vocation the Lord may call one’s children to. store.usccb.org
A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life) and created to accompany Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service (March 25, 2020 – March 25, 2021). store.usccb.org
Open Wide Our Hearts:The Enduring Call to Love
The Catholic bishops of the United States invite the reader to recognize the ways in which the evil of racism profoundly impacts the lives of many people in the United States. store.usccb.org
Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton
The inspiring true story of a poor Irish immigrant who sets sail for America in 1928 with dreams of becoming millionaire... instead, with the help of the most iconic celebrities of Hollywood, he ends up spending his life championing the message, “The family that prays together stays together.”
FACE
FACE financial aid deadline is on March 5Th, 2021. If you are planning on applying, please do so as soon as possible. The website is https://online.factsmgt.com/aid 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
Job Opportunity
HW Staffing Solutions is hiring. Call 508-994-6464 or go online at jobs.hwstaffing.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 2020-21 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.
Bishop da Cunha’s new blog
Did you know that Bishop da Cunha launched a blog called “Building Faith?” That’s right! With the intent of sharing regularly with the faithful of the Diocese in an easy and increasingly popular way, Bishop da Cunha hopes to post each week on a variety of topics of interest to our community of faith. Read Bishop da Cunha’s blog at www.fallriverdiocese.org/bishops-blog/
The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents
The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents in partneship with the Archidiocese of Boston is serving spiritual needs of parents whose children of any age have died by any cause, no matter how long. They offer one-hour, one-day and weekend spritual retreats. For more information: www.emfgp.org.
Can you say yes?
Sister Rose Shelter is in need of volunteers for its Extre Weather Emergency Overflow Shleter house beginning in November. Orientation is provided and you can sign up as yourself or as a group. Contact Robin Muise 774-553-5990 or muiserobin@comcast.net
Project Rachel
If you are hurting from a past abortion experience,does not matter is you are women o men, Project Rachel can help. Rachel is a private, confidential and sensitive service that will refer you to a priest and/or counselor with special training. Call 1-508-997-3300 or pla@plrachel.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)