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Our Lady Queen of Peace
SUNDAY - March 22
8:30 am - ALL SOULS in PURGATORY†
(Jimmy Ho)
BOB and HELEN TIBEY† (M/M John Horn)
RONNIE SCHREIBER†
(The Schreiber Family)
11:00 am - PRO POPULO
MONDAY - March 23
8:00am - Special Intention for MIKE TOLENTINO
(M/M Davy Tolentino)
FRANKLIN TOLENTINO†
(M/M Sandy Lebow)
In Honor of The BLESSED MOTHER
TUESDAY - March 24
8:00 am - ROLAND SIGLER, SR.† (Florence Page)
ALL SOULS in PURGATORY† (Jimmy Ho)
WEDNESDAY - March 25
8:00am - ANCESTORS of The HO and
HOANG Families† (Jimmy Ho)
CODY ATCHLEY† (The Atchley Families)
LARRY NASH† (Deacon & Mrs. Jim Bindel)
10:00am - ND Mass/church
THURSDAY - March 26
8:00am - IRENE BINDEL†; JOE BOLYARD†
(M/M John Horn)
HOWARD and LAURA FONCK†
(M/M Robert Fonck)
FRIDAY - March 27
8:00 am - JOHN MASSA† and RUDY MASSA†
(The Fidelie Families)
KELLY MILES† (M/M Jim Miles)
SATURDAY - March 28
6:00 pm - JOHN and IRENE BINDEL†
(Deacon & Mrs. Jim Bindel)
JOE SOKORA† (Maryann Sokora)
Special Intention for BONNIE KOCHER
(M/M Cyril Renner)
SUNDAY - March 29
(Palm Sunday)
8:30 am - LAWRENCE HOLUB† (Shirley Holub)
JOHN KORTBAWI† (M/M John Horn)
DOUGLAS PARADEIS† (Joan Paradeis)
11:00 am - PRO POPULO
WHEN IN DOUBT...CHECK US OUT
olqpwf.org
OLQP Catholic Church, Wichita Falls, Tx
WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS
March 15: ........................................................ $8,738.00
Special Collection: ................................................ $415.00
Faith Direct
February 15: .................................................. $12,016.40
March 4: ........................................................ $21,833.36
Catholic Relief Services: ....................................... $804.00
www.faithdirect.net (church code: TX420)
Thank you for all the generous gifts that you provide for our
parish. Please consider using our secure electronic giving
program Faith Direct. Faith Direct will automatically process any
offertory or second collection donations of your choosing. It is
the most convenient way to make sure that the parish receives
your gift regularly. No more checks to write or envelopes to
worry about. You can sign up online at www.faithdirect.net using
our church code: TX420, or by mailing a paper enrollment form
available in the parish office.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Those for Whom We Pray
Parishioners, Family & Friends
Ernie Adams, Doug Allison, Nicholas Allison, Vic and Angie Allison, Dennis Anderson, Melissa Anderson, Ricky
Arnold, Wanda Baltine, Elizabeth “Beth” Bater, Joan Baumann, Jo Bearden, Al Belgrado, Dick Belgrado, Tommy &
Sheryl Berend, Jackie Bergenheier, Jeanette Bilbay, Helen Bills, Pat Blake, Anna Bogart, Cyndi Boone, Francisco Borja,
Rocky Bray, George Brosche, Ivy Cadotte, Debra Ceballos, Laiken Choate*, Marge Conklin, Joan Cook, Jeff Conrady,
Ruth Copeland, Kim Corbin, Mike Crumpton, Joe Cuba, Thomas Daniels, Johnnie & Nellie Deal, Kathy DeJesso, Jenny
Dixon, Faye Dominy, John & Lilian Dove, Mark Dreher, Eleanor Edwards, Carol Faustina, Jathan Fields, Johnnie Fields,
Jerry Fletcher, James & Marian Geary, Thomas Genewick, Mary George, Keith & Bettie Green, Ray, Donnie & James
Grube, Courtney Shook Gysell, Katherine Hamburg, Brian Hartnett, Mike Herrian, Floyd Hilbers*, Jean Hoing, Bryce
Holmes, Dorothy Hughes, Don & Jean Isbell, Nelda Jansen, Eve Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Mike Jozwiak, Jonathan
Kegley, Travis Keith, Claudia Kelly*, Karen Kent, Kyle Kidwell*, John Kinsella, Bonnie Kocher, Anita Kortbawi, Marion
Lauer, Marife Lee, Fred Lentz, LaDonna Lewis, Brittany Lindemann*, Art Litteken, Shirley Litteken, Gloria Lucio, Brian
Lucore, Abel Mahesh, Cindy Majewski, Eloise Majewski, Rusty Maley, Ryan Maley, Marilyn Marak, Clara Mathe,
Madelyn Matus, Kristi Melsteade, Filemon and Rafaela Meza*, Mike &Virginia Michonski, Carolyn Morath, Tina Morian,
Dorothy “Dot” Myers, Dr. Sam Nilasena, Fr. James O’Toole, Romana Padilla*, Patti Palmer, Joe Petz, Joe Petz, Jr., Nina
Peysen, Michael Pitpit, Karen Poirot, Rowdy Ramans, Aubrey Reaves, Eddie Richardson, Cathy Roberts, Elia Rojas, Lori
Ross, Jaycob Rowland, Janna Scarebrough, Nelda Schreiber, Adam Segal, Charles Simons, Bette Skurkey, Jeff Smith,
Linda Snyder, June Sphon, Kathy Spyra, Patricia Ste. Marie, Danny Steed, Audrey Stephens, Stacey Stowe, Mary Lou
Sweeney, Sister Devota Sweeney, Johanna Sweeney, Yvonne Talbot, Ida Toth, Don Thomas, Monica Vu, Dorothy Ward,
Renea Ward, Josie Wheeler, Baby Bellamy White*, Mary Wilson, Dorothy Wolf, David Lloyd Wright, Sr., Jerry Wright*,
Diane Wright, Signe Yelland, Adam York, Dan York, & Lucy York.
Because of space limitations, names will be taken of the prayer list after 3 months. Please call the church office if you
would like the name returned to the list. Thank you for your understanding.
PRAY FOR PRIESTS THIS WEEK
Listed below are the Priests of our Diocese for whom we are asked to pray for daily.
3/23 - Rev. James Flynn
3/24 - Rev. George Foley
3/25 - Rev. Tom Fox, OFM
3/26 - Rev. Baby George
3/27 - Rev. Sojan George, HGN
3/28 - Gary Geurtz
3/29 - Rev. James Gigliotti, TOR
Eternal Father, we lift up to You these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them.
Mold them into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Pray for Fort Worth Seminarians 2014-2015
In your daily prayers, please include the following seminarians on your list of people to pray for. Thank you
for your support and generosity.
3/23 - Maurice Moon
3/24 - Joseph Moreno
3/25 - Linh Nguyen
3/26 - Nghia Nguyen
3/27 - Rijo Philip
3/28 - Michael Sumcizk
3/29 - Matthew Tatyrek
INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER (for the month of March)
Universal: That those involved in scientific research may serve
the well-being of the whole human person.
Evangelization: That the unique contribution of women to the life
of the Church may be recognized always.
SUNDAY - March 22
No Religious Education Classes (Spring Break)
MONDAY - March 23
3:00pm - Chaplet of Divine Mercy/church
7:00pm - Parish Mission
TUESDAY - March 24
Intercessory Prayer Group after Liturgy of the
Hours/church
1:00pm - ND Liturgical Singing/church
3:00pm - Chaplet of Divine Mercy/church
7:00pm - Parish Mission
WEDNESDAY - March 25
3:00pm - Chaplet of Divine Mercy/church
4:00pm - Adoration of the Most Blessed
Sacrament (until 6pm)/church
5:30pm - Pray the Rosary/church
7:00pm - Parish Mission
THURSDAY - March 26
1:00pm - ND Stations of the Cross/church
3:00pm - Chaplet of Divine Mercy/church
7:00pm - R.C.I.A./church
FRIDAY - March 27
3:00pm - Chaplet of Divine Mercy/church
5:00pm - KoC 1473 Fish Fry/PH (until 6:45pm)
7:00pm - Stations of the Cross/church
SATURDAY - March 28
7:30pm – Faustina, Messenger of Mercy/PH
(doors open at 7pm)
PALM SUNDAY - March 29
9:45am - Religious Education
K through 6th grade/NDE
Discovery (Grades 7 & 8)/PH
5:30pm - Confirmation Class/PH
(SJR-St. Joseph Room; HFC-Holy Family Chapel; PH-Parish Hall; NDE Cafe-Notre Dame Elementary
Cafeteria; NDHS - NDHigh School; CR-Conference Room; WR-Workroom; BR-Brides Room; MR-Music Room)
March 22, 2015
Parish Activities
We are just a few weeks from completion of our Family Life Center and close to reaching our goal. Dedication is
scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at 4pm. Please continue to pray for the safety and success for this wonderful
project that will help to grow the needs of our parish family. If you have not made a pledge, we ask that you
prayerfully consider making a commitment. We hope that everyone will participate in this endeavor to build a
space that help to increase the needs of our parish and community.
To increase or extend your pledge, please use the blue Pledge Increase-Extension cards located in the Narthex.
Thank you to those who have given additional above their pledged amount. If you are pledging for the first time,
please use the white Pledge cards also located in the Narthex.
PLEDGE UPDATE as of: March 3, 2015
GOAL: $3,000,000
AMOUNT PLEDGED: $2,900,251.68
(Includes $876,000 received in Grants and
Gifts from outside of our parish)
AMOUNT COLLECTED: $2,580,100.42
# of Families Pledged: 469 (includes additional pledges)
All E-Giving will be done through ‘Faith Direct’ our online giving program. Online enrollment forms are available
in the Narthex. Or go directly to www.faithdirect.net to enroll. For the Capital Campaign online enrollment, use
Church Code: TX508. To afford the greatest tax benefits for our parish, Campaign gifts are processed through the
Diocese of Ft. Worth Advancement Corporation.
SAVE THE DATES!!!
• OLQP Lenten Mission - Mon., Tue., and Wed.,
March 23, 24 & 25) 7pm in the church
• Faustina - Live Production - Saturday, March
28 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
• Dedication of OLQP Family Life CenterSunday, April 12 at 4pm
Lent Prayer
Unto you, I cry, my God!
“This is the promise that he made us: eternal
life.”.” —1 John 2:25
Thank you, my God, for your steadfast love, which
guides me in this life and waits to welcome me
home to the next.
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PRAYER for OUR TROOPS
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect
them as they protect us. Bless them and their
families for the selfless acts they perform for us in
our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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Northwest Deanery Penance Services (7pm)
St. Mary, Windthorst - Monday, March 23
Sacred Heart, WF - Thursday, March 26
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Points to Ponder during Lent
• Have you ever considered that Jesus might
have been “troubled” about what was going to
happen to him? How can the way he dealt with
his anxiety help you deal with your own worries
and fears?
• Is there someone in my life that I need to
forgive? Do I keep in mind that it is as we
forgive that we are forgiven?
• How am I doing on keeping my Lenten
discipline?
Fautstina: Messenger of Divine Mercy, the moving,
live production performed by actress Maria Vargo
and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke
Productions, will be presented here at Our Lady
Queen of Peace Parish Hall on Saturday, March
28 at 7:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Rachel
Ministries.
Experience firsthand the life and message of Saint
Faustina whose personal encounters with Jesus
have inspired a world-wide devotion to Christ’s
Divine Mercy. This drama also brings audiences
a riveting modern story that makes Divine Mercy
remarkably relevant and urgent for our world
today. The program is filled with all the elements
of professional theater, runs 90 minutes, and is
suitable for ages 13 and up.
Admission is $8 for adults, or $5 for youth 17 &
under. For tickets and additional information, visit
www.fwdioc.org/faustina.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
First and Third Tuesday
in the Parish Hall (9:30-11:30am)
April 7 and 21
Second and Fourth Thursday
at JoAnn’s place (7-9pm)
April 9 and 23
Change of Address or Other Information
Please email: [email protected] or call the church office if you are moving away, changing parishes or if
any of your contact information has changed. This will help to keep our records current.
Daily Readings
Mon. - Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or
13:41c-62 * Jn 8:1-11
Tues. - Nm 21:4-9 * Jn 8:21-30
Wed. - Is 7:10-14; 8:10 * Heb 10:4-10
* Lk 1:26-38
Thurs. - Gn 17:3-9 * Jn 8:51-59
Fri. - Jer 20:10-13 * Jn 10:31-42
Sat. - Ez 37:21-28 * Jn 11:45-56
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16
* Is 50:4-7 * Phil 2:6-11
* Mk 14:1—15:47 or 15:1-39
Men in Christ
Men of the Parish: Do you have a desire to grow
as a Christian man? Come join the MEN in CHRIST
as we pray, explore Scripture together and support
one another in our Christian walk. Meet us in the
Conference Room each Saturday (except 2nd
Saturday of the month) at 7:30am. Call Jack at
696-0741.
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A Charismatic Prayer Meeting
Sunday afternoons at 4:00
Youth Ministry chapel at Sacred Heart Church
(upstairs in the Pastoral Annex)
call Jack at 696-0741 or Manuel at 322-5958
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OLQP Men’s Club
Next meeting: Monday - April 8, 2015
ALL Men of our Parish ages 18 and older are
members and are highly encouraged to attend
monthly meetings.
(First Monday of the month @ 7pm in the Parish
Hall). NO Membership Fees.
Call Mike Carlton, President for more info:
696-9162
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Safe Environment Sessions for 2015
All sessions will be held in the Church office
conference room at 4040 York St.
Contact the parish office at 940-696-1253 for more
information or to sign-up.
Our Lady Queen of Peace church
Wednesday; April 8 @ 7pm - Initial
Saturday; April 11 @ 9am- Update
Sacred Heart church (940-723-5288)
Thursday; May 14 @ 6:30pm - Initial
Saturday; May 16 @ 9am - Update
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Parish Announcements
Gracious God, you desire to bring all creation to its promised fulfillment in your Son, Jesus Christ.
You call us by our baptism to serve you with willing hearts and minds. You invite us to share fully in
the mission and ministry of your Son.
Fill our hearts with praise and gratitude. Bless our parish mission. May the Holy Spirit touch our hearts
with the fire of your love.
Transform this community. Help us to live our faith more fully as disciples of Jesus. Help us to witness
to others of your abundant goodness and saving grace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Repent and Believe: Jesus Predicts His Own Death (John 12:20-33)
As the Gospel opens, Jesus is well aware that his time on earth is coming to a close. In fact, he admits
that he is “troubled,” but adds, “Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this
purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Upset as he as he admits he is, he still puts
the Father first.
In today’s Gospel, a voice responds to Jesus’ prayer by saying, “I have glorified it and will glorify it
again.” Also, Jesus tries to explain to the crowds his true identity, the Son of Man, and the real meaning of
the cross — the salvation of all the world.
Through his obedience to the Father, Jesus reveals God’s glory. He foreshadows his crucifixion and
death through the language of service: “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will
be my servant” (John 12:26). As we enter the final weeks of Lent, we are called to bring forth the glory of
the Lord as we follow Christ in service to God and one another. Let us remember not just the pain of Christ’s
passion, but the reason for his death — to bring us the gift of reconciliation with God the Father.
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Catholic Insights: The Sacrament of Reconciliation
According to the Church law, all Catholics “having reached the age of discretion” are required to confess
all “grave sins” at least once a year. It is also recommended that they confess venial sins. Lent is the ideal
time to make a good confession. Most parishes offer extended confession times and even special penance
services.
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Knights of Columbus councils 10998 and 1473 will meet for 5th Monday on March 30th 6:30P.M. at Olive
Garden Restaurant on Kemp St. Please call for reservations 689-9979 Brungardt’s.
INTERFAITH MINISTRIES
Hunger and Food Insecurity is a Serious Fact. The
Need is dire and year round. Please be generous
with your donation of food.
February Food Donations: 382 pounds
Current Needs: Tuna, Oatmeal, Jelly (small
jars), Cereal and Travel-size (hotel-size) toiletries all kinds.
Eyeglasses: prescription or reading glass that
you don’t need. These items go fast. Place items in
the basket located in the Narthex. Every bit helps
families with real needs in Wichita County and
Holliday.
Interfaith Ministries is honoring their volunteers
which include several of our very own parishioners
on Thursday, March 26th. Please be sure to extend a
loving “Thanks” to the following, who have put in a
combined total of 849.50 volunteer hours:
Ann and Dick Belgrado • Gerald Berend • Lew
Findley • Mary Kravulski • John and Diane Luig •
Liberty Sweeney • Mariea Sweeney
Thank you volunteers for the your gifts you give
on behalf of OLQP parishioners. We are so proud of
you and the ways in which you help to show love
to others by giving of your time to provide rent and
utility assistance, food, medicine and other basic
needs to people in our community facing financial
crises. May GOD in His loving mercy continue
to bestow abundant blessings to you and your
families.
March 22, 2015
For more information
Pope Francis declared this the Year of
Consecrated Life.
Celebrate the Church’s treasure of those in
consecrated life.
(See www.usccb.org for details)
Dear brothers and sisters, may (the) Lenten season
find the whole Church ready to bear witness to all those
who live in material, moral and spiritual destitution, the
Gospel message of the merciful love of God our Father,
who is ready to embrace everyone in Christ.” —Pope
Francis
Let us pray for religious sisters, brothers,
priests, nuns, and others
who have chosen to consecrate their
lives to God in this special way;
Let us celebrate the faith, hope,
and charity that their lives give witness to;
Let us invite others to consider
this joyful form of discipleship. Amen.
“If you are what you should be,
then you will set the world on fire.”
~Saint Catherine of Siena
Call Greg Brown
696-1253
[email protected]
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
1516 Beverly Drive (723-4971)
The St. Vincent dePaul Thrift Store is looking for
some volunteers. Requirement: willingness to
volunteer an hour or two per week! The store
is located at 1516 Beverly Drive, 2 blocks north
of the Loop 11 / Seymour Hwy. intersection. The
store hours are MTW - 10-3 and Sat., 10-2. Stop
by then store on one of these days and you will
see BIG smiles when you offer your services.
Thank you!Like us on Facebook: Wichita Falls
St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store.
Sister Ginny says….
Notre Dame Catholic School is now accepting
applications for new student enrollment for the
2015-2016 school year. Applications for students
grades 3K-12th may be found online at www.
notredamecatholic.org, or hard-copy forms may be
picked up from either the Upper or Lower campus
front offices. To schedule a tour or for any other
questions please contact Matt Ledesma, Director
of Enrollment, at 940-692-6041 or matt.ledesma@
notredamecatholic.org
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Ask how you can help!
Be a part of our outreach to the community in our
efforts to End Poverty in our Diocese.
Purple Care Hope Bags are available in the Narthex
with a suggested “grocery list”. Bring filled bags to the
Narthex or to the church office.
Contact: Susan Cronin (940) 716-9669
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Signs of the Season - The Annunciation
On March 25, we celebrate the Annunciation, the
day that the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that
she had been chosen to be the mother of the Savior.
Read Luke 1:26-38 for the complete story. Pray the
Rosary in Mary’s honor today.
Jesus told another story today,
This time about a grain of wheat
He said it fell into the ground
And maybe was stepped on by many feet.
Some may think it was bad for the grain
Because it surely died that day.
It might never be seen again
If it went to the ground that way.
But in the parable and in real life too
A grain of wheat is strong
It can fall and die deep in the ground
And to your surprise before very long
I can soon find new life
Through rain-water and the sun,
Until it grows and finally pops up free
And a brand new life is won.
The parable is really about Jesus.
He too fell to the ground and died.
Others buried him in a big stone tomb,
But he rose and came back to life.
Just like a million stalks of wheat grow up
From one tiny little seed
For all people who have ever lived
Jesus’ death was our grain of wheat.
We all live a new life in Jesus.
Thank him for it this week!
Registration forms and calendar available online
at www.olqpwf.org (Please note that a Form
A for 14/15 must be completed for this school
year if not yet completed through our summer
activities since June of 2014. Form A will be
kept on file until it expires in May of 2015 so that
you only have to fill it out once per year per child.
Form B must be filled out additionally for each
event youth participate in thought the year.)
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Discovery
(Middle School Ministry)
Sunday’s at 9:30am in the Parish Hall
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Verso L’alto
(High School Ministry)
Wednesday’s at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall
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Confirmation sessions 5:30p-7p in the
Parish Hall
*please note the change of a date from the
original scheduled, email Greg for a updated
complete schedule
(C)-Candidates attend, (P)-Parent(s) attend
• March 29 (C) “SCRIPTURE”
• April 12 (C) CHURCH
• April 19 (C) CREED
• April 26 (C) CREED II
ª May 3 (P, C) SYMBOLS OF, AND THE
CONFIRMATION RITE
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OLQP Catholic Youth t-shirts available in the
office!
Suggested Donation: $15 per t-shirt
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YOUNG ADULTS
(21-35 single and married)
Please contact Greg Brown at 940 247 1721
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** We are in need of 5 more adults to serve
Verso L’alto as Faith Coaches (small group
leaders). For more information please see
www.olqpwf.org/how-to-help or contact
Greg
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Keep up with what’s going on at www.olqpwf.
org/youth
“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists,
it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it
ceases to exist.”
— Saint Gregory the Great
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Adult Formation
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Growing in Faith
Dear Padre
The Rite of Christian Initiation
R.C.I.A Inquirer Classes meet on Thursdays at 7pm in the NDES Cafeteria
All are Welcome (even if you are already Catholic) to the Inquiry Sessions to
learn more about the Catholic Faith. Call Deacon Jim at 696-1253 if you are
interested.
Mar. 26 - Preparation for the Easter Sacraments
Apr. 9 - Social Justice Introduction
Apr. 16 - Social Justice: Teachings of the Church; Rights of Workers/Poverty
Apr. 23 - Immigration/Prejudice
Apr. 30 - The Environment
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Divorced and Re-married?
If you are divorced and remarried outside of the Catholic Church without a
Decree of Invalidity, or if you are married outside of the Catholic Church, you
may not partake of the Sacraments, including the reception of Holy Communion.
Until it is shown otherwise through the ministry of the Tribunal, no person is free
to enter into another marriage without the appearance or occasion of serious
sin. A divorce alone would not affect, or hinder in any way, your participation
in the Catholic Church. A divorced Catholic is free to receive the sacraments.
However, if you are divorced and have remarried, or if you are divorced and in a
new relationship, or if you are living with someone without a Decree of Invalidity
(and your former spouse is still living) you may not partake of the sacraments,
including the reception of Holy Communion).
Consider seeking a Decree of Invalidity which will enable you to return to a full
participation in the sacramental life of the Church. For more information contact
Deacon Larry Bills at the Church office at 696-1253.
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Worldwide Marriage Encounter
In the first reading it says “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” God
wants to be invited into your marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Weekends are Apr. 10-12 and June 12-14, 2015. Dates fill fast. To apply, visit
our website at: http://www.dfwme.org/apply. For more information e-mail
[email protected] or call 469-444-0904. Para mas informacion de Encuentro
Matrimonial en Espanol, escriba a [email protected] o visite http://www.
seccion15.org/
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Rachel Ministries
“The retreat drained me, cleansed me and renewed me! It was one of the most
beautiful and profound experiences of my life!” - Testimony after a Rachel’s
Vineyard Retreat
Come to a Rachel Weekend Retreat to experience the profound and beautiful
mercy of Our Lord.
Rachel Ministries • 817-923-4757
Next Retreat April 10
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Natural Family Planning Classes
The Couple to Couple League is offering NFP classes at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Wichita Falls, Texas. This is a 3-part class, and the next class series
will take place on Sundays from 1:30- 4:30pm in the Berend Room. If you would
like to sign up for this class or any other upcoming classes, please go to www.
ccli.org and fill out the online registration form. If you have any questions, you
may contact Lauren Morath at (940) 544-2515 [email protected].
Does our earthly suffering lessen our time in purgatory?
I’ve had three miscarriages and have chronic pain from a serious auto accident.
Does God look at this as a form of penance for my sins? Will I have less time in
purgatory because I suffered so on earth?
God is love. Jesus revealed this to us in John’s Gospel. We enjoy a relationship
with God as his children, and good parents don’t enjoy seeing their children suffer.
Therefore, God doesn’t intentionally inflict pain and suffering upon his children or
delight in our suffering.
Our illnesses, afflictions, and injuries are simply a sign of our own human
weakness, limitations, and imperfections—physical as well as spiritual. They’re
not a sign of God’s desire to teach us a lesson for the mistakes we’ve made or
even for the sins we’ve committed.
As for the time we’ll spend in purgatory, we need to remember that, although
our sins are forgiven by our Lord’s life, death, and resurrection, sin has an effect
on our souls that must be purified before we enter heaven. This last purification,
or purging, is the purpose of purgatory.
How much time this final purification takes is up to our Lord, whose love and
mercy know no bounds.
FR. SCOTT KATZENBERGER, CSsR
[email protected]
GOOD NEWS!
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (B)
Jer 31:31-34 / Heb 5:7-9 / Jn 12:20-33
I’ve lived in the Midwest most of my life. In the last few years, I’ve found
myself appreciating why some of my “senior” friends enjoy spending time in
warmer climates during the winter months. As I’ve gotten older, the range of
temperatures that feel comfortable to me has grown increasingly narrow—and
while I’m not yet ready to pull up stakes, the thought of it
crosses my mind more frequently.
But, as the Graeme Miles folk song “Dark December” reminds us, we
shouldn’t dislike winter. Jesus—the light in our darkness—is born in the winter.
In a four-season climate like that of the Midwest, we’re particularly attuned to
dark and light, death and life. We sense the days growing shorter and longer; we
see leaves fall and plants sleep, only to reawaken when the weather turns warm.
We know what lamps to light so we can see in those dark times and what clothes
to wear until the warming sun brings the world to life once more.
The prophets knew God was stirring in the world, and they knew God’s
promise of light and salvation. For Jeremiah, light and life came in the promise of
a new covenant—a new relationship with the Lord.
The Greeks of John’s gospel sensed that Jesus was the key to the light they
longed for, and so they wanted to “see” him. John also says that to truly live, we
must be like grain and die to ourselves.
Light into darkness, death into life—maybe the experience of winter helps us
understand that just a little more.
MARY KATHARINE DEELEY
[email protected]
Why do Catholics do That? Why do Catholics call Jesus, “Lord”?
The word “lord” refers to someone having power or authority. When we call
Jesus, “Lord,” we acknowledge his power over sin and death as evidenced by his
Crucifixion and Resurrection. We dedicate ourselves to his service.
“The New Testament uses this full sense of the title ‘Lord’ both for the Father and
…for Jesus, who is thereby recognized as God himself” (Catechism of the Catholic
Church). Therefore, Christians bend our knees to him as our Lord and no one else.
March 22, 2015
March 25 – Annunciation of the Lord
The feast of the Annunciation, now recognized as a solemnity, was first celebrated in the fourth or fifth
century. Its central focus is the Incarnation: God has become one of us. From all eternity God had decided
that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity should become human. Now, as Luke 1:26-38 tells us, the
decision is being realized. The God-Man embraces all humanity, indeed all creation, to bring it to God in
one great act of love. Because human beings have rejected God, Jesus will accept a life of suffering and
an agonizing death: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John
15:13).
Sometimes spiritual writers are accused of putting Mary on a pedestal and thereby discouraging
ordinary humans from imitating her. Perhaps such an observation is misguided. God did put Mary on a
pedestal and has put all human beings on a pedestal. We have scarcely begun to realize the magnificence
of divine grace, the wonder of God’s freely given love. The marvel of Mary—even in the midst of her very
ordinary life—is God’s shout to us to wake up to the marvelous creatures that we all are by divine design.
Follow the Holy Spirit to Heaven
During Lent, Catholics everywhere sharpen their consciences to prepare for
Easter. As temples of the Holy Spirit, it is critical that we keep ourselves in mint
condition. Nevertheless, even the most diligent caretaker can miss something.
Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit to assist with our Spring tune-up.
Give God full attention. Whether it’s by meditating on the limitless nature
of his love, or by making sacrifices like turning off music or TV to better hear the
whispering of the Holy Spirit (1 Kings 19:12), occasional silence is essential to learn
how the Holy Spirit wants to work in our lives.
Read love letters from the Lord. Since humans were inspired by the Holy
Spirit to write the Bible, studying it is like having a conversation with the Lord. What
better way could there be to strengthen our relationship with him than by reading
and meditating on his very words?
Open the floodgates of grace. Growth in our relationship with God comes
through grace. For example, we obtain grace by receiving him in the Eucharist at
Mass, or obtaining guidance and forgiveness from him in the Sacrament of Penance
and Reconciliation. The means by which we may receive grace are endless. The
Holy Spirit guides the Catholic Church, so it makes sense to make the Holy Spirit
our guide, too.
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Catechism Connection
“It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of
sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is
also a ‘confession’ —acknowledgement and praise — of the holiness of God and of
his mercy toward sinful man.
It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental
absolution God grants the penitent ‘pardon and peace.’
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the
love of God who reconciles: ‘Be reconciled to God’ (2 Cor 5:20). He who lives by
God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: ‘Go; first be reconciled to
your brother’ (Mt 5:24).” —Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1424
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Counseling Services
Working in partnership with Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of Peace, Catholic
Charities Fort Worth provides counseling services at Sacred Heart Monday
through Friday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm to assist individuals and families:
-Through the challenges of raising a child
-Resolving marital conflict
-Coping with depression, anxiety, and the stresses of daily life
Let us help you find hope and healing.
Contact the Clinical Counseling program with Catholic Charities at 940-7169669 or speak to your parish office for more details.
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The St. Joseph Health Care Trust assists individuals who are medically
uninsured/underinsured and who meet eligibility criterion. This includes
assistance with prescriptions, dental services, physician visits, and other
services. For more information please call Stella at (940) 552-0347. (This
program is administered through Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fort Worth.)
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Immigration Consultations in Wichita Falls
This opportunity allows you to have an immigration consultation with
an immigration attorney or a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited
representative without traveling outside of Wichita Falls. Our professionals will
serve you via video from our main office in Fort Worth. You will be speaking
privately and confidentially with an authorized person qualified to evaluate your
situation and give immigration legal advice.
Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1504 Tenth Street, Wichita Falls)
Open by appointment: Thursdays and Saturdays
Schedule an appointment: 817.289.2801
Cost of the consultation: $30