In his address to slaves (see Second Reading), Peter urged them to bear their unjust sufferings with patience as Christ, the Good Shepherd, bore his sufferings for love of us. Slavery was a fact of life in New Testament times. The New Testament writers do not, as might have been expected, lead a campaign against it. Even if they had wanted to do so, they must have been aware that such a stance could only be judged subversive and would imperil the tenuous foothold Christianity was gaining in the world of the day. Peter’s words have a wider application. He singled out slaves only because their burden of suffering was heavier than that of others. We recognize and congratulate all Mother’s in our parish on this annual Mother’s Day celebration. We hope you have a wonderful day with your family and loved ones. Today we congratulate the 31 Second Graders from our Elementary School and Religious Education program who received their First Holy Communion during a special Mass on Saturday morning. They are: Wyatt Allen, Asija Brekalo, Parker Brickson, Ryan Cooper, Juliana DeMoran, Michael Diaz, Abigail Fisher, Addison Fountain, Gabrielle Gilmore, Matthew Gordon, Luke Junck, Lulu Kelly, Carson Kilpatrick, Mathilde Marsh, Tony Mora, Isabella Patino, Charlotte Peters, Ethan Richards, Jaden Richards, Kyle Richards, Siera Rushing, Thomas Seglio, Ashlynn Seymour, Kaitlyn Shivers, Maya Showalter, Esmeralda Stadthagen, Brennan Tarrant, Davis Voelkel, Claire Weatherly, Cohen Weinhofer and Susie Williams. THANKS! On the 7th of June our Bishop will ordain two new priest for our diocese. As a result, there should be personnel changes and I (Fr. White) probably will be involved. I cannot believe I am 75 years of age and that I have been at St. Alphonsus for 10½ years. It has been a wonderful, enriching and enjoyable experience. I am truly grateful for the privilege of serving such wonderful, committed people for such an extended period. Thank you so much for such a wonderful opportunity. On June 14th, Fr. White will celebrate 50 years of Ordination to the Priesthood. You are invited to join us in congratulating Fr. White on this special occasion with a reception in the KC Hall immediately following the Saturday Vigil Mass. The Knights of Columbus are collecting new baby items to give to Morning Star Pregnancy Center. Items may be placed in the basket in the Vestibule of the Church. The Knights of Columbus are planning a Yard Sale for Saturday, May 24th and are asking for donations (no clothing please). All donations may be dropped off at the back porch of the KC Hall. St. Alphonsus’ Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society are having a 10-Week Drawing. Tickets are $10 each. Each week, for nine weeks, a ticket will be drawn for $50 with the final drawing being for $500, $200 and $100 (all prior winning tickets will be put back in the barrel for a chance at the final drawing). First ticket will be pulled May 25th with the final ticket being pulled July 27th. You may purchase a ticket from any Knight or St. Vincent de Paul member. For more information, call Carl at 228-327-0066. All proceeds will benefit our St. Vincent de Paul Society to help the needy in our area. The Parish Pictorial Directory has arrived. Parishioners (who had their portraits taken) who have not already picked up their free copy may do so by coming by the Rectory Office during regular business hours through the week. MASSES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY MAY 12 Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18 6:30 am Mr. R.J. Domingue 8:15 am Lt. Oskar Kusch TUESDAY MAY 13 Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30 6:30 am Int. Peter Murtough Family 8:15 am Mr. Sean Dubuisson WEDNESDAY MAY 14 Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; John 15:9-17 6:30 am Mr. William Brogan 8:15 am Mr. Eduard van Thiel THURSDAY MAY 15 Acts 13:13-25; John 13:16-20 6:30 am The Troney Family 8:15 am Mr. Richard Porterfield FRIDAY MAY 16 Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6 6:30 am Int. Ms. Bobbie Garcia 8:15 am Mr. Tommy Brochard SATURDAY MAY 17 Acts 13:44-52; John 14:7-14 8:15 am Mr. Leo Noble Mr. Tommy Noble Mr. Jerry Richard 5:00 pm Mr. Thomas Longon SUNDAY MAY 18 Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12 7:30 am Mr. Henry Ryan Ms. Betty Lou Callegari 9:00 am Congregation 11:30 am Mr. John Reilly 5:30 pm Mr. Luis E. Moreno Cruz WEEKLY OFFERING Sunday Collection.....…………...…………..…$11,927.28 Poor Collection………………………………...$ 4,260.41 May God Bless You for your generous and faithful support. The Flowers on the Altar are in Memory of Monica Goretski on Her Birthday The Flowers on the Altar are in Honor of Those Making Their First Holy Communion Your prayers are requested at this time for the repose of the soul of Robert “Bobby” Mitchell, brother of Myra Kittle of this parish, who passed away May 2nd. We extend our sympathy to the family and promise them a remembrance in our prayers. May God grant him eternal peace. Altar Society Members for next week are: Jean Michaud, Marian Sullivan, & Joicelyn Mayfield Religious Education News Pat Cronin – 872-2652; [email protected]; www.stal.cc May 12: New Wine 7:00 p.m. Parish Hall May 15: RCIA 6:00-7:30 p.m. Parish Hall Meeting Room May 18: Religious Education/May Crowning 10:10 –11:10am Adult Formation 10:10 – 11:10 a.m. Parish Hall Studying “Last Words of Fulton Sheen” Children’s Church 11:30 a.m. Mass 3-6 year olds You are invited to come to a Marian Movement of Priest Cenacle Mass on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. Rosary, Message reading, Consecration, Mass A Luncheon for all Altar Society and Auxiliary Members will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 12:00 Noon at C J’s Seafood House (Hwy 90, across the street from Applebee’s). Looking for an event that the whole family can enjoy? Make plans to attend Our Lady of Fatima’s International Spring Fest. Festival hours are: May 16th 4 pm-10 pm; May 17th 10 am–10 pm; May 18th 11:30am - 9pm. Enjoy live entertainment, try delicious foods, ride the carnival rides, place a bid on a Silent Auction item or take a chance on the $15,000 Drawdown ($100 per ticket, admits 4, includes dinner on Sunday 6pm). For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Our Lady of Fatima Church Office at 388-3887 Are you a mother of a preschooler? Are you looking for a supportive community based in love and service? Then come and join our awesome group of moms! Every Mom Needs a Friend. Our Ocean Springs MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group is committed to providing practical help, Christian growth, encouragement and deep relationships for mothers of young children. We will be accepting public sign up for our group on Tuesday May 20th, 2014 between 10am and 12pm at Little Children’s Park in downtown Ocean Springs. We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Esmeralda Stadthagen (parishioner) at [email protected] or visit the MOPS International website at www.mops.org. You are invited to see Our Lady of Fatima’s Pilgrim Virgin Statue on Tuesday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. The life-like statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be displayed at The Meadows Family Home, 5405 Sioux Dr, Ocean Springs, for all to venerate. This beautiful image of the Blessed Mother and Her message will surely stir your soul. For more information, call 875-2947. The Gulf Pine Catholic Newspaper will recognize all high school and college graduates in their June 6th issue. If you wish to be included in this listing, please call the rectory with your name and institution from which you will be graduating by May 26th. Attention Graduating Seniors: There are two $500 Scholarships available from The Chris Nielsen Scholarship Fund to be given away this year. If interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact Carl Brochard at 228-327-0066 or email [email protected] to receive the requirements and registration form. Deadline: June 1, 2014 From the Diocesan Office of Religious Education: The Catholic Diocese of Biloxi will again offer a 3 year program called “New Wine” beginning in September of this year. The program provides education and formation for adults interested in being involved in lay ministry. Interested individuals should contact their Pastor, Principal, DRE or Parish Religion Coordinator no later than June 6th for more information. **School Subsidy Policy** Registration for the 2014/2015 School Year Going on Now St. Alphonsus Finance Committee, in conjunction with the Parish Staff, wishes to reiterate the established policy concerning subsidy of our young people at St. Alphonsus Elementary School or St. Patrick High School. In order for students to receive subsidized tuition at St. Alphonsus Elementary School or St. Patrick High School, the following must be followed: 1. The Family must be registered in St. Alphonsus Parish 2. Contribute to the support of the parish through the regular use of the envelope system or some other agreed upon service. 3. The family MUST attend weekend Mass with the Parish Family at St. Alphonsus. ST. ALPHONSUS SCHOOL May 14: Early Dismissal 2:00 p.m. May 16: Children’s Mass 8:15 a.m. / May Crowning ST. PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL May 14: Enrichment Night 6:00 p.m. May 15: Senior Farewell Mass St. Michael $10,000 Giveaway tickets to benefit the Parish Life Center are now on sale for $10 each, $100/book of 11. The giveaway will be held May 31 st at the Fais Do Do, Biloxi Town Green. If you would like to purchase a ticket, call 228435-5578. You do not need to be present to win. Attention Parents & Grandparents-- During the week of June 23rd, our Church will be transformed into a wacky and weird adventure filled experience for your children. We are asking you to consider how you can help with this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). We are looking for helpers, teens and older, to be teachers and leaders of various fun stations. The commitment is minimal – 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon for only five days. If you love our faith and enjoy working with children -- We Need You. Teens can receive service hours and mission experience for their college applications. Because we are trying to keep the cost low and only charge the amount to cover the take-home keepsakes for the children, we ask that if you are unable to be present at the VBS event to please prayerfully consider making a monetary donation to help offset our snack, craft and other costs. You can also “sponsor a parish child” for only $25.00. Checks can be sent to the Rectory office made out to St. Alphonsus Religious Education with VBS in the memo line. For more information, please contact Lisa McLoughlin (Director of Children and Youth Ministry) at 352-433-6699. Registration forms may be picked up in the Vestibule of the Church or at the Rectory Office. The Lord Is My Help needs volunteers to pack take-out lunches from 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. and/or to serve lunch from 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (no cooking involved) during the week of June 2nd – 6th. If you are able to volunteer your time on any of these days at either/both of the times, please call Jean Petricca at 818-2460. Any help would be greatly appreciated. St. Alphonsus Youth – SR. CYO June 9: Ship Island Trip June 15: Potluck Dinner in Parish Hall June 23-28: Notre Dame Vision Trip July 9: New Orleans Trip For more information about joining CYO at St. Alphonsus, call Scott Hawkins at 228-238-2918. PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Your prayers are requested for the deceased priests who have ministered in the diocese, especially those who have died around this time of year: Reverend Msgr. Patrick J. Carey, May 1, 1979 Reverend Msgr. Patrick K. Bambrick, May 1, 2002 Reverend John T. O’Brien, May 18, 2009