Sunday, March 7th - The Third Sunday of Lent
CHEERS! - A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Cheers!
It’s March! There are many important dates in these first few weeks of March to put on your calendars:
Sundays, March 7, 14 & 21: the celebration of the “Scrutinies” at all of the weekend Masses. To scrutinize means “to search deeply”. This rite is most important to those who are the “Elect”, those ready to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 3. These elect are challenged to search their lives — before Baptism — and rid themselves of all that might stand in the way of a closer walk with Jesus. But, all of us need to “scrutinize” our lives as well and root out, as best we can, all that is sinful and selfish. So, we will all kneel during these rites, examine our consciences and try to become more Christ-like in all our words and actions. The “Scrutinies” are meant to make us uncomfortable because we are looking at our faults — never a good feeling doing so; some of us remember kneeling in the Gorman cafeteria on the hard floor: that was a little bit uncomfortable— physically speaking!
On Thursday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m., we will celebrate our Lenten Service of Reconciliation. The evening will begin with some Scripture, prayer and music; then, there will be eight priests available for the individual hearing of confessions. Because of “social distancing”, we will need to keep priest and penitent six feet apart; so we are using most of the rooms in the church building to guarantee privacy and confidentially, as well as following Covid-19 protocols: wearing of mask by both priest and parishioner, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. Since, we have not been able to hold individual confessions on Saturdays, I hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity.
Then, next week I’ll talk/write about the ominous anniversary we will be celebrating: one year of a pandemic! Of course, the highlight of next week will be the celebration of that great and awesome saint — everybody’s favorite: St. Patrick. More on this in the next bulletin: I’m sure you can hardly wait. Lol!
Have a good week! God bless you.
Fr. Bill
NEWS FROM THE PARISH
Seating Capacity
Church seating capacity remains at 400 people even with the governors increase in overall percentage. To maintain social distancing of 6-feet between households, 400 total people at Mass will remain the capacity.
Dispensation Extension
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass has been extended to April 4th, 2021.
All Masses still require registration.
When attending Mass, please make sure you/your family are 6-feet away from other people/families.
Weekly Mass signups are emailed out each week on Wednesday at 7pm. Signups can also be accessed through our website.
We are here to serve you. Please offer any other suggestions by placing a comment to this email as to what you would like to see in this bulletin.
Do you need a prayer? Would you like to pray for someone? You can reply directly to this email (which will create a private comment) or click the 'Reply' button to leave a public comment.
We are united to one another through our prayer. We are praying for you. You are not alone.
LENT 2021 RESURRECTING HOPE
Daily Reflections from the Lenten Book "Here I Am, Lord" posted on Facebook, YouTube, and the website. (Book available in the Gift Store)
"Les Miserables" Bible Study with Fr. Bill in the Church + Live Stream
Every Wednesday, 7pm - 8pm
Stations of the Cross - Every Friday 6:00-6:30pm in the Church
Taize Prayer with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - March 23rd at 7pm
Lenten Reconciliation Night - Thursday, March 11th at 6pm
"Drive-Thru" Fish Frys - March 5th and March 26th 5pm - 7pm
LENTEN FOOD DRIVE
Stuff the Truck!
Saturday, March 6th & Sunday, March 7th
On Saturday and Sunday, February 27th & 28th, after all the Masses, we will be passing out grocery bags for a special Food Drive to assist Catholic Charities. Please return your groceries the following weekend, March 6th & 7th.
Catholic Charities feeds between 650 and 700 families a week though their “Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry”. Due to the pandemic, their needs have grown substantially and they can really use our help. The following is a list of much needed food items they have requested. Of course you can donate any non-perishable food items.
Boxed cereals Pancake Mix
Canned chicken Pasta
Canned fruit Pasta sauce
Canned tuna Peanut butter & Jelly
Macaroni & cheese Spam
Oatmeal Syrup
Drop off times will be:
Saturday, March 6th from 8:00am-4:00pm and
Sunday, March 7th from 7:00am-5pm
Feel free to bring cases of food items as well!
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Have you seen? Our gift shop now has Lenten "Resurrecting Hope" masks, Crown of Thorns silicon bracelets, First Communion masks, and lots of Confirmation and First Communion Gifts. Stop by to check it out!
Gift Shop Hours:
Open after all weekend liturgies and
Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
MOMENT OF THE WEEK
As the weather gets warmer, and as we are in the season of Lent, more and more people have come to the prayer garden and the Stations of the Cross for quiet reflection and prayer. It is even common that people who live in the neighborhood, and are just walking by, are drawn into the peace and serenity of the prayer garden. Especially during the times of sunrise or sunset, these areas are filled with God's beauty and a great way to enjoy some time praying as we continue our journey of Lent.
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
What is your preferred platform for Social Media?
Facebook
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I don't use any Social Media
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Feel free to add your opinions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments section.
Last weeks (February 28th) Question Results: #1 Outdoor Walks/Hikes
HOPE IN LENT
On Sunday, February 21st, the Upper Room held a Lent Prayer Night. Along the theme of Resurrecting Hope, and interview was conducted with two of the teen Core Team Leaders, Megan W. and Jordan C. Through this interview, the shared their own insights, from a teens perspective, on what hope means to them, and why it is important to have hope in this world. They had such a wonderful insight to hope, that you are encouraged to watch this interview.
GOSPEL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read the Readings from this Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Lent
Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:8-11; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-25
Use the following discussion/reflection questions in your families, with your spouse, your friends, or even as personal journal questions:
1. This weeks psalm lays out a lot of qualities of the Word of God: perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true, precious, and sweet. Which quality sticks out to you most? Why?
2. What makes the law of the Lord different from governmental laws?
3. A lot of people view laws as oppressive or as limits on freedom. In light of this, why would God’s laws be “refreshing” and “enlightening”?
WEEKLY WORSHIP
"Narrow as the road may seem, I’ll follow where Your spirit leads. Broken as my life may be, I will give You every piece. I hear You call I am available. I say yes Lord I am available. Here I am with open hands, counting on Your grace again. Less of me and more of You, I just wanna see You move" Elevation Worship
ANGEL TREE 2020
November 28th - December 13th
This year’s Angel Tree project will be a little different. As you are aware several things are different from prior years: We are practicing social distancing and many schools have not reopened. Many families are without jobs through no fault of their own. The agencies are at a disadvantage since they must use fewer volunteers to assist in their Christmas gift giving programs. We are limited in space for storage and the number of volunteers we can use at one time. Therefore, we are asking everyone to try something new this year…
After all the Masses on the weekend of November 21st & 22nd, volunteers will be handing out a special Angel tag as you leave Mass. Please consider taking one or two to help a child in need this Christmas. If you are unable to attend Mass and watch virtually, we have inserted an Angel tag in the bulletin that you can print, cut out and attach to your stocking. We will also leave some Angels in a basket in the gathering space of the church if you attend morning Mass during the week.
Here is what we are asking:
Please purchase a 16”-18” Christmas stocking and a Target, Walmart, Visa, etc. gift card (minimum $25). Please be sure to write the amount of your gift card somewhere on the card. You may choose the age and gender (newborn - teenagers) of your Angel just be sure to write that information on the back of the Angel. Put the gift card in the stocking and fill the rest of the stocking with little fun items you think your Angel would enjoy receiving. For many children this might be the only gift they will receive this year. After you have purchased the items and filled your stocking attach your Angel tag to the stocking and follow the directions on the back of the Angel tag. It is important that you give your stocking to one of the volunteers either on Wednesdays or on the weekend before all the Masses.
If you are unable to shop or would like us to shop for you, please put your donation (checks payable to Holy Spirit) in an envelope and label it “Angel Tree”. You can also go online to our website www.holyspiritlv.org, go to “Give On Line” and select “Angel Tree. Donations in the Poor Box will also assist with this project.
Thank you for rising to this new challenge and making this Christmas special for many deserving children. God bless you!
A WELL-BUILT FAITH
Mondays 7:00 - 8:00pm
This 13-week series is for the following:
1. Catechumens: those adults, NEVER BAPTIZED, who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church.
2. Candidates: those adults, ALREADY BAPTIZED in another Christian denomination, who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Confirmandi: those adults who are CATHOLIC, but have never received First Communion and/or Confirmation.
4. Other interested adults: ANYONE who wants to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic’s Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe (This book will be available at the sessions)
Schedule:
March 8th: Human Dignity, Sin & Mercy
March 15th: Works of Mercy & Social Justice
March 22nd: Prayer
March 29th: The Lord's Prayer & Conclusion
Sessions continue to the end of March.
These sessions will be Live Streamed. Link on our Website.
OUR COMMUNITY
Below is information about Holy Spirit! Access the information by clicking on the links below. If, for any reason, you cannot find what you are looking for, please call our office 702-459-7778
OUR MINISTRIES
Below is information about some of our ministries and groups at Holy Spirit. Access this information by clicking on the links below. For additional information, please call our office 702-459-7778
WAYS TO GIVE
IN PERSON: Drop it off at the office or Use the kiosk in the lobby of the Church
AT MASS: Put it in the collection basket at the altar steps when you attend Mass
MAIL: Send it through the mail (5830 Mesa Park Drive, LV, NV 89135)
ONLINE: Use our on-line e-tithing system (www.holyspiritlv.org); click “On-line Giving”
BY PHONE: Text "Assist" to (702)500-1938
Thank you for your generosity to Your parish!
"Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God"
St. Ignatius of Loyola