Sunday, March 14th - The Fourth Sunday of Lent
CHEERS! - A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Cheers!
This Sunday is the mid-point of Lent: “Laetare Sunday”. “Laetare” means “Rejoice!” — because three weeks of Lent are gone and in just three weeks we will be celebrating Easter! As a symbol of this rejoicing, we wear vestments that are brighter than the Lenten violet or purple, namely rose or pink. This is a special day for our Elect: they will soon be received into the Church by receiving all three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist.
There are two special feasts that occur this week: on Wednesday, March 17, St. Patrick; and on Friday, March 19, St. Joseph.
Of course, St. Patrick’s day has always been a great day for me because of my Irish heritage. As they say, there are only two types of people in the world: the Irish and those who wish they were! This second group, of course, are green (“Kelly” green, that is) with envy. Lol.
St. Patrick’s Day holds another important thought for me: my father, William (Bill) Kenny, died of a sudden heart attack on St. Paddy’s day in 1983. This was a very sad day naturally, but now I look on it as the day when this very Irish and wonderful and most influential man entered eternal life. So, for me it’s still can be remembered as a good day!
And, one year ago, on March 17, 2020, the Feast of St. Patrick, we celebrated our last Mass in the Church before “Covid-19 Lockdown” was mandated! One year of pandemic! Actually, the rest of the Diocese “locked down” on March 16, but I got special permission from Bishop George Leo Thomas to say our final Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. An ominous anniversary indeed! But, “the light is at the end of the tunnel”: most numbers of infections, hospitalizations and Covid-related deaths are way down! And, millions of Americans are getting vaccinated every day. I’ve had both of my Moderna vaccines.
The other major feast is that of St. Joseph — two days later on Friday, March 19. Pope Francis has declared the year 2021 as “The Year of St. Joseph”. Although we have not planned anything —yet! —, I’m sure we will have some way of honoring this wonderful man: the husband of Mary, the foster-father of Jesus, the patron of the Universal Church: this good, hard-working carpenter Saint!
Why not try to sign up (still way under, at Daily Mass, the restricted limit of 400) to attend 7:30 a.m. Mass on one or both of these days?
Have a great 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.
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 - Last one! March 26th 5pm - 7pm
LENTEN FOOD DRIVE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Thank YOU our amazing parishioners, our Holy Spirit Outreach Team, Bishop Gorman students, Fr. Bill & the Staff at Holy Spirit...
You donated 24,000 pounds of food...that equals 12 Tons!
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
Over this past weekend, March 5th - 7th, 130 teenagers participated in their Confirmation Retreat. This retreat, which usually takes place out of town but due to Covid travel restrictions took place at Holy Spirit, focused on Discovery - Discovering who we are, who God created us to be, Discovering the presence of God in our life, and Discovering how we bring the light and love of Jesus into our world. Given by the Youth Ministry Core Team, it was an amazing weekend in which teens truly had the opportunity to spend time with God on the 'mountain' and discover the amazing presence of Christ in their lives!
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
What is your favorite part of St. Patrick's Day?
Irish Food!
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Irish Beer!
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Irish Music!
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None of the Above - I'd Rather Celebrate St. Joseph's Day! Salute!
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Feel free to add your opinions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments section.
Last weeks (March 7th) Question Results: #1 Facebook
GOSPEL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read the Readings from this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent
2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 19-23; Psalm 137:1-6; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21
Use the following discussion/reflection questions in your families, with your spouse, your friends, or even as personal journal questions:
1. What does it mean that Christ did not come to condemn the world but, rather, to save it? Why were we in need of saving in the first place?
2. What promises does Christ make if we believe in Him? What is the benefit of following the light?
3. Where do you see the battle between light and darkness in the world today?
4. How can you be a reflection of Christ’s light?
WEEKLY WORSHIP
"God of salvation You chased down my heart through all of my failure and pride On a hill You created the light of the world Abandoned in darkness to die. And as You speak a hundred billion failures disappear where You lost Your life so I could find it here. If You left the grave behind You, so will I. I can see Your heart in everything You've done every part designed in a work of art called love. If You gladly chose surrender so will I." Hillsong Worship
YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.” It is a wonderful opportunity to increase our love for St. Joseph and knowledge, “to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal" (Patris Corde).
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!
"Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation."
-Pope Francis
Prayer to Saint Joseph
To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty protector, be kind to us
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.
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 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!
"I know well that the greater and more beautiful the work is, the more terrible will be the storms that rage against it"
St. Faustina