EASTER SEASON

THE SEASON OF THE ALLELUIA:

The fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost are celebrated as one feast day, sometimes called the Great Sunday. The singing of the alleluia is characteristic of these days (General Norms for the Liturgical Year #22).

 

Following Church law, the large Easter candle (also know as paschal candle) remains in the sanctuary through Pentecost Sunday. Thus, the permanent stand by the font will remain empty until that date.

 

The 12 wall candles, marking the places where the walls were anointed at the dedication of the church, will be lit on all Sundays of this season and on the Ascension holy day.

 

These are also the days to praise God for the sacraments that initiate us into the risen Lord:

 

We praise God for those baptized at the Easter Vigil and for those received into the full communion of the Catholic Church – in our diocese and throughout our Church.

 

Through the season, we continue to welcome infants into the Body of Christ.

 

We celebrate the First Communion of our children on May 3.

 

We celebrate the Confirmation of our youth on April 11.

 

THE WEEKDAYS OF THIS WEEK: EASTER OCTAVE:

The first eight days of Easter are feasts of the highest joy. If you came to weekday Mass for Lent, why not continue this week, adding a time of joy to the time of penance?

 

THIS FRIDAYS GOSPEL: is from John 21, the appearance of Jesus shown in our stained glass windows above the statue of Mary, Seat of Wisdom.

 

SUNDAYS OF THE SEASON:

The Introductory Rites will include a blessing and sprinkling of water, a reminder of our baptism into the death and resurrection of the Lord.

 

While the first reading each Easter season is from the Acts of the Apostles, the second reading in year A is from 1 Peter. This book was selected for this season based on its harmony with the seasons joyous faith and sure hope.

 

The gospel passages are arranged this way each year: post -resurrection appearances of the Lord (to Thomas on Sunday 2, another episode on Sunday 3); the proclamation of the Good Shepherd (Sunday 4); portions of Jesus discourse at the Last Supper (Sundays 5, 6, 7).

LATER THIS YEAR: PLEASE MARK THESE DATES:

In order to experience the best of Catholicism, and truly enjoy the tradition we share, all parishioners should plan their travels and family obligations to allow for participation in some of these wonderful events. Whether you are a widower living alone or a young family, these events are worth consideration and marking on your calendar:

 

May 11: Pentecost and Mothers Day: At all Masses (including Saturday evening), we have a special blessing for mothers

 

May 24 - 25. Corpus Christi: Our parishs Name day each year is a great opportunity to affirm our being-there for each other.

 

June 14 - 15: Fathers Day. At all Masses (including Saturday evening), we have a special blessing for fathers.

 

August 30 - 31: The 5^th anniversary of dedication of our church. Events to be announced.

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Educations resumes with its normal schedule of classes, Monday, March 24. (No class, Sunday, March 23).

 

Grade 2 Parents Meeting about First Communion Wednesday evening, March 26 at 7:00pm. Parents will be given an informational packet at that time. Just as a reminder First Communion is Saturday, May 3 at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Sunday students and Tuesday room 1 students will celebrate First Communion at the 10:30am Mass. Wednesday students and Tuesday rooms 2 & 3 students will celebrate First Communion at the 1:30pm Mass. Any questions please contact Deborah Boucher at the parish office at 508-888-0209.

 

CONFIRMATION NEWS

Confirmation Two (grade 10) will meet on Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 for REHEARSAL.  All students AND THEIR SPONSORS must attend rehearsal.

 

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Come celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, March 30 at 2:45 in the church. The independent novena began on Good Friday, in preparation for this annual celebration. Remember that saying the Novena, going to Confession and receiving Holy Communion on that Sunday brings a Plenary Indulgence. Please join us here along with the many others who come from other parishes on the Cape.

 

ADVENTURE IN ITALY

November 2 - 14, 2008: You do NOT need to be a choir member or parishioner to join George Campeau for this festive 12 night vacation – in Ravenna, Bologna, Florence, and then 6 nights in Rome. Details on price & itinerary can be obtained from our Director of Music Ministries, George Campeau at gcampeau@corpuschristiparish.org, or from Tom Ryan at gthomasryan@verizon.net, or from the parish office.

Stewardship

2008

 

 

STEWARDSHIP BY THE BOOK

Very early in the morning after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint Jesus body with precious oils. The reward of this good and conscientious steward was to be the first to know that Jesus had been raised from the dead! Alleluia!

 

 

EASTER COLLECTION

Our diocese has a special collection at Easter for the care and support of our retired priests. Our parish will tithe our monthly income for March for this worthy cause, in lieu of a second collection. Your Easter gift will be for the support of our parish and its outreach for such causes.

 

OPERATION RICE BOWL

If you have not made your donation for the work of the Catholic Relief Services (Holy Thursday Collection), please do so at your earliest convenience in one of the receptacles at the church or the chapel.

 

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION

The Good Friday collection is for the churches in Easter Europe and the Holy Land.

 

A HUGE thank you goes out the Corpus Christi Parish Mailing Team. Your help was greatly appreciated with the preparation of the Easter letter! THANK YOU!

 

SINCERE THANKS

I take this opportunity on behalf of the entire parish, to extend sincere thanks to all those who helped make our Holy Week, Sacred Triduum and Easter such a wonderful occasion for sharing, spiritual growth, for prayer and inspiration. The dedication of the MCs, Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers Sacristans, Decorators, George Campeau, the musicians, cantors, members of both choirs, Fr. Thibault, Deacons Alence Boucher, LaChance, and OConnell, lift our hearts throughout the Easter Season.                      Fr. Bouchard

 

MARY CLOSET THRIFT SHOP

May you and your family enjoy every blessing offered through the celebration of this most holy day and the entire Easter Season. We thank you for your continued prayers, support, understanding and generosity. We hope to see you soon.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING

The next Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00pm in room 1 of the parish center.

Monday, March 24 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - MONDAY

9:00am (CC)     Thomas Gately

Tuesday, March 25 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - TUESDAY

9:00am (CC)     Justin W. George

Wednesday, March 26 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - WEDNESDAY

9:00am (CC)     Stuart Benedict

Thursday, March 27 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - THURSDAY

9:00am (CC)     Joseph W. Canavan

Friday, March 28 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - FRIDAY

9:00am (CC)     James A. Reagen

Saturday, March 29 – OCTAVE OF EASTER - SATURDAY

9:00am (CC)     Mary McHugh

Welcome Into Your Kingdom Agnes Lamborghini, Maria Hutchinson, and all who have left this world in Your friendship.

 

 

 

MUSIC MINISTRY

There will be no Adult or Youth Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, March 26.

 

MARYS CLOSET THRIFT SHOP HOURS

Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am – 3:00pm

 

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

The parish office will be closed Monday, March 24 for Easter holiday.

 

CATHOLIC MORALITY

THE CHURCH AND HUMAN SERVICES: An important meeting of the Capes faith community will be Wednesday, April 9^th, 10:00am - 1:00pm, in the Skylight Room of the Parish Center. This is a follow-up to the ingathering of October 2007, where concerned church members considered the county governments role in human service programs (for this fiscal year, severe cuts were made). At that meeting, an action plan was approved – to visit the governor, to press county officials to fund a human services department and programs, etc.

 

Now, all faith communities on the Cape are being encouraged to regather – clergy, lay leaders, leaders of faith-based human service programs. If you would like to be included in this parishs group, please contact one of the leaders of the St. Vincent de Paul society or parishioner Tom Ryan (gthomasryan@verizon.net)

 

THE CHURCH AND IMMIGRATION

Our dioceses Catholic Social Services is sponsoring a program for human services providers to be ready to assist immigrants and their loved ones in the case of a raid or detention. It will be at Federated Church, Main St. Hyannis, 3/25, 2:30pm For more info, contact parishioner Tom Ryan (gthomasryan@verizon.net)

 

HOW MANY JELLY BEANS WERE IN THE JAR?

The winner of the Library Guild jelly bean raffle will be announced after the 10:30am Mass this weekend. The Corpus Christi Parish Library Guild would like to thank everyone who participated in this fun raffle!

 

IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING PRIESTS

Sunday, March 23       Pope Benedict XVI

Monday, March 24      Msgr. Ronald Tosti

Tuesday, March 25     Rev. Horace Travassos

Wednesday, March 26 Rev. Marc Tremblay

Thursday, March 27    Rev. John of the Trinitiy, Erem. TOC

Friday, March 28         Rev. Marek Tuptynski

Saturday March 29     Rev. Rodney Thibault

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 and holiness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

MONTHLY HOLY HOUR

The monthly Holy Hour with the Pro-Life Groups of Holy Trinity Church and Holy Redeemer Church will be held on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 31 at 1:00pm at Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich. Also, after celebrating the Glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday, the group will celebrate the Joyful Annunciation to the young woman whom we have come to know and love as our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of God. Please come to pray for an end to abortion.

COMMUNITY EVENTS, CONTINUED

 

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS

Next meeting: March 24 at 10:00am in the Skylight Room. All women of the parish are invited to attend and learn about the Catholic Daughters.

 

POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Still unsure of where your eighth grade son or daughter will attend high school? Cape Cods only Catholic secondary school, Pope John Paul II High School will conduct a Spring Open House on Sunday, March 30 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. This event will provide a terrific opportunity for families to discuss academic, athletic, and co-curricular offerings with school representatives, meet instructors and current students, and tour the renovated facility. For more information call the school at 508-862-6336 or visit www.pjp2hs.org.

 

The Respect Life Conference will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 8:00am – 3:30pm at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton. The speakers will be Dr. Mark Conrad (president of A Womans Concern), Dr. Mary Patricia Tranter (President of Coyle and Cassidy High School), and Maggie Hauver (parishioner of Holy Family Church). The day will conclude with a prayer service for life. For more information please call 508-824-5707.

 

CATHOLIC NURSES SEMINAR

A SEMINAR ENTITLED: Compassion: For and From the Health Care Worker will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 8:30am – 3:00pm at Saint Annes Hospital in Fall River. The seminar will provide information to health care workers and the general public about the differences of care and compassionate care for the sick and themselves and how to develop this. Susan Conroy will present Mother Teresas teaching on Compassion. The seminar fee $40 and the deadline for registering is April 1. For more information call 508-678-2373.

 

ADOPTION BY CHOICE

Adoption by Choice, a program of Catholic Social Services, is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the State of Rhode Island. The agency will sponsor an adoption information session on Sunday, March 30 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Catholic Social Services office, 1600 Bay Street, Fall River. This session will be for all interested in adopting a domestic newborn or a child from another country. Please call Catholic Social Services at 508-674-4681 for information and directions. Handouts and refreshments will be available. There is no charge for this session.

 

HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER TO ALL!