Our Lady of Hope Parish OUR LADY OF HOPE and ST. BRIGID SCHOOL

A Jesuit Ministry January 30 / January 31, 2021 fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time www.ladyofhopemaine.org

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Pastoral Office, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103-2540 207-797-7026 email: [email protected] Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM The office is closed on Fridays except by appointment (including phone calls). Phone messages left at any time are returned as soon as possible on the next regular work day. NOTICE - Please watch our website for most recently updated information (www.ladyofhopemaine.org). There is about a week "lag time" from when the bulletin is completed and when you see it. The parish office will be open to the public again by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. All Covid19 guidelines are to be followed. We still need to limit in-person contact as much as possible to protect everyone concerned. Please conduct your parish business as much as possible via phone or email. (Mass cards and scheduling Mass can be done via phone or email). Thanks for your faithful continuing of church support through your envelopes, WeShare and offerings dropped at the mail slot at the Parish Office. You have kept us going financially! See page 7 for updates on church reopening. www.ladyofhopemaine.org 02 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Paul Sullivan S.J. Fr. Kevin Hughes S.J. Fr. John d ’Anjou S.J. Fr. Vincent Curtin S.J. Pastor Parochial Vicar Senior Priest Senior Priest

Mary Cafazzo Linda McCormack Jean Ingalls Sandra Litcher Andrew Litcher Christopher Landry William Burke Melodye Deberadinis Business Mgr. Parish Assistance Office Assistance Faith Formation IT and Maintenance Maintenance School Principal School Bookkeeper Pastoral Staff Finance Council Fr. Paul Sullivan, S.J.- Pastor Bill Green, Charlie Noyes, Barbara Willey, Fr. Kevin C. Hughes, S.J - Parochial Vicar Ann Campbell, Tim Gibson Fr. John d ’Anjou, S.J.- Senior Priest Fr. Vincent Curtin, S.J. Senior Priest Pastoral Council Rev. Mr. John McAuliffe, Deacon Bill Slavick, Mary Ellen White, Kathy Eliscu Parish Musicians Estelle Lavoie, Elizabeth Tarasevich Nancy Curran Joan Dube Dermot Bostock Tom Luna Lori Arsenault [email protected]

Office Staff Sacrament of Baptism Mary Cafazzo Parish Business Administrator Please call the Pastoral Office at 207-797-7026 to register Linda McCormack Parish Administrative Assistant for pre-baptism class. Jean Ingalls Office Assistant Melodye Deberadinis School Bookkeeper Sacrament of Marriage Andrew Litcher IT and Maintenance Couples should contact the Pastoral Office at least six Christopher Landry Maintenance months in advance.

Faith Formation Sacrament of Reconciliation [email protected] Saturday - St. Pius X Church 2:30 to 3:00 PM Sandra Litcher-Director of Religious Education or by Appointment

R.C.I.A. RCIA Core Team: Lori Arsenault, Jim Masi, Dick Niles, Father Paul Sullivan S.J.

Daily Mass Schedule - Saturday (01/23) - Saturday (01/30) All Masses celebrated at St. Pius X Church are livestreamed, available at the parish website Daily Mass Schedule Mon-Friday 9 :00 AM Weekend Masses Open Mass, no pre-registration required. All Masses need Prior Reservations to Attend Saturday - St. Pius X 8:00 AM - Livestreamed only Saturday - St. Pius X - 4:30 PM Sunday - St. Pius X 7:00 9:00 AM Additional Weekly Masses with our Jesuit Community: Sunday - Father Hayes Center 8:00 AM School Mass at St. Brigid will be held differently and will Sunday - St. Pius X 9:00 AM open only to students and school staff. Cheverus has resumed Sunday - Father Hayes Center 10:00 AM the 7:15 AM Mass in the Loyola Chapel on school days. Seating Sunday - St. Pius X - 5:00 PM is limited.

Act of Spiritual Communion

"Jesus, we believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. We love You above all things and desire to re- ceive You into our hearts, minds, souls and bodies. Many of our brothers and sisters cannot now receive You sacramen- tally because of illness, or violence in their homelands, or because there is no priest and Mass can be celebrated only rarely. Come spiritually into those hearts. We embrace You, already there, and unite ourselves to You and to our broth- ers and sisters. Never permit us to be separated from You or from them. Amen.”

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 03 SATURDAY: January 30, 2021 The Sanctuary Candle burns this week at 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention ( Livestream Only ) (Fr. Bob L) St. Church Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Domenic Bernabei 4:30 PM - St. Pius X John Daley by Sandy & Andy Litcher ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) St. Pius X Church SUNDAY: January 31, 2021 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Claire Foley 7:00 AM - St. Pius X John T. and Helena M. Sullivan by the Family ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) 01/31/2020 to 02/06/2021 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center For The People of the Parish, both Living & Deceased ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Kevin) 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Philip Foley by The Family A prayer for our journey as a parish ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Jack) 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Priest Intention "God of the journey, as we travel on alert us to ( Reservations Only ) (Fr. Bob L) the things that matter 5:00 PM - St. Pius X John D. Neuts by Ann Marie & Joe Malnati and open our eyes to every sign of your ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) presence. MONDAY: February 01, 2021 Give us a sense of direction, 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Our Parishioner's in the hospital or health care facilities or at least a sense of purpose, ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Jack) a sense of wonder, TUESDAY: February 02, 2021 a sense that, in everything, 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Zeb Leavitt by Anthony Pirone & Family You are walking with us step by step, ( Open No Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Vince) gently leading us to the heart of things." WEDNESDAY: February 03, 20201 Availability of Holy Communion

9:00 AM - St Pius X Gordon Douglas Fergurson by Larry & Edna Flaherty We recognize that many in our community do ( Open No Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Bob L) not feel safe in attending Mass. We encourage THURSDAY: February 04, 2021 using our livestream Mass 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Eileen Tonsmeire (www.ladyofhopemaine.org). Unfortunately a ( Open No Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) livestream Mass does not enable a person to FRIDAY: February 05, 2021 receive Communion. We invite those who are 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Edward Stanhope by Judy attending a Mass online or TV to come to St. Family ( Open No Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) Pius X Church at about 9:45 AM on Sunday SATURDAY: February 06, 2021 mornings. Following the 9:00 AM Mass a priest 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention will be available at the door of the ( Livestream Only ) (Fr. Bob L) church (approximately 9:45-10:00 AM) to Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:30 PM - St. Pius X Anna Trivellin distribute Communion. Follow social distancing ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) in any line and wear a mask, please. SUNDAY: February 07, 2021 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ministry to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - 7:00 AM - St. Pius X Those Living with Addictions Each Third Sunday of the month ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) st 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Those working with the poor, those living in (on February 21 ) Fr Kevin will offer the 9:00 shelters ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Bob L) AM Mass at St. Pius X that is spoken and also 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Maine Boston College Alumni Living & Deceased and signed in American Sign Language. To Their Families ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) attend this Mass in person you must reserve 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Families struggling economically ( Reservations Only ) (Fr. Vince) in advance. The Mass is also livestreamed. 5:00 PM - St. Pius X For The People of the Parish, both Living & Deceased ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin)

Scripture for the week of January 31, 2021 31 Sunday Dt 18:15-20/1 Cor 7:32-35/Mk 1:21-28 Observances for the Week of January 31, 2021 01 Monday Heb 11:32-40/Mk 5:1-20 31 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 02 Tuesday Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 01 Monday Ansgar 03 Wednesday Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Mk 6:1-6 02 Tuesday The Presentation of the Lord 04 Thursday Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/Mk 6:7-13 03 Wednesday Saint Blaise 05 Friday Heb 13:1-8/Mk 6:14-29 04 Thursday of Leonissa 06 Saturday Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Mk 6:30-34 05 Friday Saint Agatha Jb 7:1-4, 6-7/1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23/Mk 06 Saturday Saint and Companions 07 Sunday 1:29-39 07 Sunday FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 04 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Winter Weather Cancellations - This year Our Lady of Hope Parish will be listing any weather-related cancellations on TV channel 6 and on the website - News Center Maine. You can also go by our "old way" - if Portland Schools are closed because of bad weather, our 9:00 AM Mass is cancelled to in-person attendance. If the internet is working, we do expect to livestream that 9:00 AM Mass but do not venture out to try to attend. Your safety, the ability of the City Crews to clean streets and our snow plowing people to clear our church yard make it important for you to stay home. If it is a "snow day" then the Parish Office will also be closed. Telephone Ministry - Additional callers are invited to join our new "phone ministry." Some people cannot now safely get out or get to church and families are not able to visit. It is important to have con- tact with them. We are looking for people willing to make 4-5 calls a month to fellow parishioners, just to say hello. If you can do this, from the safety of your own home and on your own time, please contact the parish office to let us know. 797-7026 or by email [email protected]. Thank you! Getting Ready for Lent 2021 1 The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness Lenten Read-Along 2 Plan now to join a special Lenten read-along with Loyola Press. We’ll be reading The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness: 10 Steps to Healing at a relaxed pace that will give us time to savor what we read during the weeks of Lent. The book, by dot- blogger Marina Berzins McCoy, delves into the principles of Ignatian spirituality and uses gentle honesty to lay out 10 steps toward forgiveness. 3 How to Participate 4 Purchase your copy of The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness. Get 25% off when using code 5323.* 5 Download the read-along schedule. 1. Post your thoughts, favorite quotes, or reactions with #lentreadalong on social media. The Loyola Press read-along begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and runs through Holy Week, March 28 through April 3, 2021. On Fridays during Lent, visit IgnatianSpirituality.com for special content related to our read-along, including opportunities to discuss sections of the book with other readers. If any in the parish wish to “gather locally” to reflect and share your reading, please let the parish office know or on-line ( REGISTER HERE)

Growing in Friendship with God This Lent Honor the legacy of William A. Barry, SJ, by reading his Lenten Meditations: Growing in Friendship with God and dotMagis posts inspired by the small but impactful daily reflections booklet. Living Lent Daily Explore themes of hope and courage through this daily e-mail series from Loyola Press. Inspired by the new book, I Am with You: Lessons of Hope and Courage in Times of Crisis by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, our daily reflections will encourage us in confusing and turbulent times.

* Use promo code 5323 when ordering at store.loyolapress.com or by phone at 800-621-1008. Shipping and handling are additional. Cannot be combined with other offers. U.S. domestic orders only. Offer expires April 4, 2021. Sunday Masses at Stevens Avenue

As has been announced, our Sunday 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses have moved from St. Joseph Church to the Fr Hayes Center for the winter months. This will allow us to save on heating costs this year when our parish income has dropped due to the pandemic. Procedures for reserving a place at Mass remain the same. Enter by the door in the glass foyer on the Stevens Ave. side of the Fr. Hayes Center (school) building. Parish Zoom Gathering Mondays For some months now a number of parishioners have gathered for a zoom conversation Monday evenings 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The conversation is always interesting - no pre-set topics. Anyone in the parish is invited to join. If you want to come, send an email to the parish office letting us know that and you will be sent the weekly link and invitation. You can opt-out at any time if you wish! Thanks Fr Paul SJ Parish Survey Results - Thank you

The Pastoral Council has begun reviewing your responses to our Parish Survey. Many of your initial answers about faith and church and living as a Catholic are inspiring and positive. Jesus' message of caring for one another is alive in your hearts. There are good suggestions about what we can do and some generous offers to help. We will be reaching out to you with the results and "taking you up" on your willingness to be involved. Stay tuned and thanks for your responses.

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 05 Finance and Administration Weekly Offertory Report Coming 2nd Collections Your Gifts of Stewardship 01-30/31-2021 — 02-06/07-2021 — Parish Assessment to School January 16 / January 17, 2021 02-13/14-2021 — Fuel and Energy Fund First Collection- $5,668.00 envelopes - 67 02-17-2021 — Eastern Europe / Solidary Fund Second Collection Parish- $598.00 - envelopes – 23 If you have any questions regarding your Second Collection Diocese - $ - envelopes – envelopes, please contact Linda at 207-797-7026 st Weshare:(1 Collection Parish)- $2,656.54 Transactions 91 Thank you for your continued support and generous donations. Weshare: (2nd Collection Parish)- $189.92 Transactions 12 Our Lady of Hope Sebastian Rasle, SJ Prayer Circle Weshare: (Diocesan) - $ Transactions February 2021 Prayer Intentions

TOTAL Parish First Offertory was $8,324.54 We now start the third year of urging parishioners and (In order to meet our budget for this year, our First friends to pray for our parish and other world needs and for collection needs to average $13,500.00 per week.) one another through these prayer intentions and the idea of Thank you for your generosity—God Bless a Parish Prayer Circle. I hope that these intentions and the commitment to pray have been a source of grace and bless- December Parish Poor Box Collection ing to you and to our parish, school, and world. $ 210.00 1. For the spiritual health, vitality, and financial support of Our Lady of Hope Parish and St. Brigid School. Sacred Heart / St. Dominic Food Pantry Wayside Soup Kitchen - January 2. Francis’ Prayer Intention for February- Violence Against Women. We pray for women who are victims of Mass Intentions - Arrangements for Mass Intentions (or violence, that they may be protected by society and have the sanctuary candles) can be made at the Parish Office - by their sufferings considered and heeded. phone or email if at all possible. Mass Intentions are being 3. In this month of St. Valentine, we pray for healthy scheduled for all the Masses being celebrated in the parish at relationships in our lives, relationships built on honesty and trust and mutual respect. We pray that we be aware this time. of people around us who are lonely and seek Monthly Eucharistic Adoration (February 05th ) opportunities to reach out and offer some companionship. Each first Friday of the month. 7:00 to 8:00 PM livestream ABBA Bottle Drive from St. Pius X Church, Eucharistic Adoration. Led by Deacon John. Attendance is by livestream only at this time. The Knights of Columbus ABBA Baby Bottle Drive ends this Catholic Appeal weekend. Thanks for everyone who has assisted this wor- thy effort by your contributions and your prayers. If you Thanks for some recent gifts to the Catholic Appeal 267 have bottles at home please do return them, even if you are individuals or families have made a gift of pledge from our parish. 86% of Parish Goal Thank You not able to make a contribution. The bottles themselves cost ABBA. Pledge/gift envelopes are available at the door at St. Pius X Church. Weekly Bulletins - Printed copies of the weekly bulletin Anyone Interested? are available at the entrance of St. Pius X Church. New cop- ies are put out on Fridays. Some have asked why can't we Small group faith-sharing has been part of our parish life dur- ing Lent. This year sharing can continue online for those who have them at St. Joseph as well? The answer to that is have that capacity, or, for those who feel safe, in small in- there is no sheltered space at St. Joe's. Putting bulletins person groups. If you are interested in either option, please out there would mean they would be rained upon or apt to call or email the parish office. be blown around the yard. It is also much easier to park

Other opportunities for Lent (which starts Feb 17) will be an- close to the door at Pius and retrieve your bulletin. We are nounced soon! trying to make getting the bulletin easier. You can stop by

Thanks Fr Paul SJ the Parish Office for a copy as well, if you like, Monday- Thursday 9 AM - 4 PM). Thanks. The bulletin is also availa- Thanks ble at our parish website www.ladyofhopemaine.org We recently received a Thank You card from the Sacred Accounting for the use of your time....

Heart-St. Dominic Food Pantry. The “Poor Box” offering to If you are working extra hours - Are you working too many the pantry was $210 and helped serve 412 people “We truly hours? Do you really need to work that much? appreciate and thank you for your help.” Are you spending enough time with your family? Thank you all. What your priorities for the next few months? What helps you to relax, re-creates you? Do you experience time as a gift? When are you most aware of that? www.ladyofhopemaine.org 06 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Home-Made Macaroni-Cheese and Ham Dinner - Drive Thru Only Take Home - By Reservation Only February 13th

Our Lady of Hope Parish and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a drive-thru pick up only Home-Made Macaroni-Cheese and Ham Dinner on Saturday February 13th starting at 5:00 PM. The menu will be Home-made macaroni and cheese, sliced ham, tossed sal- ad, roll and a cookie. Also, Five lucky people will receive a surprise with their dinner! Cost is $15.00 per person. All orders must be pre-paid for accurate count and no cash accepted due to virus precautions. Checks are also accepted and can be made payable to Our Lady of Hope Parish, dropped in the church basket or mailed to the par- ish office. You can also use the WeShare link here (Parish Social and Fundraising Activity) or go to our parish website: www.ladyofhopemaine.org then click on Online Offertory and Donations icon found in the middle of the page. This will also take you to the online WeShare web page. Dinner Orders need to be in by February 9th , to get an accurate count. Please call Paul LeBlond at 207-253-9856 or Andy Litcher 207-653-5356 for reservations but please ensure the payment is in process (mail or online).

Our parish is in need of fund-raising activities as weekly contributions have dropped and all parish social activities so far have been cancelled for 2021. Your chance to win a “Pot of Gold”

Parish St. Patrick’s Day 50/50. We are launching this 50/50 now with a drawing at the March 13th Drive-Through St. Patrick’s Dinner. Give your tickets anytime now. Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10 or 12 for $20. Payment can be made via WeShare, at the Parish Office or by putting your ticket order and payment in the parish collection. We will make out the individual tickets for you, just tell us how many you need.

1 - Ticket - $2.00 6 - Tickets - $10.00 12 - Tickets - $20.00

Name: ______Phone Number:______

To enter 50 / 50 fill out entry form, tear off, or click on link below Payment: drop in the church basket or mailed to the parish office. Checks can be made payable to Our Lady of Hope Parish Our Lady of Hope Parish Office 673 Stevens Ave. Portland ME 04103-2640.

Drawing will be March 13th (Click Here for Entry Form) ( https://ladyofhopemaine.org/pdf/StpatricksDay50-50.pdf ) (Click Here for WeShare Link) ( https://ourladyofhopeportland.weshareonline.org/StPatricksDay505003132021)

St. Patrick’s Day (virtual) Party Monday March 15th 7:00 PM Our regular Monday evening Parish Zoom gathering will become a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 15th. Following upon our successful Virtual Christmas Party in December, we are calling on anyone who may have a story to tell, a song to sing or play, a poem to share to sign up to be part of our version of an Irish “seisun” or Scottish“ ceilidh.” Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day and all are welcome. To plan for this event, I need to know who our musicians and speakers may be and what you’d like to do, so let me know. For everyone else, reserve a space now and I’ll send on the zoom link/ invitation when the date draws near. Bring your own beverage and keep the entertainment “family friendly.”

Go raibh míle maith agat! (This simple Irish blessing is used in its original Gaelic often in Ireland -one of the few expres- sions that almost everybody knows. It means 'Many thanks' (literally 'That you may have a thousand good things'))

Fr Paul SJ

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 07 Coming to Mass… (February 01st)

Open Masses are listed on page 2. Pre-registration is required and you must wear a mask. Please plan to arrive at 10 minutes early to allow time to be checked in.

How to register for Weekend Masses Call the Parish Office (207-797-7026) Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM before the weekend you wish to come. You must speak to a member of the Parish Staff. Reservations cannot be made by leaving a message or sending an email. You must make a reservation for each week – no “standing reservations” can be taken. You will need to give your name and contact information and the number of people in your “party.” People living together can sit together. All others are two to a pew.

Can you be part of our Ministry of Welcome?

Thanks to parishioners who are now serving as Ministers of Welcome at each of our open Masses (greeters, ushers, cleaners). Your generous service makes it possible to welcome our parishioners to live Masses. 1. Those serving need to be willing to be scheduled for a Mass on a continuing basis. We can expect that these conditions will be with us for months yet 2. Please contact the Parish Office to become part of this important Ministry Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding and good will!! Celebrating St. Brigid (Naomh Brid) February 1st

In Irish folk tradition, St. Brigid’s Day, February 1, is the first day of spring, and thus of the farming year. It is the festival of Ireland’s much-loved Brigid, who is often called ‘Mary of the Gael’. She built her convent in Kildare (Cill Dara, the Church of the Oak). In pre-Christian Ireland, February the first was the feast of‘ Imbolc’ (‘Imbolg’ in modern Irish), which means ‘giving milk’, when sheep and cows began to lactate, and it also marked the quickening of the earth. St. Brigid’s Day marks the loosening of winter’s grip. Brigid, the bright maiden of spring, bringing light and new growth, takes over from the ‘Cailleach’, the hag of winter. To see a hedgehog on St. Brigid’s Day was a good weather sign, as the hedgehog comes out of his burrow, looks about to judge the weather and stays out if mild weather is coming. From Irish folklore we read: ‘St. Brigid was very generous and her feastday is an omen of good times to come. She ushers in a more plentiful season, for when her day comes, the ‘Dubhluachair’, or the darkest, severest part of the year, is gone. The ‘Dubhluachair’ is between Christmas and February 1. In this severe weather the rushes turn black.

Brigid shares her name with the goddess ‘Brigit’, who was honoured as the source of fertility, abundance, of all the aspects of nature. When Christianity became established, it Christianised many of the old festivals and gods of the old religions. Some of the aspects of everyday life that came under the patronage of both Brigit the goddess and Saint Brigid include smiths, the hearth, poets, midwifery and healing. As a Christian spiritual figure, she became associated with the ‘disempowered of humanity’, including the displaced, the impoverished, and the socially stigmatised people, such as disa- bled and illegitimate children. She has from an early period been linked with the church in Kildare where she founded a convent and, as abbess, ruled over priests and nuns. Some scholars believe that Kildare itself had originally been a pagan sanctuary of the Celtic Goddess, Brigit. Then when Christianity came, a saintly woman bearing the same name as the god- dess, took over the pagan sanctuary and turned it into a convent. Here in this part of West Cork, there are at least four ho- ly wells named ‘Tobar Bríde’ (Brigid’s Well); these certainly are pre-Christian and were places of devotion before the com- ing of Christianity.

Two fundamental ideas about her life are her great faith in God, and secondly, her extraordinary charity and love for oth- ers, both human and animal. She never allowed the poor to go away empty-handed. Much of her life story is concerned with domestic life and running a house and her miracles deal largely with the multiplication of food and drink and with healing. The making of ‘Cros Bríde’ (St. Brigid’s Cross) was the most widespread custom connected with the festival. Wo- ven from straw or rushes, they are diamond-shaped. It is still customary for children to make them in school (as they have been made in our school). They were hung in the dwelling house and in the cattle byres as protection for the family and the animals.. The cross was also considered to be a protective agent against storms, lightning and fire. Protection against fire was particularly important at a time when most houses had thatched roofs which were highly inflammable. A story from Co, Derry relates how Brigid had no food left in the house for her father’s meal as she had given everything to the poor. She prayed earnestly and made crosses from rushes and placed them in the cheese presses. Her father returned and found the presses full of cheese. This story places the emphasis not so much on protection from danger but rather on the plentiful supply of food for the household which St. Brigid guarantees to those who hang up her cross in their homes. We call upon Brigid to protect our school and lead us all in hospitality, welcome and faith. And maybe, the coming of an early Spring. Adapted from an article in“ West Cork People”

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 08 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Stay Connected

Aside from the livestream Masses (or TV Masses from other places), there are other ways you can keep connected. From 7:00 to 8:00 PM on the First Friday of each month there is a service of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer led by Deacon John and Bill Welsh, carried livestream from St. Pius X Church. We invite members of the parish to join in a time of informal conversation and connection Monday evenings 7:00 to 8:00 PM via zoom. If you want to stop in to this gathering, let the Parish Office know and we'll send you the invitation and zoom link. We have a number of people regularly calling parishioners through our Telephone Ministry. If you'd like to be a caller or to receive a call, again, let the Parish Office know. Printed copies of the bulletin are available at the doorway at St. Pius X Church. New copies for the week are put out on Fridays.

Communion is available at the doorway at St. Pius X Church following the 9 AM Sunday Mass (9:45-10:00 AM). This is especially for those who have attended a livestream or TV Mass. During the Advent season we had several careful in- person events and also some livestream events. Attendance was light overall. We are planning other events in the coming weeks. Watch the bulletin for details.

Being connected as best we are able is an important source of support and help to our mental health. There is a danger in being isolated - a danger to individuals and a danger to the health and strength of our parish community. Let's work against that kind of isolation.

For those who are able to come to Mass in person, we are following all recommended health procedures. We ask you wear a mask at all times and that you call in advance to attend weekend or holyday Masses so we can be sure there is a safe seat available for you.

A very special thanks to those of you who are "reaching out" with your faithful financial support to the parish. Without you, we would not be able to continue the ministry of this parish. Why the Feast of the Presentation is More Important Than You Think by Ellyn von Huben “Down with the rosemary, and so Down with the bays and mistletoe Down with the holly, ivy, all, Wherewith ye dress’d the Christmas Hall” — Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve by Robert Herrick

There is one more sacred day that should not be lost in avalanche of the “winter holidays.” February 2 – the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord– deserves more attention than just being the absolute final day for the Christmas decorations. (Not that I am above playing the ‘Catholic card’ when questioned about our lingering tinsel) We celebrate the blessing of the candles for the year – Candlemas – on February 2, as well as the American secular news/meteorological event of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is what is foremost in many minds when February 2 is mentioned. After celebrating the Nativity of our Lord, with its splendor in both the Church and the popular culture, it would be easy for one’s mind to drift and overlook the significance of the fortieth day after the Lord’s birth. But we should look beyond our hustling to banish the decorations to the attic, the obsession over the days remaining in this … winter, and endless chatter about Super Bowl Sunday. Because the events set in motion with the Annunciation and Nativity continue with the signifi- cant presentation of our Lord in the Temple.

Joseph and Mary’s presentation of the baby was no pro forma event. The words of the prophet are fulfilled in the poor parents presenting their firstborn son along with their humble sacrifice of two turtledoves. (Now I am sending my messenger— he will prepare the way before me; And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The mes- senger of the covenant whom you desire—see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1) The mother of God – the , in no need of ritual purification – and her husband did not set themselves above the Law.

In their conformation to the Law is God’s entrance into his Temple. and Anna, pious and elderly, having spent their lives in prayer and waiting in the Temple for the Messiah, have their ‘moment.” There is the glorious Nunc Dimittis of Sime- on. With Candlemas we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. But a shadow also passes; a shadow foretelling the suffering that will precede the victory of the Light over darkness. Simeon not only proclaimed that he had seen his salva- tion, but also told the Mother of our Lord that her share would include a sorrow pierced heart. In Redemptoris Mater, Pope John Paul II wrote that Mary heard in Simeon’s words something akin to a second Annunciation, “for they tell her of the actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow. While this announcement on the one hand confirms her faith in the accomplishment of the divine promises of salvation, on the other hand it also reveals to her that she will have to live her obedience of faith in suffering, at the side of the suffering Savior, and that her motherhood will be mysterious and sorrowful.”

This is where it starts to get ‘real’, i.e. moving past the holly, tinsel, and jolly carols. The tiny child snuggled in the crèche a few weeks ago is now revealed to be a sign of contradiction. His gentle obedient mother faces a future of sorrow. Simeon asked to depart in peace. What shall we ask of the Lord as we celebrate his Presentation? From “Word on Fire”

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 09 February 3rd Memorial of St. Blaise and blessing of throats.

Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise’s feast day, February 3, because of the Blessing of the Throats that take place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Very few facts are known about Saint Blaise. It is believed he was a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century. The legend of St. Blaise tells us that he was born into a rich and noble family who raised him as a Christian. He became a bishop. Later, a new persecution of Christians began. He received a message from God to go into the hills to escape perse- cution. Hunters discovered a cave surrounded by wild animals who were sick. Blaise walked among them unafraid, curing them of their illnesses. Saint Blase is the patron of physicians, sick cattle, wax- chandlers, woolcombers, and of wild ani- mals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies. He is invoked against afflictions of the throat.

From the Vatican website, a prayer to St. Blaise O Blessed St Blaise, you received from God the power to protect men from throat diseases and other maladies. Take away the illness that afflicts me, keep my throat healthy and perfect so that I can talk correctly and be able to proclaim and sing praises to God. I promise you, St Blaise, that the words coming from my mouth will always speak: The truth and not lies; justice and not calumnies; goodness and not harshness; comprehension and not intransi- gence; forgiveness and not condemnation; pardon and not accusation; respect and not disparagement. Conciliation and not intrigue; calmness and not irritation; unselfishness and not egotism; edification and not scandal; enthusiasm and not defeatism; conformity and not complaint; love and not hate; joyfulness and not sadness; faith and not disbelief; hope and not despair. St Blaise, keep my throat free from illness so that I can praise God, my Creator, and thank you, my protec- tor. Amen.

We will offer the blessing of throats on the memorial day of St. Blaise, Wed February 3th at the end of the 9:00 AM Mass. We will also offer the blessing at the Parish Masses on Saturday January 30th and Sunday January 31th.

February 6th – Feast of St. Paul Miki, S.J. and Companions, of

Nagasaki, Japan, is familiar to Americans as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, immediately killing over 37,000 people. Three and a half centuries before, 26 were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking . Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, , Jesuits, and members of the ; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent chil- dren—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church.

Brother Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan, has become the best known among the martyrs of Japan. While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

When returned to Japan in the 1860s, at first they found no trace of Christianity. But after establishing them- selves they found that thousands of Christians lived around Nagasaki and that they had secretly preserved the faith. Beati- fied in 1627, the martyrs of Japan were finally canonized in 1862. Today, a new era has come for the Church in Japan. Alt- hough the number of Catholics is not large, the Church is respected and has total religious freedom. The spread of Christi- anity in the Far East is slow and difficult. Faith such as that of the 26 martyrs is needed today as much as in 1597.

A feast such as this reminds us that we belong to a worldwide community of faith, a community of many races, cultures and languages. We are One, but not Uniform. It also reminds us that many men, women and children have offered much, suffered much in many cases for our faith. Let is not take our faith, our church, our parish for granted. We are but the lat- est in a long line of hearts and minds. What those coming after us will know and receive depends, at least in part, on our effort, our faith, even our sacrifice for faith, love and community.

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