A Jesuit Ministry February 27 / February 28 2021 Second Sunday of Lent

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

A Jesuit Ministry February 27 / February 28 2021 second Sunday of lent www.ladyofhopemaine.org

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 Second Sunday of Lent

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 (02/27) - Saturday (03/06) 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 Thursday St. Pius X 7:00 PM (During Lent) All Masses need Prior Reservations to Attend Open Mass, no pre-registration required Saturday - St. Pius X - 4:30 PM Saturday - St. Pius X 8:00 AM - Livestreamed only 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 Sunday - St. Pius X - 5:00 PM days. Seating 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 receive You into our hearts, minds, souls and bodies. Many of our brothers and sisters cannot now receive You sacra- mentally 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 brothers and sisters. Never permit us to be separated from You or from them. Amen.”

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 03 SATURDAY: February 27, 2021 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention The Sanctuary Candle burns this week at

( Livestream Only ) (Fr. Bob L) Second Sunday of Lent St. Joseph Church 4:30 PM - St. Pius X For the People of the Parish Living & Deceased ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Jack) SUNDAY: February 28, 2021 - Second Sunday of Lent St. Pius X Church 7:00 AM - St. Pius X Jane Fitzpatrick by Agnes LaStoria ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Bob L) 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center For All Those who are struggling with Mental 02/28/2021 to 03/06/2021 Health Issues ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Paul) 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Susan Kakalegian by Virginia Jennings ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Vince) Availability of Holy Communion 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center M. Claire Towsey by Family ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Kevin) We recognize that many in our community do 5:00 PM - St. Pius X John D. Neuts by Ann Marie & Joe Malnati not feel safe in attending Mass. We encour- ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) age using our livestream Mass MONDAY: March 01, 2021 (www.ladyofhopemaine.org). Unfortunately a 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Judy Stanhope by Mary Polito & Jim Pizzo livestream Mass does not enable a person to ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) receive Communion. We invite those who are TUESDAY: March 02, 2021 attending a Mass online or TV to come to St. 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Bernie Pagurko by Love & Prayers, John & Sheilia Pius X Church at about 9:45 AM on Sunday Bowman ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) mornings. Following the 9:00 AM Mass a WEDNESDAY: March 03, 2021 priest will be available at the door of the 9:00 AM - St Pius X Judith McCarthy Stanhope by Larry & Edna Flaherty church ( approximately 9:45 -10:00 AM) to ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) distribute Communion. Follow social distanc- THURSDAY: March 04, 2021 ing in any line and wear a mask, please. 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Jane Fitzpatrick by Cathy McDonald Ministry to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) - Each Third Sunday of the month 7:00 PM - St. Pius X Priest Intention st ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) (on March 21 ) Fr Kevin will offer the 9:00 FRIDAY: March 05, 2021 AM Mass at St. Pius X that is spoken and 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Alphonse Pizzo, Sr. by Mary & Jim also signed in American Sign Language. To ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. ) attend this Mass in person you must re- SATURDAY: March 06, 2021 serve in advance. The Mass is also 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention livestreamed. ( Livestream Only ) (Fr. ) Third Sunday of Lent We give thanks for the lives of our 4:30 PM - St. Pius X Barbara Rumo by Carol Mikkelson & John Brown parishioners who have died this January. ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. ) SUNDAY: March 07, 2021 - Third Sunday of Lent Donald Henry Burkill Irene Dempsey 7:00 AM - St. Pius X Herbert Snyder by Joe & Dawn Desimone Gordon Fergusion Jane Fitzpatrick ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. ) Judy Stanhope 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Ed Ryan ( Reservations Only) (Fr. ) We celebrate the love and trust pledged 9:00 AM - St. Pius X David Noyes by Family by our parishioners and friends who have ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. ) taken their marriage 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center For the People of the Parish Living & Deceased ( Reservations Only) (Fr. ) vows in our parish this January. 5:00 PM - St. Pius X Berlin Castillo by Joy Michael Flaherty and Breanna Muehle ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. ) Christian Yannick Levry and Kristina Knipenberg Scripture for the week of February 28, 2021 28 Sunday Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Rom 8:31b-34/Mk 9:2-10 Observances for the Week of February 28, 2021 01 Monday Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38 28 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT 02 Tuesday Is 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12 01 Monday St David of Wales 03 Wednesday Jer 18:18-20/Mt 20:17-28 02 Tuesday St Agnes of Bohemia 04 Thursday Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31 03 Wednesday St Katharine Drexel 05 Friday Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 04 Thursday St Casimir 06 Saturday Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 05 Friday St John Joseph of the Cross Ex 17:3-7/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 06 Saturday St Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes 07 Sunday 39a, 40-42 (Year A) 07 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT www.ladyofhopemaine.org 04 Second Sunday of Lent From the Social Justice and Peace Ministry – A Lenten Practice for our Parish

Water Although almost 71% of our planet is covered by water, only 2.5% of it is fresh water, and much of that is inac- cessible. The rest is either too salty, frozen, or bound up in rock and soil for us to use. Humans are now the primary consumers of more than half of the fresh water in the world. Direct human water consumption is around 9,100 km3 per year (approximately twice the volume of Lake Michigan in the United States). The way we manage water leads to additional consumption through evaporation into the atmosphere. When this is taken into account, total human impact on the water supply grows to an annual total of approximately 10,700 cubic km3. Water use has been increasing worldwide by about 1% per year since the 1980s, driven by a combination of population growth, socioeconomic devel- opment, and changing consumption patterns.

Global water demand is expected to continue increasing at a similar rate until 2050, leading to an increase of 20% to 30% above the current level of water use, mainly due to rising demand in the industrial and domestic sectors. The United Nations projects that water usage will grow at about twice the rate of population growth through 2050. Water is necessary for the production of energy, particularly for electricity, and global energy demand is conservatively pro- jected to increase by 50% by 2050. Around 40% of the human population already suffers chronic water scarcity, and 800 million of us lack basic drinking water service.

As demand exceeds supply, conflict over water use will increase. For example, water is necessary for production of both food and energy, and demand for both is growing rapidly. Worldwide, irrigation accounts for close to 70% of annual water withdrawals. Demand for food is project-ed to increase 60% - 100% by 2050.21 Countries that import beef, chicken, and other water-intensive products may be using these imports to reduce and shift their own water demand at home. Chronic and severe water shortages bring renewed focus on “shared (transboundary) water” sources, such as rivers and aquifers, leading to transboundary freshwater disputes.

Water footprint of common consumer items (gallons) Item car 13,737 – 21,926; leather shoes 3,626; Smart phone3,190; cotton bed sheet 2839; Jeans 2,108; T-shirt 659. From Water Footprint Calculator. https://www.watercalculator.org

What can we do to respond to the coming water shortage? Fix dripping faucets, turn of fhe tap while brushing teeth, shower less than 2 minutes a day, only do full washing loads, only run the dishwater when it is full, use economy settings on washing machines, (in season) collect rain water for use in your garden.

The St. Francis (of Assisi) Pledge All across our country, Catholics are taking the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor and joining the Catholic Climate Covenant. The St. Francis Pledge is a promise and a commitment by Catholic individuals, families, parishes, organizations and institutions to live our faith by protecting God’s Creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts of global climate change. To join the Covenant, you commit to act on each of the five elements of the St. Francis Pledge.

I/We Pledge to: PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and protect the poor and vulnerable. LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change. ASSESS how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations-contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc. ACT to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change. ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable. To take the pledge online www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/program/st-francis-pledge Francis Revives the Workers’ Church The Catholic Church in America—once an ally of workers and their unions— grew deferential to big money in recent decades. Now, prompted by the Pope, a new generation of labor priests and bishops is trying to change that. by John Gehring October 23, 2017 Here is a link to his important article https://prospect.org/power/francis-revives-workers-church/ Living Water We are connected in creation by water which gives us life.

Tides move in our blood, and on distant shores our kindred lift their heads in the salt air and scan the horizon for a trace of our mark on the earth.

Let our marks be gentle. Let us respect the sacredness of water which moves between us as a blessing from the hand of God. Yvonne Morland

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 05 Finance and Administration Weekly Offertory Report Coming 2nd Collections Your Gifts of Stewardship 02-27/28-2021 — Snow Removal and Grounds Care 03-06/07-2021 — Parish Assessment to School February 13 / February 14, 2021 03=13/14-2021 — Catholic Relief Services First Collection- $5,449.00 envelopes - 129 03-20/21-2021 — Fuel and Energy Fund Second Collection Parish- $1,213.00 - envelopes – 90 If you have any questions regarding your Second Collection Diocese - $141.00 - envelopes – 10 envelopes, please contact Linda at 207-797-7026 st Weshare:(1 Collection Parish)-$3,270.50 Transactions 91 Thank you for your continued support and generous donations. nd Weshare: (2 Collection Parish)- $295.88 Transaction 18 Our Lady of Hope Sebastian Rasle, SJ Prayer Circle Weshare: (Diocesan) - $ Transactions March 2021 Prayer Intentions

TOTAL Parish First Offertory was $8,719.50 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 collection needs to average $13,500.00 per week.) for one another through these prayer intentions and the Thank you for your generosity—God Bless idea of a Parish Prayer Circle. I hope that these intentions and the commitment to pray have been a source of grace December Parish Poor Box Collection and blessing to you and to our parish, school, and world. $ 180.17 1. For the spiritual health, vitality, and financial support of Our Lady of Hope Parish and St. Brigid School. Wayside Soup Kitchen St. Vincent De Paul - February 2. Pope’s Intentions March 2021, Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us pray that we may experience the Mass Intentions sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God. Arrangements for Mass Intentions (or the sanctuary can- 3. For those most burdened physically, emotionally, dles) can be made at the Parish Office - by phone or email if financially by this year of covid. For those reaching out to help the suffering. For those parts of the world which at all possible. Mass Intentions are being scheduled for all will struggle to obtain and distribute vaccines the Masses being celebrated in the parish at this time.

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 contact 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! Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Friday evenings during Lent at 6:00 PM at St. Pius X. This prayer is available by livestream only. It will be led by Deacon John McAuliffe assisted by Bill Welch.

Monthly Eucharistic Adoration ( March 05th ) Each first Friday of the month. 7:00 to 8:00 PM livestream from St. Pius X Church, Eucharistic Adoration. Led by Deacon John. Attendance is by livestream only at this time. Catholic Appeal Thanks for some recent gifts to the Catholic Appeal 268 individuals or families have made a gift of pledge from our parish. 86% of Parish Goal Thank You

Pledge/gift envelopes are available at the door at St. Pius X Church. 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 top- ics. 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 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.

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 06 Second Sunday of Lent Lobster Roll Dinner - Drive Thru Only - Take Home

Our Lady of Hope Parish and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a drive-thru pick up only Lobster Roll Dinner on Saturday March 13th after the 4:30 Mass. The meal will include, Lobster Roll, Cole slaw, Potato Chips, and a cookie. Cost is $15.00 per person. Dinners can be picked up immediately after the Mass. 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 parish 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 March 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 have been cancelled for the remainder of 2021.

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

In this time of increased need our parish seeks to reach out as we are able. The Parish Finance Council has approved giving the parish portion of the "Pot of Gold 50/50" to benefit the Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Food Pantry. St. Patrick’s Day (virtual) Party Monday March 15th 7:00 PM Calling all interested in a virtual St. Patrick’s Day (virtual) Party – Monday March 15th.

It is time now to step up and let us know if you want to come to the party and if in addition to that, you’d be willing to offer a song, a poem, a story for the gathering. So far the outlook is pretty slim. To attend or share some entertain- ment you need to sign up in advance. You can do that by calling the parish office (797-7026) or register online ( REGISTER HERE) at https://ourladyofhopeportland.weshareonline.org/StPatricksDayvirtualParty03152021 Fr Paul SJ Irish Soda Bread Sale: The parish will be selling 8" round homemade bread for $10.00 a loaf. Pick up St. Pius X Hall on March 13th and 14th. You can order your bread by calling the parish office at 797- 7026. Payment by cash, check or WeShare, the deadline for ordering and payment is March 11th. The EXAMEN The Examen is a method of reviewing your day in the presence of God. It’s actually an attitude more than a method, a time set aside for thankful reflection on where God is in your everyday life. It has five steps, which most people take more or less in order, and it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per day. Here it is in a nut- shell:www.ignatianspirituality.com Version of the Examen from A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer by Jim Manney © Loyola Press

Ask God for light. I want to look at my day with God’s eyes, not merely my own. Give thanks. The day I have just lived is a gift from God. Be grateful for it. Review the day. I carefully look back on the day just completed, being guided by the Holy Spirit. Face your shortcomings. I face up to what is wrong—in my life and in me. Look toward the day to come. I ask where I need God in the day to come. www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 07 Coming to Mass… (March 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, ush- ers, 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 condi- tions 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!! Rice Bowl

Practicing charitable giving is one of the ways to celebrate Lent. The Rice Bowl program has been with us for years and is a good way to help others. If you set aside a little bit each week, that helps feed the hungry here in Portland and around the world through Catholic Relief Services. You can pick up a Rice Bowl at Masses and at the door at St. Pi- us. Return it with your contribution at Holy Week. Norms for FASTING & ABSTINENCE

According to Church practice, Lenten Fridays are meatless for those 14+ (“abstinence”). Good Friday is also a day of fasting – just one full meal that day for those ages 18-59. For more information see www.usccb.org Second Sunday of Lent Reflections by Father Kevin

In our first reading today we are reminded of the faith of Abraham in Genesis. Abraham trusted so much in the Lord, that he was willing to give anything to the Lord. While this story is difficult for us to hear, we remember that the Lord does not desire the sacrifice of Isaac. It is sometimes easy for us to forget that human beings are good. After creating human beings in the first chapter of Genesis, God declares all creation good, and does not desire that his good creation be sacrificed! Rather, through repentance and acts of self-denial during Lent, we are called to become more attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives.

In our Gospel today, Peter, James and John witness Jesus’s transfiguration on the mountain. In that moment everything that prevented them from seeing the glory of the Lord’s presence shining in Jesus was removed, and they saw clearly. Lent is our time to prepare for the glory of Christ’s Resurrection to be revealed at Easter. We need to take time to be sure that we can see clearly. St. Paul reminds us that God does not hold back on giving his children what they need. As we continue through Lent, we can pray for the grace that our acts of prayer, fasting and alms giving help us to see more clearly the presence of God each day.

Rite of Election Last Sunday (2/21) Erika Allen and Ian Edwards were received as “Elect” by the Bishop. This rite normally coincides with the first Sunday of Lent. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. In the presence of the bishop, they inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect at the cathedral as a pledge of fidelity. Now the catechumens are called "the elect' or "the illuminandi" ("those who will be enlightened"). They now begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment — the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. On the next five Sundays of Lent, three scrutinies (rites for self-searching and repentance) and the presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer take place. This period concludes with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil or at some point in the Easter Season. The RCIA is a spiritually moving process beneficial to the whole parish community. As we draw closer to the celebration of Easter, let us pray in particular for Erika and Ian and those elect who will be entering our holy Catholic Church this Easter Season. Members of our RCIA Team who are accompanying Ian and Erika in their journey are: Lori Arsenault, Jim Masi, Dick Niles and Fr. Paul SJ.

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 08 Second Sunday of Lent The Season of Lent

Please look over these parish/school offerings as ways to feed your Catholic, Christian life, to deepen your experience of God, and also to strengthen your ties to your brothers and sisters in faith in this community. God never calls us all by ourselves. We are social beings by God’s gift. Our God is a God of relationships and God wishes to bless us in our relationships. We journey toward God together.

Often Catholics like to attend a daily Mass during Lent. In addition to our regular 9:00 AM daily Mass (livestream and in person) and Saturday 8:00 AM (livestream) we are adding a Thursday evening Mass at 7:00 PM at St. Pius X for Lent. This is open to attendance (no reservation needed) and livestreamed. Our parish priests will take turns celebrating this Mass. StartingThursday Feb 18th through Thursday March 25th.

Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Friday evenings during Lent at 6:00 PM at St. Pius X. This prayer is available by livestream only. It will be led by Deacon John McAuliffe assisted by Bill Welch.

March 5th Friday Holy Hour. Our monthly, first Friday evening Holy Hour, including prayer before the Eucharist, will occur at 7:00 PM, following the Stations. This prayer is available by livestream only. Led by Deacon John and Bill Welch.

Novena of Grace March 4-12 - see page 9

The weekly bulletin will carry reflections on the Sunday readings, prepared by Fr. Kevin, S.J.

Fr. Jack SJ and Deacon John are presenting a special program on the connections between the AA Twelve Steps and the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. There are two sessions, Tuesday March 2nd and 9th at 7:00 PM. The sessions are open to in-person attendance at St. Pius X and will also be livestreamed. All are welcome. Note these sessions are not AA meetings, but presentations aimed to understand the relationship between these two life-giving documents, to grow in our relationship with God, and to aid our ability to be helpful to those who are trying to free themselves of the disease of alcoholism. Our parish Social Justice and Peace Ministry is inviting us to reflect on the need to care with wisdom and re- sponsibility for the earth, our common home. This is the call of many scientists and religious leaders, including the world-wide Society of Jesus, and Pope Francis. There will be reflective material and suggestions for practical action in the bulletin each week during Lent, including an invitation to join in reading and discussing People Francis’ document on these issues “Laudato Si’” Watch the bulletin in the weeks to come for more.

Lent is traditionally a time for seeking forgiveness, both from brothers and sisters we have hurt, and from God. During Lent we will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation at our usual time: 2:30 - 3:00 PM Saturday at St. Pius X. We are using the sacristy. In addition, there will be a Reconciliation Service on March 24th at 7:00 PM at St. Pius X. Following that brief service of prayer led by Fr. Paul, S.J., three priests will be available for individual confession. Covid precautions will be followed.

Our regular Monday evening Parish Zoom Gathering continues. All are welcome to join for an hour of conversation and fellowship. 7:00 - 8:00 PM via zoom. Contact the Parish Office to get the link.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations: Drive-through Lobster Roll Dinner Saturday March 13th Pick-up starting at 5:00 PM. Drawing for our St. Pat’s “Pot of Gold” 50/50 that day also. 50% to our winner. 50% to benefit the Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Food Pantry. Monday March 15th 7:00 PM an on…virtual St. Patrick’s Day celebration “seisiun” (or “ceilidh” for the Scottish). Details in the bulletin.

Lent officially ends the morning of Holy Thursday (April 1st). We will follow up with information on our Holy Week events at a later date. Watch the bulletin and parish website for any updates or additions. From our Catholic heritage…

“The dignity of the individual and the demands of justice require, particularly today, that economic choices do not cause disparities in wealth to increase in an excessive and morally unacceptable manner.” Caritas et Veritate Benedict XVI 2009

“The basis for all that the Church believes about the moral dimensions of economic life is its vision of the transcendent worth – the sacredness – of human beings. The dignity of the human person, realized in community with others, is the criterion against which all aspects of economic life must be measured.” Economic Justice for All” Pastoral Letter by US Catholic Bishops 1986

www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 09 Novena of Grace – starts this week

The Novena of Grace March 4 -12 leads up to the anniversary of the canonization of Francis Xavier, S.J. and Ignatius Loyola, S.J. It is dedicated to Xavier. It was first celebrated in 1634 and over the years people reported so many graces received through their prayers, it has become known as the “Novena of Grace.”

Our Novena will be observed at all scheduled parish Masses, including the Lenten Thursday evening Masses. Reflec- tions at these Masses will focus on themes of the Ignatian spiritual vision. A special blessing will be given at the evening Mass on March 11th and the Friday morning Mass on March 12th. All Masses will be available livestream as well as open to in-person attendance. Be part of this blessed Jesuit tradition this year

Novena Prayer

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the Indies and Japan, St. Francis Xavier. The remembrance of the favors with which you blessed him during life and of his glory after death fills us with joy; and we unite with him in offering to you our sincere tribute of thanksgiving and of praise.

We ask you to grant us, through his powerful intercession, the inestimable blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. We also ask you to grant us the favors we seek in this novena. (Pause to mention the blessing you seek)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God and the good of our souls, grant us, we pray, what is more con- ducive to both. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

What Would You Ask God? By Shemaiah Gonzalez My 11-year-old son asks the best questions. He can get a conversation going in any situation. I overheard a lively dis- cussion at the playground when he asked a group of kids, “Which is better, dogs or cats?” I won’t tell you which won, or it might cause another fight. Once on a long car drive, he asked us, “Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish?” The debate occupied us for a good 40 miles. And the other night at dinner he asked, “If you could ask God anything, what would you ask?” Our normally verbal family was silenced for a few moments.

What would we ask God? Isn’t asking questions whatprayer is? My son’s question gnawed to the core. Asking questions to get to know God better often isn’t what we do when we pray. If we are honest, imagining God right in front of us, flesh and bone, brings forth more questions than we ever ask in our regular prayer lives. If we could ask God anything, what would we ask?

Our family finally began to ask questions aloud. We asked about the people we have lost. Are they with you? And, What were you like as a kid? Could you teach me that water into wine miracle? When are you coming back? Over the next few days, my son’s question kept coming back to me. I tried to imagine God sitting in a chair in my room with me. Do you love me? I asked. Why? What do you see in me?

As I practiced this discipline, I sensed God’s presence more and more. I felt certain that God loved me and began to see myself through his eyes as a doting Father. As I sat with him, I became more certain of his ways and the truth and goodness in the world. As I sat with God, I felt strengthened to take on the tension of the world outside. I realized I wanted to ask fewer questions and just enjoy his presence. But maybe you are like my son. Maybe you are a big question-asker, and that’s how you get to know someone. Prayer can be asking questions. David asked questions in the Psalms—over 50 of them. He asked (my paraphrases): • Lord, why don’t you seem to be around when I need help? (10:1) • Lord, I feel as if I am at the end of my rope. How long will I dangle like this? (6:3) • Who are you? (24:8) God is not afraid of questions. There is not one he hasn’t heard. He isn’t afraid or shocked by them. He welcomes them. So, if you could ask God anything—which you can—what would you ask? www.ignatianspirituality.com Prayer on today's Gospel Reading

Lord, today we thank you for the privilege of knowing your glory. We thank you for the glory in the storms that hurled over us in winter. We thank you for your glory in the light of the sun breaking through again as winter ends. We thank you for your glory in the green life that surges up in spring. We thank you for your glory reflected in the human race - the energy and beauty of youth, the dignified beauty of age. Above all on this day we thank you for the greater glory that the disciples saw when Jesus stood high on a mountain and shone with the first dawn of the eternal light. Lord, bring us at the last into the full glory that you prepared for us and all your children before the beginning of all the worlds. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. (adapted) Roddy Cowie www.ladyofhopemaine.org THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH YOUR BULLETIN FREE EACH WEEK

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