March 22, 2020 LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE DIOCESE Fourth Sunday of Lent (A) 1 Sm 16:1b, 6–7, 10–13a 12:10 DAILY MASS & SATURDAY ADORATION AT ST. THERESA’S The Bishop’s Corner as well as Lectio Divina are all suspended until further Notice. Eph 5:8–14 Dear Fellow-Catholics, ST. THERESA’S GIFT SHOP: CLOSED until further Notice. Jn 9:1–41 or 9:1, 6–9, 13–17, 34–38 In 1957 the Nobel Prize in Literature was won by Albert MSA: CLOSED until further Notice. Camus. He was 44 at the time which made him the second CARITAS HOUSE OF PRAYER (236-5877) All programs at Caritas youngest recipient in history. Actually the youngest was Rudyard Kipling. Camus can be described as a French have been suspended until further notice as is our ministry to the nursing Algerian philosopher, author and journalist. homes and hospital. One of his principal novels is entitled “The Plague” which was published You may be interested to know that Bishop Robert Baron has his daily in 1947 in Paris. Realistically, this book is about an epidemic plague in the city of Oran, Algeria. However, it is a universal work as it was created from Jesus said, Mass on you tube the beauty of this is that you can watch it at any time the author’s personal experience in relation to war, exclusion, death, mass “I came into this of day/night. destruction and a constant sense of danger. It is also a story about the growth of evil and various human attitudes. “The Plague” is a parabolic novel that world for judgment, HERE IS A REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK: Lent is now half over. Our uses a generalization to present issues that are current in every era. The r so that those who do Lord is calling us to follow Him with renewed energy and enthusiasm. God e f lections of the narrator, dialogues, doubts, views, observations, are an is constantly searching for us. He is the Hound of Heaven. We cannot expression of the struggle with evil that must be clarified, interpreted and not see might see, and let fear keep us from responding to His call. We have His promise that qualified. It is a story about basic human dilemmas, matters of conscience, those who do see might He will be with us always. During this present health crisis in our world interpersonal contacts, faith and honour. One of the protagonists of the novel is Fr. Paneloux, for whom the plague let us pray for faith that God is with us, always with us but remember become blind.” becomes a moment of great transformation. First, he preaches that the plague that he expects us to do our part in changing ourselves and situations is God’s punishment for the sins and godlessness of the people. However, JOHN 9:39 within our power. Lent is about conversion, a change of heart. One of when he witnesses the death of a child, he undergoes a profound change. the outstanding features of the ministry of Jesus was his acceptance The narrator describes it in this way: of everyone, especially those whom society shunned---tax collectors, Paneloux spoke in a softer tone, more thoughtful than the first time, beggars, prostitutes, the poor, sinners. As we travel through these Lenten and the audience noticed several times that he hesitantly chose his words. days, and this world crisis let us examine ourselves on how accepting Interestingly enough, he no longer said “you” but “we.” Paneloux said forcefully we are of others who are different from ourselves and how willing are that there are things that can be explained in relation to God, and others that cannot be explained. Of course, there is good and evil, and in general it is easy we to comply with what we have been asked to do without complaining to explain what separates them. However, the difficulty begins with evil. For or criticizing. Jesus looked with love on those who suffered…let us do example, there exists evil that can be seen as seemingly necessary but there likewise and be conscious of those who are and will be experiencing is also evil that can be seen as seemingly useless. If it is fair that lightning great financial difficulties. Let us ask ourselves if there are anyways strikes an unbeliever, how can one understand a child’s suffering. Indeed, there is nothing more important on earth than a child’s suffering, the fear that we can help. May these days be grace-filled for all. Sisters Dolores and The Gospel tells another story about seeing. In it, Jesus restores this suffering brings, and the reasons that must be found for it. Judith Everything else in life is facilitated by God but before we get to this point, I See a man’s sight. What began as a story about physical blindness religion has no merit. However, in this instance God pushes us agai nst the and sight then becomes a lesson about seeing and understanding wall. So we are under the walls of the plague and in their mortal shadow we the mystery of God’s power as opposed to refusing to see and Do we? Do we really see? Do we understand? There is so must find a blessing for ourselves. Father Paneloux refused even the easy understand it. No one in the story could claim that the man had not much that is simply misunderstood or unnoticed. Little about life is ways of getting through this wall. It would be convenient for him to say that the really been blind. Then why did they refuse to acknowledge that uncomplicated, and even that which is uncomplicated so often slips pleasures that are waiting for a child can compensate for their suffering, but God’s power had done something marvelous in their presence? But right by us. This is true about a life lived alone or with others. It is also he really knows nothing about it. How could a claim for eternal joy make up they did refuse. We can, indeed, choose to be blind. PARISH REGISTRATION FORM for a moment of human suffering? Certainly it would not be a Christian whose true about our life with God. —Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA Moved house, had a baby, changed your contact data? Please help us Lord suffered in body and soul. No, Father Paneloux will remain at the foot of The first reading is an example of this. God will choose one of to keep the Diocesan database up to date! Log on to our Website, click the wall, loyal to this passion, whose symbol is the cross, face to face with the the sons of Jesse to be king. Will it be the eldest, the rightful heir? If on your Parish Page and either download or print the Parish Registration suffering of a child. He would say without fear to those who listen to him today: not him, perhaps it will be the brightest one or the most pious. All of FOR Reflection Form. Complete and drop the form into either the Collection basket, at “My brothers, the moment has come. We have to believe in everything or deny these highly valued characteristics would certainly be necessary for everything. Who among us would dare to deny everything?” your Rectory Office or email it to [email protected]. one to be an effective king. However, Jesse and his sons did not see  Does bias make you blind to the gifts of others? Thanks for your assistance and God bless. A few more quotations: in the same way as God. Their youngest brother, the one tending the  Do you find it difficult to recognize the power of God as it unfolds “I know for sure that everyone carries the plague, because nobody, no sheep, would be God’s choice. He was the one God wanted, and so before you? Why? The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda website has been one in the world is free from it. You have to watch over yourself constantly so David was anointed in the presence of his family. updated. Please take the time to review the website, it has a great deal that when you are distracted, you do not breathe the plague into the face of of information of what is happening in and around our Diocese is www. another person and infect them.” romancatholicbermuda.bm. “Plagues are indeed ordinary, but it is hard to believe when they hit us. ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH There were as much plagues in the world as there were wars. Nevertheless, P.O. BOX HM 727, HAMILTON, HMCX BERMUDA 51 South Road, Paget, PG 03 A WORD FROM Pope Francis plagues and wars always find people just as surprised.” “There is always T: 441 236-2166 E: [email protected] an hour in history when one who dares to say that two and two are four is Pastor: Rev. Joseph F. H. Morley • Cell: 705 0236 • Email: [email protected] Vocations: Fr. Toby Collins www.vocationculture.ca We can imagine what Joseph must have punishable by death.” “Within an individual there is more that deserves admiration than Pastoral Council Chairperson: Glenn Clinton (c) 526 0000 been thinking. How is it that the Son contempt.” Pastoral Council Finance Chair: Robert Mason email: [email protected] (h) 292 3178 Pastoral Council CCD Coordinator: Patricia Carreiro email: [email protected] (c) 737 1047 of God has no home? …And those “Nothing in the world is worth turning a man away from that which he Community Building Committee Chair: Grace Lovecchio email: [email protected] (h) 236-5006 loves.” of us who do have a home, a roof “One should not listen to those moralists who say that you have to get on Weekend Masses: Vigil: 5:45pm, Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00am over our heads, would also do well your knees and give up everything. One just has to go forward in the dark, a Weekday Masses: Thursday at 7:00pm Eucharistic Adoration: Thursday 7:30 — 8:30 pm to ask: Why do these, our brothers bit blindly and try to do good.” I am aware that it is a very long Bishop’s Corner but I presume we now Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession): Saturday at 5:00-5:30pm and sisters, have no place to live? have more time for reading. Baptisms: by appointment 3 weeks in advance —MEETING WITH THE HOMELESS, Weddings: by appointment 6 months in advance Bishop Wes SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 www.facebook.com/stmichaelpaget & ‘‘LIKE’ us Diocesan Webpage: www.romancatholicbermuda.bm

We welcome our parishioners and visitors who have come to St. Michael’s to worship this Sunday. Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda May you be blessed by your presence here today. Collection for March 14th/15th, 2020 $ 883.92 Weekly Income Needed to cover Routine Expenses: $2,810.00 WEEKLY Surplus/shortfalls: $1,926.08 THE MARCH 14/15TH— 2ND COLLECTION $ 337.00 17th of March 2020 THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP My dear and good People, The overall financial well-being of the parish is so important at this time. Please continue to offer your MASSES WILL NOT BE CELEBRATED, HOWEVER PLEASE Given the directives of the Government of Bermuda and of Health Care professionals responding to COVID-19, the following stewardship gifts, either through electronic giving, or through the mail. THANK YOU. KEEP THE FOLLOWING INTENTIONS IN YOUR PRAYERS will be implemented in the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda effective immediately: ALONG WITH ALL PARISHIONERS OF ST. MICHAEL’S. “Please note, that we are charged $20 for US$ checks drawn on a US Bank.” SUNDAY MASSES ST. MICHAEL’S uses your regular collection contributions to support Parish Operations. Sat. Mar 21 5:45pm Mary & Benjamin Botelho ++ As Diocesan Bishop, I hereby dispense the faithful from the obligation to participate in the Sunday Mass (can. 87), until further notice. Votives: $17.80 Poor Box: $5.00 Sun. Mar 22 8:30am For the Parishioners of St.Michael I ask that each Pastor privately celebrate one Sunday Mass for the intentions of the people of his parish, as required by Canon POOR BOX FUNDS GO TO THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY’s LOAVES AND FISHES 11:00am Mary & Peter Crainey ++ Law (can. 534). The faithful in their homes are asked to be united in prayer. ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS FOR YOUR WEEKLY COLLECTION are welcomed. Consider Thurs Mar 26 7:30am Deolinda & Antonio Carvalho ++ WEEKDAY MASSES making it a quarterly, monthly or even weekly transactions. Then instead of putting your weekly Maria Ruggeiro & Vito Lovecchio ++ Until further notice, all public celebrations of weekday Masses are suspended. All public devotions and other church services contribution into the basket, you can fill in this form each week and drop it into basket. These Sat. Mar 28 5:45pm Gabrielle Brackstone + are cancelled. Electronic Banking Pads are available for anyone who would like to make electronic payments. Be sure to include your name and collection as your memo on your banking transaction. Sun. Mar 29 8:30am For the Parishioners of St. Michael’s INTENTIONS Direct Deposit to Butterfield Bank (BNTB) to: 11:00am Robinson Family Intentions that have already been ordered will be re-booked and celebrated at a later date. “The Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Michael’s” Acct # 2000-6060-081824 -100 CHURCHES Fr. Joe will be offering Mass privately on Sundays at Stella Maris for I have asked the Pastors to keep the churches open both on weekdays and on Sundays to allow those who want to find a quiet St. Michael’s Parishioners and their families as he is living there and place for their spirit and soul. praying daily for your health and safety. CANCELLED The Cathedral of St. Theresa will be open daily (Monday – Friday) from 7:00am to 4:30pm and on Saturday from 8:00am to THE ANNUAL SOCCER MATCH TO BE HELD AT 6:30pm. SOMMERSFIELD ACADEMY FIELD THIS WEEKEND HAS BECOME A GREEN TEAM MEMBER STILL LOOKING FOR A On Sundays the Cathedral will be open from 7:45am to 12:45pm. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the main altar BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC. FEW MORE MEMBERS from 8:00am to 12:30pm. In October 2019, Bishop Wes signed off on the first Environmental Policy for the Roman Catholic Diocese of FUNERALS Hamilton in Bermuda. With the start of the New Year, each Funeral Masses are not permitted at this time. The Rite of Committal may be celebrated at the cemetery with immediate family Parish church will be expected to implement the Environmental members present. A Funeral Mass may be celebrated at a later date. Action Plan by first putting together a “Green Team”. This team BAPTISMS will be responsible for leading the Environmental initiative The Sacrament of Baptism may be celebrated privately with immediate family members present in a form of a Baptism without within the church and ensuring that the church remains in compliance with the Mass. the whole Catholic Church initiative. The Diocesan Environment Plan will have a multi-pronged approach to making our church fully environmentally MARRIAGE LENTEN RESOURCES: friendly, to reduce our carbon footprint, and to minimize waste and pollution. The Pre-Marriage Programme has been cancelled. For those couples currently enrolled in the programme, materials will be https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever/lent-reflections-2020 sent for online viewing in order to complete the course and receive a certificate. If preserving the environment and protecting our natural resources is a https://www.lentreflections.com/ with Bishop Robert Barron passion of yours, speak to Fr. Joe for more information. Now is the time for PARISH MEETINGS us all to step up in support of this Diocesan Environmental Action Plan. It All parish gatherings and events are to be cancelled. would be great to get a cross section of our parish community. STATIONS OF THE CROSS: MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND THE ELDERLY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW1t7M8HKT8 This ministry is to be exercised with prudence in order not to expose or bring any risk either to the sick/elderly or the minister. LOAVES AND FISHES LIVE STREAMING SUNDAY & DAILY MASS OPPORTUNITIES Being aware that the homeless will be even more vulnerable during this time, I want to invite the Loaves and Fishes volunteers ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL NYC, 10:15AM MASS EST to possibly continue this important ministry. I however do not want them to feel forced to do it, but invite them to continue. The https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/live food is to be distributed only on a “take away” basis. ST. GREGORY THE GREAT BLUFFTON, SC 11:00AM EST MASS TIME FRAME http://www.sgg.cc/mass-live-stream.html The current situation will be re-evaluated before Palm Sunday, the 5th of April, and then any further deci-sions will be made. These decisions have been very difficult for me and have been made after great thought and much emotion. ST. MICHAEL CATHEDRAL BASCILICA, TO., CDN 7:30 AM EST DAILY MASS https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live/ I am conscious that these decisions are drastic and are going beyond what has been requested by the Gov-ernment. However, I prefer that it be said that I have “exaggerated” the current situation than to be guilty of negligence that could cause damage THERE WILL BE UPDATES POSTED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE ON THE to somebody’s health or even life. DIOCESAN WEBSITE AND THE ST. MICHAEL’S FACEBOOK PAGE. These are challenging and unusual times and they require unusual and unprecedented decisions. Let us work together for the https://www.romancatholicbermuda.bm/ care and safety of our diocesan island community. https://www.facebook.com/CatholicDioceseBermuda/ https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelpaget/ Thank You for you attentionof these directives. Many people feel powerless in the face of this pandemic. We Prayfully see in a devastating way how widely a virus spreads person to Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel person. We have confidence that God allows the good that we ‘Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness do, our prayer and our actions, to make a positive impact on and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of brothers and sisters. As Pope Francis encourages us, “Let us the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who call upon him today, firmly rooted in prayer, for without prayer all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty.” Biship Wes Spiewak, CR wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 259)