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

A Jesuit Ministry march 06 / March 07, 2021 Third Sunday of lent 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 Third 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 (03/06) - Saturday (03/13) 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: March 06, 2021 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention The Sanctuary Candle burns this week at

( Livestream Only ) (Fr. Bob) Third Sunday of Lent St. Joseph Church 4:30 PM - St. Pius X Barbara Rumo by Carol Mikkelson & John Brown ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) SUNDAY: March 07, 2021 - Third Sunday of Lent St. Pius X Church 7:00 AM - St. Pius X Herbert Snyder by Joe & Dawn Desimone Fred & David Leblond ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Ed Ryan 03/072021 to 03/13/2021 ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Bob) 9:00 AM - St. Pius X David Noyes by Family ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) Availability of Holy Communion 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center For the People of the Parish Living & Deceased ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Vince) We recognize that many in our community do 5:00 PM - St. Pius X Berlin Castillo by Joy not feel safe in attending Mass. We encour- ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) age using our livestream Mass MONDAY: March 08, 2021 (www.ladyofhopemaine.org). Unfortunately a 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Josphine Baldante by the La Vopa Family livestream Mass does not enable a person to ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Jack) receive Communion. We invite those who are TUESDAY: March 09, 2021 attending a Mass online or TV to come to St. 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Dominic Aceto by Family Pius X Church at about 9:45 AM on Sunday ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Vince) mornings. Following the 9:00 AM Mass a WEDNESDAY: March 10, 2021 priest will be available at the door of the 9:00 AM - St Pius X Judy Stanhope by Mary Polito & Jim Pizzo church ( approximately 9:45-10:00 AM) to ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Bob) distribute Communion. Follow social distanc- THURSDAY: March 11, 2021 ing in any line and wear a mask, please. 9:00 AM - St. Pius X Judith Stanhope Carolyn & Larry Hilton Ministry to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) - Each Third Sunday of the month 7:00 PM - St. Pius X Priest Intention st ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) (on March 21 ) Fr Kevin will offer the 9:00 FRIDAY: March 12, 2021 AM Mass at St. Pius X that is spoken and 9:00 AM - St. Pius X In Memory of All Deceased Parishioners & Families also signed in American Sign Language. To ( Open No Reservations & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) attend this Mass in person you must re- SATURDAY: March 13, 2021 serve in advance. The Mass is also 8:00 AM - St. Pius X Priest Intention livestreamed. ( Livestream Only ) (Fr. Bob) Note on Sunday Readings March 7,14,21. Fourth Sunday of Lent 4:30 PM - St. Pius X Melda Downes by her Husband Bill There are two choices for the Sunday readings ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Kevin) these next three weeks. We will be using the SUNDAY: March 14, 2021 - Fourth Sunday of Lent (DAYLIGHT SAVINGS) 7:00 AM - St. Pius X Mary McCarthy by Richard & Carlene McCarthy readings listed for Year A (even though the ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Jack) regular cycle of readings this year is B). The 8:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Iris Muniz by Schriefer Family & Delaloye Year A readings are especially good to use with Family ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Vince) people who are preparing for Baptism this 9:00 AM - St. Pius X William & Michael Jennings by The Family ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Bob) Easter Season and we are blessed this year to 10:00 AM - Fr. Hayes Center Ed Ryan by David & Terry Bergson have two people who are preparing. Please ( Reservations Only) (Fr. Paul) keep Erika and Ian in your prayers. Your 5:00 PM - St. Pius X For The People of the Parish both Living & Deceased RCIA Team (Jim Masi, Lori Arsenault, Dick ( Reservations Only & Livestream ) (Fr. Paul) Niles, Fr Paul) Scripture for the week of March 07, 2021 Ex 17:3-7/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, Observances for the Week of March 07, 2021 07 Sunday 39a, 40-42 (Year A) 07 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 08 Monday 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab/Lk 4:24-30 08 Monday St John of God 09 Tuesday Dn 3:25, 34-43/Mt 18:21-35 09 Tuesday St Frances of Rome 10 Wednesday Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19 10 Wednesday St Dominic Savio 11 Thursday Jer 7:23-28/Lk 11:14-23 11 Thursday St John Ogilvie 12 Friday Hos 14:2-10/Mk 12:28-34 12 Friday Blessed Angela Salawa 13 Saturday Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14 13 Saturday St Leander of Seville 14 Sunday Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41 (Year A) 14 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT www.ladyofhopemaine.org 04 Third Sunday of Lent From the Social Justice and Peace Ministry – A Lenten Practice for our Parish

WATER! What Can I do?

Last week we talked about clean water, about its global importance, and the trends in global supply and consumption that threatens equitable human access to this vital world resource. Here in Maine, our watersheds are full, our shore- line is readily available, and our rivers run clean, thanks in large part to the Clean Water Act of 1972 (and Maine’s Sen- ator Ed Muskie). This is a tradition we can draw on as we face the challenges of the future, but there are also many smaller, every day acts that individuals, families, and households can undertake to conserve water, save energy, and help build drought resilience. Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water.

Greywater use: gray watering is the most immediate of recycled water in your household. Greywater is the gentle used water that you can collect after a bath, or washing clothes - if you use biodegradable soap (and you should) this water is safe and even beneficial to use to water plants, grass, and even garden vegetables in your yard. Greywater systems can be as simple as a couple of five gallon buckets and some willing hands, or you can set up a direct collection-to pip- ing system. Get some more ideas here: https://greywateraction.org/ Rainwater collection - Did you know that you can purchase a handsome rainwater collection barrel from the Portland Water District ( https://www.pwd.org/rain-barrels) at a 50% discount? Rain barrels help conserve water and reduce pollution by helping to eliminate stormwater runoff. Rain water collected from your roof can be used to water lawns, gardens, and indoor plants. They are easy to install and use, and can be used to store your garden hoses during the winter months.

Green scaping: Green scaping is the practice of replacing lawns and ornamental landscaping with native species of plants and grasses to improve the health of our ground and reduce pollution that builds up from the over use of lawn fertilizer and pesticides. Here in Portland, the runoff from lawn care products is polluting our greatest natural land- mark: Casco Bay. Friends of Casco Bay (https://www.cascobay.org/our-work/community-engagement/bayscaping/) call it Bay scaping, and they offer classes, information and instruction of how to maintain a healthy yard and keep our coastline pristine. Learn more here: http://cascobay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BayScaping-tips-to-keep-Casco -Bay-Blue-compressed.pdf

Rain Gardens: A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a small depression, which is generally formed on a natural slope. It is designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns. The Back Cove neighborhood has a number of rain gardens you can view to see how they add natural beauty and improve natural habitat right in our own yards! https://www.portlandmaine.gov/1580/ Rain-Gardens-in-Portland

In Laudato Si, Pope Francis devotes a lot of attention to the ethical resourcing of clean water, a human right to all of mankind and the necessary element for life on our planet. Water is a precious gift, not to be wasted or mistreated. Let’s learn to work with nature in praise and thanksgiving of God’s abundant providence. 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, par- ishes, 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 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 Our Lady of Hope Parish 05 Finance and Administration Weekly Offertory Report Coming 2nd Collections Your Gifts of Stewardship 03-06/07-2021 — Parish Assessment to School 03=13/14-2021 — Catholic Relief Services February 20 / February 21, 2021 03-20/21-2021 — Fuel and Energy Fund First Collection- $5,299.75 envelopes - 122 03-27/28-2021 — Maintenance Fund Second Collection Parish- $980.00 - envelopes – 81 If you have any questions regarding your Second Collection Diocese-$585.25 -envelopes–44 envelopes, please contact Linda at 207-797-7026 st Weshare:(1 Collection Parish)-$2,538.96 Transactions 93 Thank you for your continued support and generous donations. nd Weshare: (2 Collection Parish)- $197.63 Transaction Our Lady of Hope Sebastian Rasle, SJ Prayer Circle Weshare: (Diocesan) - $ Transactions March 2021 Prayer Intentions

TOTAL Parish First Offertory was $ 7,838.71 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! 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 Water Water raging at the coastline, sense the rhythm of the storm; see the beauty, feel the power watched from safety, Water trickling down the hillside, hiding under grass and light and warm. stones, brown as earth and soft as kisses, tumbling, sparkling, free it goes. Water raging down the diver spreading over fields in sheets,

tearing houses, drowning cattle, sweeping through the city’s Water trickling down the faces, precious drops evaporate streets. on the silent heads of children, water falling far too late.

Jesus shared a stranger’s water; for our thirst the cross he Down the rivers water flowing, endless cycle from the bore, bringing for us living water so the world need thirst no sea, siphoned into busy cities, lifeblood of our industry. more.

Water flowing deep beneath us, buried in the earth and Can we share our precious water, letting others’ needs come clay, but the crops are parched and shriveling and the first, working, praying for a future when the world need well is dry today never thirst? Alix Brown

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 06 Third 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. Reservations for St. Patrick's Party Monday March 15th 7:00 PM Calling all interested in a virtual St. Patrick’s Day (virtual) Party – Monday March 15th.

This is last call. If you plan to come or to offer a reading, song, story, etc at our proposed St. Patrick's virtual zoom gathering (Monday March 15th at 7:00 PM) you need to register by this Thursday March 11th. As of now we have only a very small number of registered to attend and/or share. To register, call the parish office (797-7026) or register online ( REGISTER HERE) at https://ourladyofhopeportland.weshareonline.org/StPatricksDayvirtualParty03152021 You will be sent an invitation and link to attend. If you are willing to offer a song, poem or story please let us know that so we can plan the "lineup." 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.

St. Brigid School – OLH Scholarship Assistance We remind parish families that March 15 is the application deadline for the OLH Scholarship and/or needs-based financial aid for St. Brigid students. Application forms are available at St. Brigid School. In an effort to use our limited parish resources where they are most needed, the traditional “tuition subsidy” has been shifted to a $750 Parish Scholarship, available to all qualified parish students. Additional parish-funded financial aid up to $700 is available for those parish families with demonstrated financial need. To qualify for either of these awards a family must be registered as members of this parish, regularly attending Mass here, and regularly supporting the parish financially. Further details are on the application form. www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 07 Third Sunday of Lent Reflections by Father Kevin

We hear in our first reading today that the Israelites are thirsty while following Moses through the desert. To satisfy his peoples’ thirst, the Lord tells Moses to strike the rock with his staff, which be- gins the flow of water. In our Gospel we hear about the Samaritan woman drawing water from the well and Jesus asking her for a drink. We all know that water is a physiological necessity for life – we must have water or else our bodies will die. The water from the rock and from the well refresh and revitalize the body, but Jesus reminds us that it is the “living water” which refreshes and revitalizes the soul. Do we, like the Samaritan woman, have the courage to ask him for the living water? Lent is our time to try and free ourselves by acts of penance from the things which distract, or prevent, us from seeking that living water.

We read in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans that we are a people of hope, and our hope shall not be disappointed be- cause the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has already been poured into our hearts, and God continually offers us opportunities to encounter the living water of grace made available through Jesus. As we continue on our Lenten journey, I suggest that we ask for the grace to encounter and receive the living water offered by Jesus and try to free ourselves from anything that might distract us from his offer. Treasures and Spiritual Boxes By Rebecca Ruiz I’m the kind of mom who thinks every stick figure her child draws is a masterpiece. As a result, I’ve found it hard to let go of any of my children’s papers or artwork. I once read that it is easier to let go of children’s creations if one sets them aside for a while, because over time, we become less sentimental and can let go of more. I thought that was a fabulous idea, so I boxed up all of the kids’ papers and artwork and set them aside. As life got busier, I let the boxes sit a little longer while adding more boxes that needed time to sit. The end result was a wall of boxes tucked away in a downstairs room in our house. It wasn’t really a problem until the pandemic hit and every corner of our home became fair game for Zooming. So, at the urgent prompting of my husband and sons, I decided to tackle the wall of boxes. Based on my totally unscientific estimations, I figured I’d be done in a day or two. What I didn’t count on was the fact that each box was jam-packed with memories—and memories are imbued with emotions. With each paper and art project I uncovered, I remembered all the good things and all the hard things that were happening at the time. It ended up taking me five whole days to get through my wall of boxes! I kept some items and recycled many more. In the process, I uncovered many forgotten treasures. Perhaps it was my recent completion of this big project that made the words of the Gospel of Luke jump out at me: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (2:19) I had boxed up all the “treasures” my chil- dren had made over the years, but it was only when I un-boxed them that I was really able to treasure them and pon- der them in my heart. It made me wonder what things I have boxed up and stored away in my spiritual life that I have yet to treasure and ponder in my heart. An Imaginative Exercise: Sorting Through Our Spiritual Boxes We all have things stored away in our spiritual lives. Join me in an imaginative exercise as we sort through our spiritual boxes. One of my favorite Jesuit writers, the late Fr. William Barry, devoted his life to sharing a simple, yet profound Ignatian concept: we ought to consider Jesus as a dear friend with whom we can share anything. Imagine sitting with Jesus. We can feel completely comfortable, supported, and safe having Jesus there with us as we open these spiritual boxes. As you delve into the boxes, consider the following questions. • What things are you finding that bring you happiness or joy? What pleasant memories or emotions are arising that you might like to treasure? How do you notice Jesus reacting? • What are you coming across that reminds you of difficult or painful times? How do you notice Jesus reacting as you remember these hard times? If he offers you comfort and extends his hand to take these memories, can you let go of them? If you notice resistance within yourself to letting go, treat yourself gently, with compassion, and simply ask the Holy Spirit to give you the grace to work on letting go. • How does it feel to unbox all of these things that have been taking up space within? How would it be if you sorted through things every day instead of boxing them up? What if you noticed the treasures each day and even kept them on display in your heart? What if, instead of allowing unpleasant memories to stay, you spoke with Jesus about those things every day and worked with him to take care of them? The Examen can be a wonderful help with this. • Going through these boxes, are you finding any wonderfully pleasant surprises? Savor them! Ask Mary to teach you how to treasure and ponder all of these things in your heart. • Finally, have you noticed any moments when you put God in a box, perhaps telling yourself, Oh, God couldn’t pos- sibly do that for me, or, Even God couldn’t…? Ask God for the grace not to “box in” God so that God can surprise you! www.ignatianspirituality.com

www.ladyofhopemaine.org 08 Third 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 (live- stream 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.

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.

Our parish Social Justice and Peace Ministry - see page 4i

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. Patrick’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.

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 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 ( April 02nd ) 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. School Masses at St. Brigid

Because of COVID-19, we have not been able to assemble the whole school each Monday for Mass as was our custom. However each Monday three of our priests celebrate Mass in individual classrooms. The fourth priest is covering the 9;00 AM Mass at St. Pius X. The celebrants, students and teachers have very much enjoyed these smaller celebra- tions. The students themselves often offer fine prayers of the faithful. We all agree that even when we return to full School Mass, we want to keep these class Masses in some way. Those classes not having an in-person Mass that week either they pray with the readings of the day or are able to join the St. Pius X 9:00 AM Mass via livestream. www.ladyofhopemaine.org Our Lady of Hope Parish 09 Novena of Grace Continues 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.

In many times and places people praying the Novena of Grace have received answers to their prayers. If you feel your prayers have been answered this year, we invite you to share that news with us. This can be done anonymously if you wish – a note to the parish, a note left in a collection basket, etc. It would be good to know that prayer is being an- swered.

Novena Prayer

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the Indies and Japan, St. Francis Xavier. The remem- brance 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 conducive to both. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Your Parish Pastoral Council

OLH Pastoral Council plays an important role in the life of our parish. Council members bring important advice and in- formation to the parish clergy and staff and the Pastoral and Finance Council help make the decisions that guide and direct our parish life. During the past several years both Councils have been actively involved in our parish planning process.

At this time we are seeking people to serve on the Pastoral Council for the coming year. Last year no one came for- ward in response to a call for new members, so the need is especially great now. It is good to have rotating terms so no one has to stay on for too long. Qualifications to be nominated to serve: be a registered member of our parish and been involved in at least one parish/school ministry or activity. You may nominate anyone you believe is qualified. You may nominate yourself. The names of those nominated will be placed at the altar at Easter time and we will pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in drawing the names of the new Council members. That drawing takes place on Pente- cost.

Please pray over this important ministry and send in your nominations – by email or note to the parish office, by drop- ping the name in the collection basket.

This is what some current Council members say:

• The role of the Pastoral Council is to travel with parishioners on their faith journey by providing ….opportunities to meet the person of Jesus… • Pastoral Council members meet once a month for essential planning and discussion about issues that face our parish…we consider options and possibilities and liaison with other ministries and the parish staff. PC members seek to find Christ and what he would have us do… • Council members seek to address the challenges the parish faces”…to help us grow within our community and to reach out to others not yet part of our parish. • To serve on the Pastoral Council is to help care for the parish, grow our faith community and foster connection among the various church ministries.

REMINDER #1 – SPRING AHEAD

Daylight savings time returns next weekend, officially at 2:00 AM on Sunday March 14. Don’t be late for Mass!

REMINDER #2 - It is still necessary to reserve a seat for weekend (and other special) Masses. Seating remains limited. If you have made a reservation and know you won’t be able to come, if you can, it would be helpful to let us know. Some Masses are full and your empty seat might mean someone else was turned away. Also please try to arrive at least five minutes prior to Mass, earlier if possible. That gives our Ministers of Welcome time to check you in and get you seated so that they, too, can be ready as Mass begins. Thanks for your help here. www.ladyofhopemaine.org THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH YOUR BULLETIN FREE EACH WEEK

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