From Our Pastor, Fr. Fausto … We are trying to learn from the past two weekends
with the Church open to see what we can do better and what mistakes to avoid.
The main problem we have in attending Mass in the newly opened Church is maintaining 6’ social distance, which severely restricts our small, narrow church in accepting more people in our pews, forcing us to use the Hall for a larger presence.
In trying to determine how many people can come to Church, some pastors came up with a way to invite parishioners to certain Masses according to the first letter of their last name, or some other impractical way. Our priests and deacons suggested to leave parishioners free to come to their favorite Mass, but offering Holy Communion at the Confessional window so that even if they make the trip to a scheduled Mass and there is no room, they could still receive the Blessed Sacrament if the Hall is at capacity.
For this reason, at each Mass we offer, through the ministry of the deacons, Holy Communion for 30 mins at the start of each Mass: Saturdays from 4-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-6 p.m.; Sundays from 7:30-8 a.m., 9-9:30 a.m., 10:30-11 a.m., 12-12:30 p.m., and 5:30-6 p.m. So we are offering 3 1/2 hours of Holy Communion each weekend. Please join your hearts to Jesus.
One problem remains regarding the Noon Mass which is in Vietnamese. If there are enough requests, we can add an extra Mass in English in the afternoon.
Let’s remember the Mass guidelines, of which an updated list is included in this bulletin.
On this Sunday, and the next one also, our Mother Church presents to us two of the most profound mysteries of our Christian Faith: the Trinity and the Eucharist. A mystery is a reality which can be known to us only through Revelation and not through human logic. Our human knowledge has always acknowledged the existence of God, even if in a distorted form. No human civilization has ever existed without religion. The priesthood is the oldest and most continuous profession in human history. Our human logic, as developed by the great Greek philosophers a few centuries before Jesus, had already reached the conclusion that we are made somewhat in the image of God. But the human mind can conceive God only by a “logical” and “negative” knowledge. For example, there can be only one creator, and this one has to be totally above where we human beings are. If we are mortal, then God is immortal; if we are limited, then God is infinite, and so forth and so on.
But when Jesus came to us and spoke to us about God, we had a glimpse of the inner mysterious nature of this God! He spoke of Himself as the “Son” of God, and of the “Holy Spirit” as the third component of God, causing our human minds either to reject such a Triune God, or to accept it with blind faith and total humility. So we know that God is One and, in a very unknown way, God is Three. Roman Catholics have expressed this mystery with the Latin formula: “Una natura - tres personae” or One nature - three persons.
Let us accept this dogma with joy, because no human mind could ever devise such an illogical statement (akin to the existence of the “square circle”). Only God Himself could have passed such knowledge to us, not with the illusion that we could grasp it, but with the hope that we could accept it. Our attitude should not be like that of certain disciples of Jesus who complained: “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” (Jn 6:60) and returned to their former religion (Jn 6:66), but like Peter’s attitude: “Master… You have the words of eternal life!” (Jn 6:68).
And to us, whom the Father has drawn to Jesus (Jn 6:65), there is some understanding of this mystery when we ponder
the definition that God in Scripture gave to Himself: “God is Love” (1 Jn 4:16). And love needs a relationship, love needs another person to relate to. In a mysterious divine manner, God has accomplished such triune relationship in His unity. If we live in love, we will be living in God and God lives in us.
Some time ago, a parishioner sent me an email and he inquired: “not having gone to a parochial school, I kept wondering if, except for breaking the Commandments, are there other mortal sins?...”
The term “mortal sin” is taken from the bible. We read in 1 John 5:16-17: “There is such a thing as Mortal Sin… All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal…” And because John had remarked previously: “If the sin is not mortal…” (1 Jn 5:16), the Catholic Church divides sin into two categories: mortal and venial. The mortal or deadly sin, as its name implies, causes the death of the relationship between God and a person, whereas the venial (from the Latin, “Veniale Peccatum” - forgivable sin) is a minor offense to God which is “forgivable,” which means: without need to go to confession.”
To teach people how to catch the distinction between the two types of sin, the theologians say that a mortal sin (which, if not confessed, will cause us to be condemned to eternal death!) requires that the following three conditions be present in their entire force: 1. Full knowledge and consciousness of what we are doing. 2. Full assent of our will to such thought or action. 3. Serious transgression of the will of God.
Being in my 60th year as a priest, I suspect that the most common mortal sins are: 1. Missing Mass on Sundays and Holy Days without serious
cause (like illness, travels, bad weather, charitable service, full day of work, ect.).
2. Not forgiving or hating one’s stinky neighbors so that we do not pray for them, and gossip and slander them at any occasion. By the way, many confuse not-forgiving with not-forgetting. We will always remember the harm done to us (unless we suffer from Alzheimer's!), but we go beyond such remembrance with a prayer of forgiveness. Actually, such remembrance will make the act of forgiving more meritorious in the eyes of God.
3. Omitting the serious duty to help the poor, the needy, the aborted, the discriminated against, the social outcast, and the homeless.
I hope these few words will help you all! I conclude this message with a special prayer of Pope
Francis on the 5th Anniversary of “Laudato Si”. Loving God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and all therein
contained. Open our minds and touch our hearts, so that we can be part of Creation, your gift. Be present to those in need
in these difficult times, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Help us to show creative solidarity as we confront the consequences of the global pandemic. Make us courageous in embracing the changes required to seek the common good.
Now more than ever, may we all feel interconnected and interdependent. Enable us to succeed in listening and
responding to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. May their current sufferings become the birth-pangs of a more
fraternal and sustainable world. We pray through Christ our Lord, under the loving gaze of Mary Help of Christians. Amen.
Smile, God loves you and so does Fr. Fausto with your St. Martha clergy:
Fathers Patrick, Jan, Chris, John, & Jerry Deacons Bill, Patrick & Robert
Brothers Lawrence & William and Sister Cathy
J 7, 2020 T M H T P W II
Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council #3358
Attention all practicing Catholic men over the
age of 18- are you interested in joining the Knights of Columbus? We invite you to an
online 30-minute ceremonial exemplification. If interested contact Anthony Cocco, Grand Knight
1661 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Food pantry located on Adelia Ave)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
10:00 a.m. - Noon If your family is in need of food due to Covid-19, please visit the Caritas Food Pantry. The food pantry window is located on Adelia Ave. The volunteers will distribute the
packages of non-perishable food items through the window.
Updated Guidelines for Masses at St. Martha Church June 4, 2020
1. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is dispensed through the end of June 2020. 2. Whenever there is a public gathering nowadays, there is a risk for anyone to contract coronavirus, so use prudence and, if
concerned or fearful, please follow Holy Mass on TV or on the web. 3. The public celebration of the Holy Mass will resume Monday, May 18, 2020 and moving forward. 4. A facemask should be worn by all parishioners and Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion during Mass. 5. Observe the social distancing of 6’ between people (not living in the same household), and the total capacity rule of 50% of
occupancy of the Church and Hall: (34) total seating stations in the Church and (72) total seating stations in the Parish Hall. 6. All missals, songbooks, missalettes, bulletins, and prayer cards must be removed from the pews. No Holy Water at the doors. 7. No physical contact at the “Our Father” or at the optional ‘Sign of Peace’ (a simple bow with eye contact is sufficient). 8. All persons, as defined by the Health Department, as more vulnerable, such as 65+ years of age, those with underlying
health conditions, fever or flu-like symptoms are encouraged to stay at home, however attendance is at their discretion. A weekend Mass will be available every Sunday on our website (stmartha.org) and You Tube channel (St. Martha Catholic Church Sarasota, FL).
9. Priests and Deacons will not greet you, dear parishioners, entering or leaving the Church, eliminating the temptations of touching or hugging.
10. Holy Communion will be dropped in the cup of your hand only. We prefer that the Eucharistic Ministers go the parishioners’ seats. 11. If the Hall is fully occupied or you are unable to attend Holy Mass, Communion will be distributed by the Deacons at the
Confessional window in the courtyard on Saturdays, from 4-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-6 p.m.; on Sundays, from 7:30-8am, 9-9:30 a.m., 10:30-11 a.m., 12-12:30 p.m., and 5:30-6 p.m.
12. Daily Masses, Monday - Friday (7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.) and Saturday (7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.) will be celebrated in the Church. The Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses will be celebrated ONLY in the Parish Hall, because of its greater capacity. Saturday vigil Masses are 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday Masses are 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (in Vietnamese), and 5:30 p.m.
13. Individual Confessions will take place at the Confessional window in the courtyard Sunday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Saturday 9 - 10 a.m. and 3 - 4 p.m.
14. Only baskets with long handles will be used for collections, but the Mass will continue because there is no procession with gifts. 15. Marriages, Baptisms, and Funerals may resume following the general rules of 50% capacity and the 6 feet social distancing
between people not living in the same household. 16. Communal Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Saturdays is suspended. The Adoration
Chapel continues to be closed. All organized Parish activities are suspended except for the Sacred Liturgy. 17. All Deacons and Priests above the age of 70 will not preside at Masses or minister to you unless they receive special
dispensation from the Bishop, the reason is to safeguard your good health from vulnerable elderlies.
Welcome back! We missed you! When you visit, be sure to wear a mask!
Our Sympathy is extended to the families of all those who have recently passed. We pray for you and your loved ones,
especially for:
Gayle Heath Marge Shields Robert Szeigis Mark Bailey Angeline Cagliola Trey Long Anthony Messina Charles Smith Geri Torrance Frances Elwood Aris Efthimides Jenna Mahoney Truc Van Do Menina Fedullo Kathy Kleinlein Dr. James Meade
The Gospel of Life is at the heart of Jesus’ saving message to the world. Through the
Incarnation of Christ, God reveals to us the dignity of all human life.
Do you have a life insurance policy and want an immediate tax deduction?
Perhaps your children are grown and independent, and your other savings are sufficient to meet your retirement needs. Under these circumstances, donating life insurance may be an attractive option and allow you to make a larger gift than you might otherwise afford. By transferring a life insurance policy prior to death, so that St. Martha becomes the owner and beneficiary, you are entitled to an immediate charitable deduction for income tax purposes. If you continue to pay the premiums, each payment is also a deductible charitable donation. Whether this strategy is right for you depends on your specific circumstances and your family’s financial situation. We advise you to speak with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your support of St. Martha Parish.
Our parishioners are our only source of funds and your contributions keep the lights on, enable parish ministries,
and support our outreach to the poor.
St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry 704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton
Open and distributing food Tuesday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Following all social distancing protocols - cars will be directed through the parking lot and trunks will be loaded
by volunteers in protective gloves and masks. Call 941-756-3732 if you have any questions. You do not
need to be a regular client to receive food.
Everyone is invited to a Witness to Love Retreat Timing is everything! We all truly need prayer now! Thank God we have our Faith to pull us through life!
Spend a wonderful morning with the Lord in Prayer Includes Mass, Rosary, Adoration and Benediction
Deacon Kevin, Deacon Bill and Jim & Agnes Rutushni
invite all to a WTL Retreat on June 13, 2020 at 8:45 a.m.
through Zoom Featured Videos and Speakers
Bishop Barron - The Sacrament of Marriage Sophia Institute for Teachers - "Sophia Marriage Sketchpad"
Deacon Bill Ladroga - 1 Corinthians 13 Fr. Mike Schmitz - Confession a place of Victory
Deacon Kevin McKenney - Bible Readings
For the Zoom link to the meeting call Jim at 941-960-5128. Please keep your microphone off after you log.
Year of Saint Joseph On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, Bishop Frank J. Dewane consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph in the context of the Coronavirus and announced a "Year of Saint Joseph" beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector too during this
time of the pandemic. To pray a Novena to Saint Joseph please visit the Year of St. Joseph page on the Diocesan website: https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTIONS
JUNE 2020
We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season
The 2020 Hurricane Season officially beginning on June 1 and will continue until November 30. All are encouraged to pray for
protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. The devastation of recent hurricanes reinforce the fact
that we need to pray for God's protection and care.
O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order and returned to its former quietude. You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awaken from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies, whose memories are still so vivid, and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son on our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem, where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen.
Operating Shortfall -$67,414.30 Needed to Reach Goal $230,033.12
2020 Catholic Faith Appeal as of 05-28-2020
We are committed to continuing the good work of St. Martha during this time of crisis. Our Parish is dependent upon
your weekly financial gifts to carry on its mission of brining the word of God to our community. Please consider using our online giving at
stmartha.weshareonline.org or mailing your offertory donations to
200 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of St. Martha Parish!
SHOP & SUPPORT ST. MARTHA PARISH
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support St. Martha Parish every time you shop - at no cost to you! When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you will find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to St. Martha Parish! Just follow this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-0737906
Do You Need Help? Catholic Charities is available if you need assistance for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling. Please call the number for your area listed below between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Online Retreats During the current health crisis, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice will offer online 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
In these online retreats, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, or Father Lino Estradilla, OMV, trained spiritual directors, will
meet with you for an hour each day via a link provided to you, to help you to pray and to recognize how God is speaking to you. A Bible and journal should be available for your use. Participants will be emailed any additional materials needed
as the retreat unfolds. The cost, is as follows: 3 - day retreat - $132.23 5 - day retreat - $203.98 8 - day retreat - $306.48
All information will be confidential, and password protected. If you would like to participate, please email Denise Riley at [email protected] and a code will be provided for your online registration as well as an application. For planning
purposes, please allow 7 days from your completed application until the beginning of your retreat.
The Diocese of Venice Catholic Center will continue live streaming Daily and Sunday Masses at 9:15 a.m.
on their Facebook page: Diocese of Venice in Florida
OUTREACH MINISTRIES Altar Servers Dn. Bob Gaitens 941-350-2634
Altar Society Janet Cocco 941-366-4210
Archivist 941-366-4210
Arimathean Ministry Geri Roberts 941-600-8479
Bethesda House Colleen McMenamin 941-366-1886
Catholic Charities Joan Pierse 941-355-4680
Community Pregnancy Clinics 239-262-6381
Casa Santa Marta Paula Jaramillo 941-366-4448
Choir/Cantor Virginia Bray 941-366-4210
Council of Catholic Women Marcia Stokes 334-648-4328
