St. John of the Cross Catholic Cluster NOTRE DAME du MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL St. David St. Agatha St. Bruno - St. Remi St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel St. Luce St. Joseph (Hamlin) St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joseph (Sinclair) St. Michael (Summer Months) NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL 309 St. Thomas Street, Suite 103 Madawaska, ME 04756 Parish Office / Cluster 2 Business Office - 728-7531 Faith Formation Office - 728-7135 OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY 379 Main St./PO Box 10, St. Agatha, ME 04772 Parish Office - 543-7447 Faith Formation Office - 543-6119 ST. PETER CHANEL 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785 Parish Office - 868-2718 July 1, 2018 Pastor Fr. James Plourde [email protected]Parochial Vicars Fr. Antony Alexander Maria Doss, HGN [email protected]Fr. Selvaraj Kasi, HGN [email protected]Deacons Rev. Mr. Donald R. Clavette [email protected]Rev. Mr. Rodney Deschaine [email protected]Cluster 2 Business Coordinator Greg Cyr [email protected]Sacramental & Pastoral Care SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call your parish office for appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday before 4pm Mass or by appointment. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please call your parish office at least 6 months prior to date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call your parish office. FUNERALS Please contact the Cluster 2 business office. New Parishioners If you are new to the parish or have an address or phone number change, please contact your parish office.
Transcript
St. John of the Cross Catholic Cluster
NOTRE DAME du MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL St. David St. Agatha St. Bruno - St. Remi St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel St. Luce St. Joseph (Hamlin) St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joseph (Sinclair) St. Michael (Summer Months)
NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL
309 St. Thomas Street, Suite 103 Madawaska, ME 04756
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call your parish office for appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday before 4pm Mass or by appointment. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please call your parish office at least 6 months prior to date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call your parish office. FUNERALS Please contact the Cluster 2 business office.
New Parishioners
If you are new to the parish or have an address or phone number change, please contact your parish office.
The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 1, 2018
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Mass Schedule
St. Peter Chanel Mass Schedule
Our Lady of the Valley Mass Schedule
Saturday, June 30 4:00pm SB/SR: Robert A. Violette by Priscilla Violette & Family
Sunday, July 1 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Gerard & Isabel Parent by Rudy, Dinah & Family 9:15am SB/SR: Robert Violette by Peter & Alice
Monday, July 2 5:30 - 6:00pm: Reciting of the Rosary 6:00pm SB/SR: Lawrence Bouchard by Louise & Family
Tuesday, July 3 No Mass / St. Thomas
Wednesday, July 4 No Mass / Independence Day
Thursday, July 5 No Mass / Sts. Anthony Zaccaria & Elizabeth of Portugal
Friday, July 6 St. Maria Goretti 10:00am BVM: Donald Fournier by wife, Lauretta & Family
Saturday, July 7 4:00pm SB/SR: Carroll Cyr (1st Anniv.) by his Wife & Daughters
Sunday, July 8 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Souls in Purgatory by a Parishioner 9:15am SB/SR: Memorial Mass (see SPC bulletin page for listing)
Saturday, June 30 4:00pm SL: Roger Dumais by Clifford & Greta Morneault
Sunday, July 1 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SA: Clarence Sirois by Odile Earl 11:00am SM: Lorette Pelletier by Family 4:00pm SJ: Jeannette Ouellette by Family
Monday, July 2 6:00pm SA: Jeannine Cyr by Martha Dufour & Mary Ann Daigle
Tuesday, July 3 St. Thomas 8:30am SJ: Hedwidge Pelletier & Marie Mae Chamberland by Frank & Fern Desjardins
Wednesday, July 4 No Mass
Thursday, July 5 Sts. Elizabeth of Portugal & Anthony Zaccaria 6:00pm SL: All Souls by OLV Parishioners
Friday, July 6 St. Maria Goretti 1:30pm SJMC: Fr. Richard Ouellette by Odette Ouellette 2:00pm SL: Wedding: Taylor Pelletier & Eric Bernier
Saturday, July 7 1:00pm SM: Wedding: Raymond Doughty and Amy Lagasse 4:00pm SL: Priscille Franck by Dora & Family
Sunday, July 8 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SA: Ronald ‘Bee’ Buerrette by Roberta Guerrette 11:00am SM: Leo James Martin by Carmen Guerrette
Saturday, June 30 4:00pm ST: Reginald Raymond by Family / MHS Class of 1988 10:00am ST: Funeral for Jerry Daigle 6:00pm SG: Lewis & Aurore Ouellette by Ouellette Family
Sunday, July 1 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Memorial Mass 11:00am SD: Roland Sirois by Wife, Marie Reine
Monday, July 2 No Mass at 8:30am 10:00am ST: Funeral for David Myers
Tuesday, July 3 St. Thomas 9:00am-5:45pm ST: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00pm ST: Edith ‘Dee’ McQuarrie by Dad, Mom & Family
Wednesday, July 4: No Mass
Thursday, July 5 No Mass / Sts. Elizabeth of Portugal & Anthony Zaccaria
Friday, July 6 St. Maria Goretti 9:30am-4:00pm SD: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 1:30pm HVM: Armand Tardif by Ken & Arlene Lerman
Saturday, July 7 2:00pm SD: Wedding: Tracey Gervais & Brett LaPlante 4:00pm ST: Constance Dionne by Nephew, Dan Gagnon 6:00pm SG: Michael Picard by Brothers & Sisters
Sunday, July 8 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Edward ’Blackie’ & Irma Albert by Family 11:00am SD: Diane Doucette by Norman & Family
Abbreviations for Cluster Church Sites and Facilities
NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL
SD - St. David SA - St. Agatha SB/SR - St. Bruno/St. Remi SG - St. Gerard SL - St. Luce SJ - St. Joseph (Hamlin) ST - St. Thomas Aquinas SJ - St. Joseph (Sinclair) BVM - Borderview Manor CV - Country Village SM - St. Michael’s Chapel RDG - Ridgewood SJMC - St. Joseph Memory Care HVM - High View MF - Montfort Heights
MEMORIAL MASS INTENTIONS - July 1st - 8:30am
Edwin Daigle by Wife & Children Patricia Cyr by Lionel & Lucille Pauline Migneault by Gilbert & Louise Guerrette John Beaupre by Mike & Diane Guerrette Jean Paul & Mary Ann Cyr by George Cyr Armand Tardif by M/M Roger Boucher Jeannine Morneault by Martha & Jan Michel Theriault by L’Assoc. de La Vallee du Haut St. Jean Rose Desiderio by Doug & Sue Raymonde Hachey by Anne Marion Enoil St. Onge by Roger & Mona Levesque Edmond ‘Blackie’ Albert by Ray & Norma Brogar John ‘Archie’ Levesque by Dayton & Priscilla Rachel St. Onge by Jeannette Levesque Robert Couturier by Roger & Jackie / Class of 1964 Reno Levesque by Eva & Family Ann Marie Sinclair by Jackie Rossignol St. Anthony by Constance cote Reginald Boucher by Edna Day M/M Arthy Pelletier by Mildred Bishop & Family Germaine Cyr by Family & Friends Louis Daigle by Real & Therese Gendreau Rev. Vincent Cappodano by Connie Cote Armand Corriveau by Don Charlene King Norman Martin by Walter & Helen Desrosier
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Corner St. David, St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel/Grand Isle, St. Thomas Aquinas/Madawaska
LAMP FOR THE UNBORN BURNS FOR: St. David - for Ann by a parishioner St. Gerard - for Jonathan by Diane Bell
ST. GERARD SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JULY FOR: Addis, Norma & john Beaupre by Helen; Donna Dionne Hubbard by Family
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JULY FOR: Special Intentions by a Parishioner
Worship & Spirituality
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY at St. Thomas Aquinas Church from 9am – 6:00pm. This week’s intention: For our nation celebrating Independence Day, and also for our area businesses and their workforces.
“Adoration is essentially an embrace with Jesus in which I say to Him; I am yours, and I ask you, please stay with me always.”
Parish Life
Finance & Administration
BAPTISM Camille Bonita Gendreau
Daughter of Adam & Holly Gendreau
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Financial Update Offertory: July 1, 2017 to June 17, 2018
Budget: $344,250 Actual: $381,048 Over Anticipated: $36,798
Amount given Weekly goal St. David $1,454 $1,731 St. Gerard $ 843 $850 St. Thomas Aquinas $4,490 $4,279 Weekly Totals $6,787 $6,860
This Year Last year
Average Collections $7,472 $6,656
Catholic Communications Campaign: $1,212.95
PRAY FOR OUR SICK Roger Lavertu, Anne B.C. Deschaine, Rosanne Chasse, Roger Ayotte, Robert Dews, Lynne Dews, Lorette Chasse, Louise Gendreau, Vanessa Gagnon, Joe Ouellette, Corey Voisine, Randy Dufour, Rina Belanger and George Dionne. FMI call 728-7135.
Community Events
FREE CHICKEN STEW & PLOYES: The Madawaska Historical Society will be sponsoring a Free Chicken Stew & Ployes Meal in honor of Acadian Day (which was on June 28th). Sunday, July 1st after the 11am Mass in the basement of St. David Church. All are invited to attend. Come enjoy a great meal!
SUNDAY OUTSIDE MUSIC IN GRAND ISLE: July 8th from 5:30-7:30pm. Food truck on location. Music by Ed Sealy
Gus LaCasse, Acadian Fiddler, will perform at the Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel on Tuesday, July 31 at 7 pm. Free admission.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA PRAYER LINE: If you are in need of prayers for you or a loved one, the Daughters of Isabella can help through the Prayer Line. This is open to anyone – not only for members. To add a name to the prayer line, contact Lorraine Talbot, 316-7035.
DEANERY LADIES OF ST. ANNE CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 21st at St. Agatha. See your sodality for more information. You have to register with your treasurer by July 2nd.
CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE: Goal: $37,553 Total pledges to date: $21,995 (59% of goal) with 119 households participating.
WEDDING BANNS Tracey Gervais & Brett LaPlante - III
MUSIC IN THE PARK in Madawaska: Wednesday, July 4th, 3-6pm. Music by DJ Bobaroo; 6-8pm, music by Maria & The Boys. Thursday, July 5th, 6-8pm, Music: Ricky Dean, Ray & Yves.
FIRST FRIDAY MASS AT MIZPAH: July 6th at 1pm.
BEACH PARTY: Saturday, July 6th; 5-8pm, Music by Kornerstone; 8-11pm, Music by Emptyhead.
WEDDING BANNS Amy Lagasse & Raymond Doughty - I, II & III
Lance Bouley & Macey Roy - I
Prayer Line Contacts St. Luce: Norma Martin 543-7487
St. Joseph: Cecile Ouellette 543-6073
Parish Life
Worship & Spirituality Finance & Administration
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Monday’s after 6:00 p.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m.
at St. Agatha Church. Thursday’s after 6:00 pm. Mass until 7:30 p.m.
at St. Luce Church.
Our Lady Of The Valley Parish Corner St. Agatha, St. Joseph/Sinclair, St. Luce/Frenchville, St. Michael Chapel
SANCTUARY LAMP: Burns this week: At St. Agatha: Madeline Jalbert by Pat & Mike Jalbert
At St. Luce: Harold, Denis, Donald Martin, Gerald Ouellette & Donald Shields for Special Intentions by Family
At St. Michael: 20 Deceased Members of the Wisdom Class of 1968
Our Lady of the Valley Financial Updates
Offertory: July 1, 2017 to June 17, 2018
Amount Given Weekly Goal St. Agatha $1,180 $1,876 St. Joseph $ 645 $ 629 St. Luce $1,093 $1,174 St. Michael (13 weeks) $ 695 $ 871
Weekly Totals $3,613 $4,549
This Year Last Year Average Collections $3,618 $3,678 2nd Collections: Catholic Communications Campaign June 17, 2018 Our Lady of the Valley $641.50
Community Events
SENIOR LUNCH Frenchville: Monday, July 2nd at 11:30 a.m.
Menu: Chicken BBQ
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH (Sinclair) 50/50 Raffle To benefit the St. Joseph Church Renovation Fund
Donation: 1 for $1: 6 for $5: 15 for $10 Parishioners and friends: you can help by selling tickets to your family
members and friends. For tickets call: 543-7469 or 543-6025. Every little bit helps and increases the $ winnings!
Winner will be drawn at our Annual Chicken BBQ on July 22nd.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH (Sinclair) Chicken Barbeque & Bake Sale
Sunday July 22nd from 10:30 a.m. until the food runs out. Cost is $9 a plate with take outs available.
Come enjoy some great food!
OPEN YOUR HEART AND HOME To Franziska a Catholic exchange student from Germany
for the coming 2018 Fall Semester. A volunteer host family (with or without children) as well as single parents are
needed to provide food, a bed and a loving home for the coming school year to Franziska from Germany. She is 15 and she was looking
forward to spend the fall semester in America but her host family had to cancel due to a family emergency and a new host family is needed to
take over. EMF students have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and expect to share their host family’s daily life
including household responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to experience life in America.
FMI on EMF students, please call Marie-Claude Dijoud now at 1-800-467-8363 or visit www.emfusa.org
Sacramental Life
SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION / CONFESSIONS Mondays at St. Agatha: 6:30-7:30pm
CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE: Goal: $20,424: Total pledges to date: $5,104 (25% of goal) with 37 households participating.
ST. AGATHA LADIES OF STE. ANNE The St. Agatha Ladies of Ste. Anne will be hosting the 2018 St. Anne
Feast Day Celebration for the sodalities of Deanery I on Saturday, July 21. Mass will be celebrated at 10am followed by a banquet.
To register for the banquet or for more information, please contact Fern Desjardins (543-6005) or any other officer
of the St. Agatha sodality by July 9.
ALL CLUSTER PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON JULY 4TH / INDEPENDENCE DAY! Visit us online at ….. www.sjvcatholics.org
St. Peter Chanel Parish Corner St. Bruno-St. Remi Church/Van Buren, St. Joseph Church/Hamlin & Borderview Nursing Home
ST. BRUNO-ST. REMI CHURCH SPONSORS BREAD & WINE SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF:
Noel & Freda Levesque by Gene & Rachel Levesque SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF:
Kathleen Marquis by Delano & Jocelyn Laplante
Parish Life
Bulletin Memorials In Memory of:
Finance & Administration
Community Events
COMMUNITY/BIRTHDAY CALENDAR: Columbiettes are sponsoring the sales of the Community/Birthday Calendars again this year. If you are interested in purchasing one you can contact Eva Cyr at 868-5072. Calendars are $5 and listings are .30 cents each. Dead line is July 28th.
PARISH NEEDS DONATION / IN LOVING MEMORY: Robert A. Violette by Gloria Violette
St. Peter Chanel Parish Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2017 to June 17, 2018
Budget: $127,500 Actual: $137,312 Over Anticipated: $9,812 Amt. Given $3,063 Wkly Goal $2,525 Average Collection: This yr. $2,692 Last yr. $2,624 2nd Collections: Catholic Communications Campaign June 17, 2018 St. Peter Chanel $708.00
Cyr & Martin Families by
Jackie & Family
AVAILABLE Roland Laverdiere by
Matilda & John
AVAILABLE
(STOP BY
AVAILABLE
TODAY TO BOOK
AVAILABLE
YOUR MEMORIAL(S))
Tardif & Parent Families by
Ron & June & Family
AVAILABLE Perreault & Lavoie Families
by Conrad & Pauline
Ernest, Tina & Jim Marquis by
Rita, Marge & Family
AVAILABLE Louise Perreault by
Conrad & Pauline
Stanley Cote by
his wife Bridget & Family
Antoine Levesque by his wife, Irene
& Family
Marquis & Cyr Families
by Ray & Judy Marquis
CATHOLIC 2018 APPEAL: Goal:$14,190 Pledges to date: $4,930
35% of goal, 27 households participating.
REST IN PEACE Please pray for those who have died and for their families
Angela Cote who passed away on June 16, 2018. Rachel (Michaud) Loths who passed away on June 17, 2018.
HELP WANTED/RSVP: Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for drivers to help transport local people to medical appointments in the local area. Reimbursement for mileage is available. For more information call Jane Pinette the volunteer coordinator at 492-2146.
Worship & Spirituality
**BULLETIN MEMORIALS**: This is a reminder that there are bulletin memorials available. The
cost of each memorial is: (1 mos.): $20; ( 3 mos.): $50; (6 mos.): $100; (1 Yr.): $200. These memorials honor family
members & friends while helping to offset parish expenses. We currently have 6 AVAILABLE.
Knights of Columbus Breakfast
There will be a Community Breakfast Where: at the KC Hall
When: Sunday, July 8th from 7am - 12:00pm
Cost: $8 / Adults & $5 / kids under 12
Come enjoy a great meal! All are welcome!
ST. BRUNO-ST. REMI / VAN BUREN MEMORIAL MASS INTENTIONS JULY 8, 2018
Romeo & Agnes Violette by Alice & Peter Edwina Blier by Gerald & Family Patrick Lapointe by Therese Dumais Rachel (Michaud) Loths by Mike & Diane Guerrette Jean Paul & Mary Ann Cyr by Gerald & Gloria Jacqueline Dumond by Wayne, Denise Bouchard & Family Donald Franck by Yvette Stewart & Cindy Phyllis Lajoie by Gilman & Joan Dumais Lilly Perreault by Carmen Madore & Jean Peter B. Martin by Herby & Jackie Cyr Annette Learnard by St. Bruno-St. Remi Choir Jeannette Cyr by Adrian & Leola Gagnon Gilbert Violette by John, Rochelle & Family Joan Dumond by Cora Sirois Annette, Gerald & Harold Cyr by sister, Omerine Omerine Smith by Rudy & Nancy Dell Ouellette by Ricky & Lynn Dumond Msgr. Joseph Arsenault by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cote Muriel Ouellette by Brian & Lorraine Lajoie Adrian T. Cyr by Yolande Thibodeau Antoine Levesque by Ray & Judy Marquis Fernand Rossignol by Rachel & Maurice Saucier Kim Beaulieu by Priscilla Violette Agatha Chabre by Warren & Jo Ayotte Deceased Members of the Chasse Family by Sue Chasse
Confirmation and First Communion Congratulations to Amelia Parent
Daughter of Devin & Heather Parent who received the Sacraments of Confirmation & First communion at the 4pm Mass on June 2nd.
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS CATHOLIC CLUSTER / DIOCESAN CORNER
ST. THOMAS GIFT SHOP JUNE IS THE MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART!
THE GIFT SHOP IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER!! HOWEVER CALL ME AND I WILL GLADLY
OPEN UP FOR YOU! 728-4346
BAPTISM GIFTS: Wide variety of gifts for the new baby. Come see what we have! Also, Congratulations & Baptism cards for the new parents.
WEDDING: Don't forget we now have the Unity Candle Holder for weddings. The 3 candles, 1 large and 2 small tapered candles, fit into this holder and they are placed on the alter during the wedding. The holder is rented to you for a final cost of $10 and the candles cost $65. (reg. price $80)
WEDDING & ANNIVERSARY CARDS: We have a wide variety of cards for weddings & anniversaries - all at a very low price.
WEDDING BIBLE: A wonderful gift for the new couple! A beautiful, white imitation leather cover, with the Wedding Rings on the cover, include the Family Tree inside, to enter all of their family info, and a copy of the Wedding Blessing. $65. Includes a box
BOOKS: CHOSEN” How Christ Sent Twenty-three Surprised Converts to Replant His Vineyard The twenty-three men and women who tell their conversion stories in these pages were not drawn to the Church by sound evangelization programs, beautiful buildings and liturgies, or saintly witnesses among the clergy. On the contrary, many of them were attracted to Catholicism in spite of a now decades-long stretch of deficient catechesis, mediocre Masses, and uninspiring leadership. Christ himself led these souls to his Church, concludes Donna Steichen, who compiled this consoling collection, and it is the Lord who set them to work replanting his devastated vineyard. Was $16.95 On SALE for $10.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: sjvcatholics.org - click on Parish Life & Events, then St. Thomas Gift Shop - Available Items:
Also, Gift Certificates are always available!!
NATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED CATHOLIC YOUTH PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED IN SIX MAINE LOCATIONS: Totus Tuus is a dynamic summer program for first to twelfth graders that is led by a team of four college students and a diocesan seminarian. On fire with the faith and trained to pass it on to young people, the team travels from parish to parish leading a weeklong program of learning and praying that demonstrates the joyful living of the Catholic faith. Through age-appropriate, dynamic, and faithful content, young people are motivated and equipped to live the call of the Gospel in today’s world. The program will be offered in the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou on July 8-13. FMI on the program visit the diocesan website www.portlanddiocese.org/vocations/totustuus or you may contact the diocese at (207) 773-6471.
BAPTISMAL PREP SESSION: Saturday, July 14th, 9:30am at
the St. Thomas Center. FMI contact the business office at
728-7135.
NEW ENGLAND RETROUVAILLE MARRIAGE RENEWAL: Struggling in your marriage? You are not alone! Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. The upcoming weekend will be held on October 19-21 in Tewksbury, MA. To register or FMI call 1-800-470-2230 or visit
www.HelpOurMariage.com.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Mark your calendar for the next encounter on November 2-4 at the Lucerne Inn in Dedham. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee as well as an opportunity to make a
freewill donation at the end of the retreat. FMI or to apply, visit www.wwmeMaine.org or contact Bill and Coco Watkin at
207-668-4885 and leave a message.
...Excerpt from Amoris Laetitia
“‘The family itself introduce fraternity into the world.’ N. 194 Relationships between brothers and sisters deepen with the passing of time, and ‘the bond of fraternity that forms in the family between children, if consolidated by an educational atmosphere of openness to others, is a great school of freedom and peace. In the family, we learn how to live as one.’ (n. 194) Growing up with brothers and sisters makes for a beautiful experience of caring for and helping one another. For ‘fraternity in families is especially radiant when we see the care, the patience, the affection that surround the little brother or sister who is frail, sick, or disabled.’ It must be acknowledged that ‘having a brother or a sister who loves you is a profound, precious and unique experience.’ (n. 195) Weekly suggestion for the faithful to consider:
Week of July 1: Plan a family barbecue or summer outing with your parents and siblings.
July 2018 Joy of Siblings
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
TEENS ACTS Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service (ACTS) is
presented for those who wish a closer relationship to the Lord, and to develop a stronger community of faith within their parish.
Register early for this wonderful weekend which will take place on July 19-22 at the Christian Life Center. FMI 728-7531.
The Presence Radio Network Week of Sunday, July 1, 2018
A CLOSER LOOK™ Weekdays at 6pm – 7pm
Take A Closer Look with award winning journalist Sheila Liaugminuas as she interviews newsmakers, elected officials, scholars, notable experts and clergy. Studio line: 1-888-914-9149
The Presence Radio is your listener-supported Catholic radio. 106.7 FM in Greater
Portland, 90.3 FM in Greater Bangor, 89.7 FM Mid-Coast, 89.5 FM Augusta, 97.5 Fort Kent, 1390AM Northern Maine, 105.7 FM in Springvale & Sanford
Listen online www.thepresenceradio.org, Download the free Presence Radio smartphone app or dial 605-475-8037 and listen on your cell phone
GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 1, 2018 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Today's Gospel offers a rare framework -- a story in a story. Most of the healing miracles are standalone encounters. One person approaches Jesus, demonstrates faith, and is healed. The evangelist tells the next story. This Gospel, however, is different. Jesus is on his way to heal one person, a young girl of twelve, and is interrupted on his journey by "a woman afflicted with hemorrhages." She bravely approaches Jesus in a crowd, despite being ritually unclean from her bleeding, and stretches out to touch his cloak. She is healed! Jesus meets her eye, confirms her faith, and continues on to resurrect the young girl. Reading this passage, it might be easier to identify with one story -- the long-suffering woman or the young, innocent girl -- and to move past the other. But here they sit side by side. The girl is twelve. The woman has been suffering for twelve years. For the Gospel writers, number parallels have deep symbolic meaning. Between the woman and the young girl, we are not one or the other. We are both. None of us had a perfect childhood, perfect families, or a perfect peer group. As we endure pain, disappointment, or unmet expectations, it can feel like a part of our childhood hopes have died. Our coping mechanisms, social adaptations, and hidden secrets can make us the "walking wounded" in some respects. Jesus wants to do more than simply staunch the bleeding. His healing hand makes dead things come alive. He awakens the dreams that are asleep. This process requires prayer, conversations with trusted community and spiritual mentors, and critical looks at difficult areas of our life. However, we can believe the words of our Lord. If we approach Jesus in faith, believing that he wants to heal and save, we, too, will hear his calming words spoken over the hurts of our life. "I say to you, arise!" "Go in peace."
LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK God does not rejoice in our demise or our destruction. Rather, He made us in His image and desires that we have life. He also de-sires that we be healed and know His loving touch. There is great power in an embrace. The touch of another can heal wounds and restore life. There is also power in faith. Faith can turn us toward the truth and turn us toward God. God can profoundly change how we see Him, ourselves, and one another. God desires that we turn toward Him and be healed of all that wounds and binds us so that we can be free and enjoy the fullness life. Reach out and share your faith with someone this week so that they can receive
God's life-changing embrace.
CATHOLIC QUOTES WORDS TO INSPIRE THE FAITHFUL
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.”
- St. John Paul II
Children’s Corner
QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK - REFLECT AND RESPOND TO SCRIPTURE First Reading: According to the Jewish sage, "God did not make death." How then did death enter into the world, according to Wisdom? Second Reading: Paul encourages the wealthier Christians in Corinth to help the needy in the community out of their abundance. In what ways do you live by this spiritual practice? Gospel Reading: We hear two healing miracles in today's Gospel reading, both of which connect one's faith to healing. When has your faith led to healing?
WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC TRADITIONS EXPLAINED Question: There seems to be a lot of division in some Christian churches over moral issues, especially abortion, ordination, and end-of-life care. If all Christians follow the Gospel of Jesus, why is there such a difference of opinion?
Answer: There is always a struggle between culture and religion, and part of that struggle is politics. To be politically correct means that you must embrace the secular virtue of the moment so that you are "enlightened," "sensitive," "aware," and, most importantly, "open-minded." Unfortunately, common sense can be sacrificed in the race to be "PC." Some factions within Christian denominations have tried to redefine tradition, history, and biblical teaching to bend it around the politically correct religious thinking of the day. On the life issues that you mention, there are those who began with their own conclusions and have tried to bend theology around their conclusions. This is possible in part because of a lack of a central teaching authority and partly because society has become apathetic to these issues. It will result in a lot of division, factions, and schisms. The Gospel calls all believers to embrace the truth, to turn from sin, and to seek holiness and justice. No matter how hard some may try, a square peg will not fit a round hole. The
