VOL Parish Weekly Bulletin May 10, 2015 | Page 2

May 10, 2015 Sixth Sunday of Easter Views From The Pews We have a very large number of comments about my Stewardship homily on prayer. Here are two of them. Diane says, “That may have been the best homily I ever heard. It had everything. I loved the thoughts, the delivery and the visual. It all worked.” Paula writes, “You know I have been telling myself forever that I need to pray more but I was always too lazy. You gave me the motivation I needed. I am starting today.” “Thanks. I certainly don’t prepare homilies to get praise, but it is nonetheless always nice to receive it.” On the other hand, Edgar writes. “You are long winded. You should have said what you said in a fourth of the time you took and stop bouncing all over the altar. It is very annoying.” “I truly try to do my best. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you.” We also have a lot of requests for the quote I used from St. Pope John Paul II’s address in Philadelphia in 1976. Here it is. Fr. Mike Gospel Vigilance We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has ever experienced. I do not think the wide circle of the American Society, or the wide circle of the Christian Community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-church, between the Gospel and the anti-gospel, between Christ and the antichrist. This confrontation lies within the plans of Divine Providence. It is, therefore, in God’s Plan, and it must be a trial which the Church must take up, and face courageously… We must prepare ourselves to suffer great trials before long, such as will demand of us disposition to give up even life, and a total dedication to Christ and for Christ. With your and my prayers, it is possible to mitigate the coming tribulation, but it is no longer possible to avert it, because only thus can the Church be effectually renewed. How many times has the renewal of the Church sprung from the shredding of blood? This time, too, it will not be otherwise. We must be strong and prepared and trust in Christ and in his Holy Mother and be very, very assiduous in praying the holy rosary. Saint John Paul II Eucharistic Congress, Philadelphia, PA 1976 2 Did You Know? I find the number astounding, but in his book, “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic,” author Matthew Kelly says the number of Catholic marriages in America is decreasing by 60,000 every year. Fr. Mike The Blessing of being a mother also comes with great responsibility. It requires long hours and lots of juggling. Yet, the joy of watching your little ones grow is great. By being a mother and investing in your children you are also investing in society. You are helping others by raising your children to be people who are willing to give and share their gifts. So today, take some time to enjoy the blessings that God has given to you and know that being a mother is so much more than giving birth and planning meals, you are an integral part of society. Fr. D Addicted to Porn? Call the Family Life Apostolate (My House Men’s Group) 861-6243 or call Fr. Mike or Fr. Daniel 347-2203. All calls are confidential!! Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Workshops Interested in serving your parish as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist? The Archdiocese is offering workshops that will get you going! If you would like to register, contact the Pastoral Center at 347-2203. Prior approval from Fr. Mike or Fr. Daniel is needed before registering. Visitation of Our Lady Church, Marrero Saturday, May 16th, 9am -1pm Mass Book Opens Friday, May 15th @ 9a.m. We will be taking Mass intentions for July - December 2015 The stipend for each Mass is $5.00 (per date), as set by the Archdiocese. *On multiple intention days, NO MORE than 3 names per date, per person.