All Bulletins View PDF Version

1st Sunday of Lent

February 14, 2016

Coffee and Donuts - All are invited to the Social Hall today after the 10:00AM Mass for coffee and donuts.  Access through door via the side alley.

 Laws of Fast and Abstinence - At the back of the church are the traditional and current laws of fast and abstinence.  Please take one.  Note that under the current laws of the Church, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast and Abstinence.  Additionally, every Friday in Lent is a day of Abstinence.

Stations of the Cross - Stations of the Cross will be said in the church every Friday during Lent.

  • 5:30pm - Mass
  • 6:15pm - Stations of the Cross
  • 6:45pm - Simple Adoration

Lenten Retreats - We will offer two day long retreats during Lent.

  • Women’s Retreat - February 27th
  • Men’s Retreat - March 5th

Each retreat will begin at 8:00am with Adoration / Mass and will include conferences given by Fr. Eichman, Confession, Stations of the Cross and periods of time for silent prayer.  Arrangements are being made for breakfast and lunch. Registration will be held Sunday, February 14th and February 21st after the 8AM and 10AM Masses in the Vestibule.  Please indicate on registration form if you will be bringing a dish to share, or instead paying a registration fee of $15 per person.  The retreat is open to people 18 or older.  If any persons under 18 would like to attend please contact Fr. Eichman.

Annual Lenten Appeal - The Bishop's Annual Lenten Appeal will begin next Sunday, February 21st. The pledge cards will be in the back of the Church on the piano after both Masses. There will be blank pledge cards available for those who do not have a printed card. Please fill out the pledge card and place it in the Collection basket or mail it to the Office. Our Diocesan Assessment this year is $10,000.  The community must cover this amount.  Anything in excess remains with Mater Dei.

Parish Registration Forms - If you are not a registered member of Mater Dei and would like to become one, registration forms are located in the church entrance, or on our website.  Being registered makes one a more full recipient of the graces of the Masses (such as the “Pro Populo” Mass which is offered for the community members each Sunday) and prayers offered by the priests every day.  Also remember that the chaplain and assistant chaplain have the grace of state to guide in particular those who are their parishioners.

 2015 IRS Tax Letter - If you would like a 2015 tax letter please contact the office and we will mail you one.

Young Adult Gathering - On Saturday, February 27th, there will be a get-together 6-9pm open to all young adults, single and married, ages 19 – 35.  This is a way the young adults of the community can get to know one another and grow in holiness.  The evening will consist of a Rosary, short talk by one of the priests, and time for snacks and to socialize.  For more information contact Brittany Stewart at (717) 571 – 6453 or bvasilak816@gmail.com or the Mater Dei office at contact@materdeipa.com

Youth Group Evening - Our next Youth Group event will be on Saturday, February 27th from 6PM - 9PM.  The Youth Group is open to young people ages 13 - 18.  For more information contact us at youthgroup@materdeipa.com

First Communicants - Important Dates:

Saturday, April 16th -1st Confessions

Sunday, May 22nd - 1st Communions at 10AM Mass

Please contact Fr. Eichman or the office if you have a child who is preparing to receive their First Communion this year. Fr. Eichman will be interviewing each child in the weeks prior to 1st Confession, and again prior to their 1st Communion.

Sacramentals for Expectant Mothers - There are certain Sacramentals in the Roman Ritual through which we request God’s blessing that an expecting mother can have a safe delivery and also the grace of having her child baptized.  The priests would be happy to provide the following to any expecting lady at her request.  Please do not hesitate to ask.

  • Blessing of Expectant Mother - Can be given at any time during pregnancy.
  • Candle in Honor of St. Raymond Nonnatus - To be taken home and burned, and especially when the time of delivery approaches.
  • St. Torellus Water - Special Holy Water which can be sprinkled, used to bless oneself, drunk, or used in small amounts in cooking.