Dear Parishioners,
Many people struggle with situations which seem nearly hopeless. It may be the fight to overcome a particular sin, the need for conversion of a family member or a problem of another nature. These desperate situations should not lead a Catholic to despair and give up. We should turn to our Heavenly Father and to the saints, in particular St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of desperate cases.
At Mater Dei we have always recited a brief novena prayer to St. Jude every Wednesday after evening Mass. But we want to do more to cultivate and deepen our devotion to St. Jude on the parish level. The more we honor St. Jude the more he will help us.
To do this, beginning February 21 the evening of every 3rd Wednesday of the month will be especially dedicated to St. Jude. A large antique painting of St. Jude which was recently given to Mater Dei will be displayed in the sanctuary along with a 1st class relic of him. We will begin the evening with a Holy Hour followed by Mass with hymns, organ accompaniment and a sermon. We have made a booklet with prayers and a litany to St. Jude which was approved by Bishop Gainer. These prayers will be said following Mass.
It is my hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity to come to St. Jude with your desperate needs. Set aside this one weeknight each month, and make it a habit to always be in attendance. When all visible help seems lacking, St. Jude will be here for us.
~Fr Eichman
Coffee & Donuts - Join us for coffee and donuts in the Social Hall following the 10am Mass this morning.
Seminary Burse - A 2nd Collection will be taken today in support of the FSSP seminary in Denton, Nebraska.
Vespers Tonight - Vespers & Exposition with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be tonight from 5:30pm–6:30pm.
Wednesday Mass—Time Change - Wednesday evening Mass will be permanently changed from 7:30pm to 7:00pm beginning this Wednesday. Thank you to all who responded to the survey last year regarding this.
Lenten Silent Retreats - Fr. Eichman and Fr. Franco will direct two half-day silent retreats during Lent.
Both retreats will begin at 8:00am with Adoration / Mass and will include spiritual conferences, confession, stations of the cross and time for silent prayer. This will be a silent retreat, so leave your phones at home. Register for either retreat by emailing the office at Contact@MaterDeiPA.com with subject line “Lenten Retreat.” Indicate 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 contact Fr. Eichman.
Young Adult Group—This Friday - Our young adults (ages 18—35) will be meeting in the Social Hall following Stations and Mass on Friday, February 16. All Young Adults are welcome! For more information contact Fr.Franco@MaterDeiPA.com
Youth Group Music Night—This Saturday - Our “Music Night” is Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 6pm - 9pm. This event is at a special venue and will require formal attire. Please R.S.V.P. by February 9 and include the name of your desired recital piece for inclusion in our program to youthgroup@materdeipa.com.
Additional Lunchtime Confessions for Lent - Beginning February 20th, we will hear Confessions from 12 Noon to 1pm every Tuesday and Wednesday of Lent.
New St. Jude Devotion - Beginning on February 21, each 3rd Wednesday of the month we will have a special schedule as follows:
Adult Convert / Confirmation Class - Our next class will be on Thursday, February 15 at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. Access via the alley door on Buttonwood St.
If Not Registered with Mater Dei - The Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain have the special grace to guide those who are registered parishioners. Anyone seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony here must be registered and active parishioners for 6 months. Registration forms are available in the back of church or on our website.
Ash Wednesday - Mass Schedule for Ash Wednesday, February 14th:
Ashes will be distributed at both Masses.
Palms to be Burned - There will be a basket in the back of the church today for old palms blessed last year.
Stations of the Cross - Stations of the Cross will be every Friday of Lent beginning February 16.
Laws of Fast & Abstinence - The traditional and current laws of fast and abstinence are available in the back of church. Remember, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of both Fast and Abstinence.
Rosary for Life - Next Saturday, February 17, we will recite a Rosary and the Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in reparation for the sin of abortion and for an end to abortion. We will pray this Rosary at St Lawrence before the Blessed Sacrament following the 10am Mass.