Saint Paul Parish

Palm Sunday

“The Lord’s Passion”

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last weekend 30 of our Youth and about 10 on the Leadership Team were on retreat.  I spent a few hours with them on Saturday evening.  During that time they had an hour of adoration, and an opportunity to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I found it a very powerful time, and for many of the people the weekend was truly life changing.  Thanks to Carolyn and her team for some great work!

Recently the Pastoral Council recommended that we begin English classes as a way to bring the Hispanic and Anglo communities together.  Our staff met with a representative from Chemeketa Community College.  They have a great program that involves volunteers running the classes.  We want to begin the program here in April.  We need volunteers willing to lead the sessions.  You do not need to know Spanish or how to teach.  Chemeketa has a program on two Saturdays to assist volunteers and all the material needed is in the books.

Chemeketa says they have 250 volunteers already doing this program and it has prospered.  If you want more information, please contact me.  I hope a number of you would be willing to join this program.

This week we enter into the heart of the Church year.  I will be going to the Cathedral to participate with the Bishop and the priests of the Archdiocese in the Chrism Mass and the blessing of the oils and renewing my Priestly commitment.  The liturgies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter help to focus on the incredible saving mystery of Jesus.  The Easter Vigil itself is the climax of the week.  I ask that you participate in as many of these liturgies as possible.

It has been a tradition to take up a collection on Good Friday for the work of the Church in the Holy Land.  We will again do so this year.  The Franciscans staff the shrines and minister to the people, and right now the Catholics there are under extreme attack and pressure.  Our support of them is needed more than ever.

May this week indeed be a Blessed one for each of you,

Fr. William

         ************************                       

Questions of the Week

Adults: How have I experienced God’s goodness in a way I did not expect or deserve?

Children:

 How do I ask for forgiveness when I have done something wrong?

We give back to God:  $4499.00.

This week last year:  $4371.00

Standing in the Need of Prayer:

For healing of mind, body, and spirit, and the grace to perceive God’s presence amid their suffering, we pray especially for … Kory and Kaden, Patty, Peggy & Jerry, Fred, Pat, Hanna, Charles, Charlotte,  Chuck, Tony, Mary, Betty, and Brian.

*********************************

Seder Meal 

Our Seder Meal is this Wednesday evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Please call the office with your RSVP by Tuesday so that we may plan for food.

Thank you!

*********************************

Weekly  Calendar

Morning Prayer 7:30 a.m.; Daily Mass 8:00 a.m.

Parish News & Events

•       Altar Society Needs You! Come and help make ready our Church for Holy Week and Easter! We are meeting on Monday morning March 17 at 8:45 a.m. in the church. Please bring rubber gloves to wear, a bucket, and cleaning rags if you have some, as we will be washing down all of the woodwork. The more help we have, the lighter the load! Thank you for your help!
•       On Good Friday, our parish will take up the annual Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land. Your financial contribution helps to support the struggling Christian community and to protect Christianity’s holiest places. Please be generous.

In the Area

Willamette Valley Hospice is currently seeking volunteers to help provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients, offer support for children, families, and adults. Volunteers providing support to patients serve in the familiar surroundings of a patient’s own home or a long-term care facility, and volunteer in their own communities. For more information, please contact Brittney or Ellany, volunteer coordinators, at 503-763-232. 

Faith Formation

Children

There will be no Religious Education next weekend March 23, on Easter Sunday. Religious Education

 will resume on March 30.

Youth Ministry

•       Youth Group will be attending the Seder Meal this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall.
•       A Big THANK YOU to Katy and Van, Michael and Pam, Xochtyl, Jenelle, Sara, Andrew, and the many others who helped make our Spring Retreat possible!

Looking Forward

Who is God?, a retreat presented by Dr. Owen on Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Shalom Prayer Center in Mt. Angel. For more information or to register, call 503-845-6773 or visit www.benedictine.srs.org/shalom.

Scripture Readings for the Week

Mass Intentions