It's a beautiful day and we hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine!
ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL "Arise"
You may have read in your February edition of the Fairfield County Catholic newsletter that Bishop Caggiano has launched his Annual Catholic Appeal, "Arise." You may visit the Bridgeport Diocese website to read all the details and to make a contribution. The Bishop's letter will be printed in this weekend's bulletin too.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES (Loaves and Fishes): Catholic Charities has elected NOT to print contribution envelopes this year. Contributions to help feed the hungry of our community may be done on-line through the Bridgeport Diocese website, or by mailing your check, payable to Catholic Charities, to:
Catholic Charities Finance
Att: Loaves and Fishes
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606
RECONCILIATION MONDAY (Monday, March 29): For the Mystical Rose Deanery, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is being observed at St. Mark, St. James, and St. Lawrence between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
We have GREAT news regarding the Easter Triduum.
REMINDER: There is no 8:00 a.m. Mass Easter week on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday.
PALM SUNDAY:
Bishop Caggiano has announced that we will be handing out palms for Palm Sunday. St. Mark will be following a "normal" Mass schedule for Palm Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:00 noon. Mass registration will be required.
HOLY THURSDAY/MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER:
The Bishop has announced that the Diocese may proceed with "the Mandatum" (Washing of the Feet). We are seeking 12 volunteers to come forward for "the Mandatum." Father Birendra has expressed that the clergy will pour the water over the feet and hand the volunteer a clean towel to wipe their feet dry. There will be no "touching" between clergy and volunteer. Additionally, the seats will be set up 6-feet apart. If you are comfortable with this assignment, please drop a note at the parish rectory, or in the collection basket, or by eMail, attention Paula Mollica, giving your name and telephone number. Men and women are welcome to participate. The first 12 names received will be chosen. Mass registration will be required.
(The Bishop's celebration of the Mass of the Lord's Supper will be live-streamed at 7:00 p.m. from St. Augustine's Cathedral and will be made available on the diocesan website. AND St. Mark is live-streaming it's Mass at 7:30 p.m.)
Due to a scheduling conflict that just occurred, we have to move the hour for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Holy Thursday from 11:00 a.m./12:00 noon to 12:00 noon/1:00 p.m. This notice will be updated in the bulletin and we will make reminder announcements from the pulpit.
GOOD FRIDAY:
The Bishop has announced that while Adoration of the Holy Cross is permitted, those who venerate the Cross should do so only with a bow or genuflection; physically touching or kissing the cross is NOT allowed this year. Mass registration will be required.
(The Bishop's celebration of the Passion of the Lord will be live-streamed at 3:00 p.m. from St. Augustine's Cathedral and will be made available on the diocesan website. AND St. Mark is live-streaming it's Mass at 3:00 p.m.)
HOLY SATURDAY:
The Bishop has announced that the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (RCIA) may be celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Mass registration will be required.
(The Bishop's celebration of the Easter Vigil will be live-streamed at 7:00 p.m. from St. Augustine's Cathedral and will be made available on the diocesan website. AND St. Mark is live-streaming it's Mass at 7:30 p.m.)
EASTER SUNDAY:
St. Mark will be following a "normal" Mass schedule for Easter Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:00 noon. Mass registration will be required.
AND THE BEST NEWS OF ALL!!!!! Beginning April 11, Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), Father Birendra is announcing that we will return to our "normal" Sunday Mass schedule: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:00 noon. This gives an additional 75 parishioners the opportunity to attend Mass. Mass registration will be required.
OK, we think we have remembered all the items that were to be shared with you today. Fingers crossed that we didn't forget something and remember it the minute we hit the "send" button!
Best regards from the rectory office!
Paula Mollica, Parish Secretary
Joan Hurley, Business Manager