Season of New Life
February 25, 2021
Dear Friends,
I was pleased to see so many people at the first session of our OMGC Lenten retreat last evening. It's still a little bit strange, doing all these things through Zoom rather than doing them face to face. But still, there is a niceness to the orderly way that we can interact by doing it through this medium.
Last evening, at one point, I counted 33 little squares on our Zoom page. Some frames showed more than one person, so we probably had at least 36 people participating. I hope that others of you will consider joining us. Roger and Carol have structured this retreat so that you don't have to be there for every session. I invite any of you who are thinking about joining us to be with us next Wednesday or some future Wednesday.
This morning at staff prayer, Roger presented us with a striking poetic text:
In a lovely way, these simple words crystallize our desire to allow this season of grace to affect our hearts' yearning and direction - toward the new life that Jesus gives.
I pray that each of you is having a wonderful, grace-filled Lent.
Christ's Peace,
Friar Liam
Friday Evening Lenten Series
Join us on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 7 PM. Join us either in church, with masks and socially distanced, or on-line at www.omgcparish.org for a Holy Hour (1/2 hour). Take one-half hour out of your schedule and spend some quality Lenten time with Jesus.
Remember Not The Things of the Past:
See I Do Something New!
See I Do Something New!
An Online Lenten Retreat for Thriving in “Real Life”
Led by Carol and Roger Pisani
4 Wednesdays to go: March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24 (attend any or all)
All sessions 7pm-8:15pm
We all know that Lent is a time for renewal,
but what does that really mean?
Through uncovering the wisdom within the Sunday Scripture readings, spiritual exercises, and song, we will explore steps to open ourselves to new life and joy - getting in touch with our deepest thirst, learning to see with the eyes of Christ, and trusting in divine love.
Even when all seems lost, God is always doing something new in our lives. Join us on the journey!
This retreat will be offered on the Zoom platform. To register, contact Roger Pisani at (610) 525-0147 x.234 or email rpisani@omgcparish.net with your name, phone number (in case of emergency) and email address. You may register for subsequent weeks even after the first week is finished.
Rice Bowl Campaign
Our Annual Rice Bowl Campaign kicks off this week! Last year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia raised almost $214,000 for the Annual Rice Bowl Campaign, of which 75% went to Catholic Relief Services, and 25% stayed here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with the NDS (Nutritional Development Service) to combat hunger and poverty. Consider joining us in this Campaign by taking a rice bowl found at the doors of the church, filling it with your donations through Lent, and returning it to the church on Holy Thursday during the Mass of the Last Supper.
The IHN continues to care for their guests in their own space during this time of Covid. As we do our best to assist them on weeks where we would normally be hosting them here, we ask what they may need. This time around, we have been asked to write letters or cards of encouragement to those who are working so hard to get housing, jobs, and stability at a time when life is challenging them otherwise. We have also been asked if possible to donate cleaning products, mops, brooms, dustpans, and general cleaning supplies. If you are able to purchase any of these items and donate them to our IHN, please drop them off at the Parish Office during the week, OR leave them near the food baskets in church. Our Youth Group will be putting together some "Cleaning baskets for the families to receive as they get their housing. They will also be donated to the families that have "graduated" the program but are finding themselves in tight situations now due to COVID 19.
GREETERS NEEDED
As more people return to in-church worshipping on Sundays, we find ourselves in need of greeters and ushers. While we still maintain the 6-foot distance rule, we often need assistance in helping persons find seats and take up the collection. If you are interested and available to help, please contact Karen at kcarey@omgcparish.net
Friday Evening Lenten Journey
Join us for our traditional Friday evening Lent series in an untraditional way! Please feel free to join virtually or in person. Each session is only 1/2 hour long, and it is excellent for families to attend together!
Friday, February 26, 7 PM - Holy Hour ( 1/2 hour)
Friday, March 5, 7 PM - Taizé Prayer Service
Friday, March 12, 7 PM -Youth Group Prayer Service
Friday, March 19, 7 PM - Communal Penance Service
Friday, March 26, 7 PM - Living Stations Presentation
We look forward to praying with you.
“Everything You Wanted to Know About the
Sacraments but Were Afraid to Ask!” (Part 2)
Continuing Tuesdays, March 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd – 7:00 - 8:30 PM via Zoom
Please join St. Augustine Parish (Philadelphia) as we host five virtual discussions during LENT on the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony & Holy Orders. Why Confession? Can’t I just tell God I’m sorry? Why are Last Rites now called Anointing of the Sick? Can a divorced person receive Communion? Why does the Church only ordain men as priests? We will discuss and answer these and other questions you might have. On the fifth and final night, our Zoom presentation is entitled: “How does it all come together?” We will discuss how all the sacraments are tied together and the theology behind the teachings. Join us and our special guest participants via Zoom on the dates and times listed below!
Speakers, registration and details: Click here for schedule and registration
March 6, 2021
Event: Man-Up Philly Men's Spirituality Conference (Virtual)
This year's Man-Up is going virtual! Join men from around the Archdiocese as we seek to grow closer to the Lord and become the men that God created us to be.
Speakers: Bishop Joseph Coffey, Colonel Tom Manion, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mark Forrest
Location: Via Livestream
UPDATING OUR PARISH RECORDS
Please help us update our parish records.
Please provide the parish office the following information:
·Parish ID number
·Family Name
·Household Members Names
·Home Address
·Email 1 address
·Email 2 address
·Phone 1 number
·Phone 2 number
Our thanks to all who so generously support our parish even during this time of quarantine.
RECIPE SWAP
Because of the Pandemic, many of us are eating at home;
and that requires a lot of cooking.
Are you tired of the same bland recipes?
Are you looking for some variety in your meals?
You are in luck!
We are doing a recipe swap in the Church Bulletin.
We are sharing our member’s favorite easy-to-make family recipes with everyone at our church.
We will post one recipe in the Bulletin weekly as they come in.
CALLING ALL COOKS or FOODIES FROM OMGC!
If you have a favorite family recipe that you would like to share with our members,
please send it to me at mmarchetti@omgcparish.net
or mail a copy of the recipe to
OMGC Office, 31 Pennswood Road,
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
Join our OMGC Recipe Swap and share your favorite family recipes with other OMGC parishioners, and help us add some variety and spice to weekly meals.