I hope you all had a wonderful Easter celebration with family and friends! Even though we are still in the midst of a pandemic, things were much better this year than Easter a year ago! With 400 persons allowed in our church, it looked “full” compared to the 10 persons allowed last April or even the 50 allowed in the summer months.
There were a few things that we still could not do: the outside gathering before all the Masses on Palm Sunday with everybody processing in carrying palm branches; the washing of feet at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday; the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday (either by passing overhead or touching/kissing); and on Holy Saturday, the use of the newly-blessed holy water; or the long and winding procession of the Elect through the church on their way to the baptismal font; or the full immersion of the Elect for their baptisms.
Nevertheless, the liturgies for Holy Week, the Triduum, Easter and, in fact, all of Lent, were very inspirational! This is due to the hard and dedicated work of our entire staff and many volunteers. Thanks to all of you who helped in any way to make this season so special and memorable.
Now, that we are in the Easter season, we will be celebrating the Easter Sacraments: 1) Baptisms — at many of the weekend Masses or at a special 2:30 p.m. time on Sundays. 2) Confirmations — baptized Christians on this Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Mass and over 120 teens and adults at specially-scheduled Masses on Sunday, May 16, with Bishop Joseph Pepe. 3) First Holy Communions —over 100 children with some at regular weekend Masses and others at specially-scheduled Saturday Masses.
In addition to these Sacraments of Initiation, I will be presiding at weddings almost every weekend for the next several months.
So, it will continue to be a busy time and place here at Holy Spirit. I look forward to these joyful events in the life of our parishioners.
Have a good week. God bless you.
Fr. Bill
NEWS FROM THE PARISH
Celebrating Sacraments
Over the next several weeks we will be celebrating a number of Sacraments such as Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations. Some of these take place during weekend liturgies. We are excited to celebrate these Sacraments together as a community!
Seating Capacity
Church seating capacity remains at 400 people even with the governors increase in overall percentage. To maintain social distancing of 6-feet between households, 400 total people at Mass will remain the capacity.
We are here to serve you. Please offer any other suggestions by placing a comment to this email as to what you would like to see in this bulletin.
Do you need a prayer? Would you like to pray for someone? You can reply directly to this email (which will create a private comment) or click the 'Reply' button to leave a public comment.
We are united to one another through our prayer. We are praying for you. You are not alone.
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
New Easter and Spring decor plus First Communion masks, and lots of Confirmation and First Communion Gifts. Stop by to check it out!
Last Easter was the first Easter Sunday in 14 years in which there was no Sunrise Mass at Holy Spirit. So, having Easter Sunrise Mass again this year was a welcoming sight to behold. The Peace Garden, along with the majority of the gravel area, was blanketed with people (socially distanced of course) celebrating once again this wonderful tradition. The sun rose during Communion, which seemed to be the perfect timing. As people received Jesus Body in the Eucharist, the sun was a reminder about how Jesus is the never-ending Light of the World!
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
In efforts to evaluate our parish programs throughout this past year, and to develop new ways to move forward in this coming year, we have a multi-question survey for this week. Please feel free to also leave comments (which will be kept private and only seen by admins.)
What night of the week would you prefer parish activities to be held?
Weekend Nights (Friday - Sunday)
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Monday Nights
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Tuesday Nights
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Wednesday Nights
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Thursday Nights
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Any Night of the Week Works for Me
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Do you feel like you are informed about Parish activities?
Yes! I receive information on a weekly basis.
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Sometimes, but most of the time I find out too late to participate
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No. I never know what's going on
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Do you feel like Holy Spirit Parish provides you with enough opportunities to do service work, engage in the community, and participate in spiritual growth (such as Bible studies)?
Yes, absolutely! I believe there is always something going on at our Church.
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I feel most opportunities are during the day and I can't participate.
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I feel there are a lot of opportunities but not ones I'm interested in.
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No, I think we need more opportunities.
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What is one of the most effective ways that we can communicate to you?
This IGNITE Bulletin
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Weekly Flocknote emails & texts
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Facebook or other Social Media
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Holy Spirit Website
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Paper flyers and bulletins
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Feel free to add your opinions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments section.
Last weeks (April 4th) Question Results: #1 Attend Mass
URBI ET ORBI: RISEN CHRIST IS HOPE
Pope Francis delivers his traditional Easter message “Urbi et Orbi” – to the city and the world – underscoring how today we celebrate the event that gives us the hope that does not disappoint: “Jesus who was crucified has risen”.
Throughout the world, the Church proclaims the joyous news that “Jesus, who was crucified, has risen as He said. Alleluia!”, Pope Francis said at the start of his Easter message broadcast live around the world.
Hope that does not disappoint
The Easter message of hope tells us concisely that “the crucified Jesus, none other, has risen from the dead”, Pope Francis said, adding that God the Father raised Jesus, who accomplished His saving will by taking upon Himself our weakness, infirmities, the weight of our sins, even our death. Because of this, the Pope said, “God the Father exalted Him and now Jesus Christ lives forever; He is the Lord.”
Healed by the wounds of Christ
In conclusion, Pope Francis recognized how in so many places Christians have celebrated Easter under severe restrictions, sometimes unable to attend liturgical celebrations. He prayed that these, and all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide, may be lifted so all are allowed to pray and praise God freely.
Amid these many hardships, the Pope said, we must always remember that “we have been healed by the wounds of Christ” and in light of the Risen Lord, “our sufferings are now transfigured…where there was death, now there is life”.
Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31
Use the following discussion/reflection questions in your families, with your spouse, your friends, or even as personal journal questions:
1. If Jesus were to appear in your midst, how would you respond? Would you be fearful? Would you be joyful?
2. Jesus told us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” How have you been able to remain firm in your belief in the Lord without experiencing His physical presence?
3. Thomas refused to believe in the Resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds with his own eyes and felt them with his own hands. Have you, like Thomas, doubted God’s faithfulness? How did you overcome your doubt? Are you still doubting God’s faithfulness?
4. God freely offers us His peace and mercy. What area of your life is in need of His healing power? Have you opened this part of your life to Him?
WEEKLY WORSHIP
"Every praise is to our God! Every word of worship is one accord. Every praise, every praise is to our God. Sing Hallelujah to our God, Glory Hallelujah is to our God. Every praise, every praise is to our God" Hezekiah Walker
WALK CONNECTED: A BLINDCONNECT WALK
Blindconnect invites you to our first annual 5K Walk benefitting Angela's House. This walk is a virtual walk. Walk with us anytime anywhere from April 17 to May 1, 2021 in recognition of independence for the blind through critical blindness training services in Nevada.
April 17th - May 1st, 2021
Registration is $35 per participant
How: You can register at Blindconnect.org/events/walk-connected or click the link below.
This contribution provides you with a walk packet including a Blindconnect T-shirt and swag bag.
Holy Spirit New Beginnings Ministry Announces a 5-week program to support those who have experienced the death of a loved one by suicide.
When: Beginning April 13,2021 (weekly)
6-8:30pm
Where: Parish Life Center*
How: Please call 970-216-8977 or email holyspiritgrief@gmail.com for more information. Sign up can be done on parish web site.
Clinical Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison says, “Suicide is a death like no other and those who are left behind to struggle with it must confront a pain like no other.”
We are here to guide and walk with you through this painful journey.
*Covid protocol will be followed and enforced.
ANGEL TREE 2020
November 28th - December 13th
This year’s Angel Tree project will be a little different. As you are aware several things are different from prior years: We are practicing social distancing and many schools have not reopened. Many families are without jobs through no fault of their own. The agencies are at a disadvantage since they must use fewer volunteers to assist in their Christmas gift giving programs. We are limited in space for storage and the number of volunteers we can use at one time. Therefore, we are asking everyone to try something new this year…
After all the Masses on the weekend of November 21st & 22nd, volunteers will be handing out a special Angel tag as you leave Mass. Please consider taking one or two to help a child in need this Christmas. If you are unable to attend Mass and watch virtually, we have inserted an Angel tag in the bulletin that you can print, cut out and attach to your stocking. We will also leave some Angels in a basket in the gathering space of the church if you attend morning Mass during the week.
Here is what we are asking:
Please purchase a 16”-18” Christmas stocking and a Target, Walmart, Visa, etc. gift card (minimum $25). Please be sure to write the amount of your gift card somewhere on the card. You may choose the age and gender (newborn - teenagers) of your Angel just be sure to write that information on the back of the Angel. Put the gift card in the stocking and fill the rest of the stocking with little fun items you think your Angel would enjoy receiving. For many children this might be the only gift they will receive this year. After you have purchased the items and filled your stocking attach your Angel tag to the stocking and follow the directions on the back of the Angel tag. It is important that you give your stocking to one of the volunteers either on Wednesdays or on the weekend before all the Masses.
If you are unable to shop or would like us to shop for you, please put your donation (checks payable to Holy Spirit) in an envelope and label it “Angel Tree”. You can also go online to our website www.holyspiritlv.org, go to “Give On Line” and select “Angel Tree. Donations in the Poor Box will also assist with this project.
Thank you for rising to this new challenge and making this Christmas special for many deserving children. God bless you!
Below is information about Holy Spirit! Access the information by clicking on the links below. If, for any reason, you cannot find what you are looking for, please call our office 702-459-7778
Below is information about some of our ministries and groups at Holy Spirit. Access this information by clicking on the links below. For additional information, please call our office 702-459-7778