Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have reached the halfway point of Lent. How are we doing? Have we made progress growing in our relationship with the Lord? These are just some things we have to consider as we move forward.
There are things in life that distract us. Perhaps we are addicted to the computer and the internet, sit in front of the television watching shows or playing video games, or maybe we have a particular attachment to something. It's important when we look to give something up that we give up something that is preventing us from growing spiritually.
If we haven't made any strides, don't worry. It's certainly not too late! Make it a point to take in an extra daily Mass during the week if your schedule allows. Join us for Stations of the Cross Thursday afternoon with the school community at 2 pm or Friday evening at 7 pm. Confessions are offered 7 days a week. if you haven't been to confession in a while, accept God's invitation and be freed from sin.
In these last couple weeks of Lent leading up to Easter, may we pray for the grace to make a true effort to grow in our relationship with God. As we give up things that distract us, may we make a more valiant effort to do things that will help bring ourselves and others closer to the Lord.
Sincerely,
Fr. Carroll
Coming up tomorrow Friday March 4th...
First Friday this year correlates with the start of "24 hours with the Lord." On Friday, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will be hearing confessions at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Here at Saint Patrick Church we will have our own "24 hours with the Lord." Starting Friday morning, we will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 8:30 am with the School Family. Confessions will be heard from Noon - 1 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, and from 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross will be at 7 pm. At 8:45 pm we will conclude our First Friday Devotion with Night Prayer and Benediction.
Saturday afternoon we will have extended confessions from 3 - 4:15 pm for those who wish to take advantage of God's great gift of mercy. At 6:30 pm, we will have a showing of "Ocean of Mercy" in the Church.
Additional Note and Invitation from the Pastor: I would like to extend an invitation for those attending our First Friday Devotion to consider coming early, park in the lot and take a stroll downtown to support our local businesses, many of them generously support our parish. It's a great opportunity to dine, shop, and pray!
OCEAN OF MERCY
Location: Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The film lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. Following the film we will have time for adoration, opportunity to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and receive the Lord's blessing in benediction
USE LENT AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE FORMED!
FORMED: CATHOLIC FAITH ON DEMAND
Saint Patrick Church is blessed to have a tremendous resource! Are you looking to grow in your Catholic Faith! Do you know someone who has questions or might be interested in the Catholic Church? Invite people to go directly to our parish website and register for FORMED! Formed, the Catholic Faith on Demand, is a great resource! You have seen the announcements in the bulletin and heard about it in the announcements at the end of Mass. Please consider checking it out and directing others to do the same!
SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS!!!
Saint Patrick Catholic School is preparing to celebrate it's 165th Anniversary!
We are currently accepting applications for the historic 2016 - 2017 school year. Scholarships are available...hard deadline is April 15th.
For more information please call us at 717-854-8263
or visit
Next Monday, March 7th, from 6 - 7:30 pm, Saint Patrick Catholic School will be having an open house. If you know of anyone considering the gift of Catholic Education for their children please extend this invitation to them. Saint Patrick Catholic School is blessed with a dedicated faculty and staff who work tirelessly each day to help our children grow.
Saint Patrick Catholic School was the first Catholic School in the City of York and today is the only Catholic grade school in the City.
Saint Patrick School Students visit the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry.
On Monday, February 28th, our fifth and sixth grade students traveled to the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry. During their visit they helped packed food and leaned more about the mission of the pantry.
SAINT PATRICK RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Congratulations to our Second Grade Religious Education students who received their First Reconciliation on Saturday, February 13th.
THERE WILL BE NO CLASS ON MARCH 6TH...CATECHISTS AND TEACHERS WILL BE HAVING A RETREAT DAY...PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM
Confirmation Formation meets on Sunday, March 13th from 5:30 - 9 pm. Students are invited to the 5:30 pm Mass, go downstairs for dinner, and then return to the Church for Holy Hour and Confessions. There is NO MORNING CLASS for the 8th Grade Religious Education Students.
Saint Patrick Day Celebration
Thursday March 17th 2016
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass @ 5:30 pm
Potluck Dinner at 6:30 pm Downstairs in the School Cafeteria
A - G Desert
H - O Side
P - Z Main Entrees
RSVP to Denise at 854 - 8263
Holy Week and Easter Sunday Schedule
Holy Thursday
Confessions from 8:30 - 10 am
Office of Readings/Morning Prayer @ 10 am
Confessions from 4 - 5 pm
Mass of the Lord's Supper @ 7 pm
Confessions from approximately 8:30 - 10 pm
Visitation of the Blessed Sacrament - 10 pm
Good Friday
Confessions from 8:30 - 10 am
Office of Readings/Morning Prayer @ 10 am
Confessions from 11:30 - 1:30 pm
Liturgy of the Lord's Passion @ 3 pm
Holy Saturday
Office of Readings/Morning Prayer @ 10 am
Blessing of Easter Foods @ 11:30 am
Easter Vigil @ 8 pm
Easter Sunday
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass @ 6:30 am
Confessions from 7:30 - 8:30 am
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass @ 8:30 am
Confessions from 9:30 - 10:30 am
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass @ 10:45 am
Confessions from 4:30 - 5 pm
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass @ 5:30 pm