PASTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear friends,

In life there are two perspectives (or attitudes) a person can have – they can either be optimistic or pessimistic. Life is filled with ups and downs, but with the grace of God and trusting in Divine Providence, Catholic have no perspective but to be optimistic.

Optimistic does not only mean to see things in a good way but the etymology of the word means, ‘to see things in the best way possible.’ Optimism allows us to see things through the lens of God and not through the eyes of man. As Book of the prophet Jeremiah reminds us, “For I know well the plans I have in mind…plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

While to be pessimistic – is the complete opposite – is to consider things in the worst way possible. It is when a person is stripped themselves of all hope of progress or growth. And when this attitude is connected with pride (or a self-centered life) it makes a person consider that all of life’s woes and struggle always happen to then, as if no one else suffers difficulties. As Padre Pio encourages us to avoid pessimism (or sadness) saying, “Don’t allow any sadness to dwell in your soul, for sadness prevents the Holy Spirit from acting freely.” Or as Saint Macarius of Optina says, “Watch out for complaining. It only makes situations worse and increases sorrow.”

            The danger of being pessimistic is that it puts us at a defeat before the battle has really begun – as if the obstacle or the struggle that is present is unsurpassable. While a soul who is optimistic enters into a struggle with the great confidence in God – knowing that despite our human weakness God never submits us to a cross without also granting us the grace and aid to overcome it.  As Christians we are all called to optimism – to see all things in the hope of the resurrection and of God’s grace. Let us continue to live our Lenten observance – and our entire life for that matter – in a great spirit of optimism.

                                       Together in Prayer

WEEKLY NEWS

Canceled Parish Council Meeting

Our Parish Council Meeting for Saint John the Baptist on March 21st has been canceled. Please be attentive to the new meeting date.

Donation Envelopes

Please do not use tape to close your Sunday donation envelopes because it is difficult to open them for counting. Thank you for understanding.

Solemnity of St. Joseph Monday March 20^th

This year the solemnity of St. Joseph is moved to Monday March 20^th because March 19 is a Sunday. Please note there will be no 8AM Mass at St. John but a 10AM at Sacred Heart. The sisters will be celebrating their 35^th year of foundation and would like to invite everyone to a potluck brunch after the 10 AM Holy Mass in the basement of Sacred Heart.

Lenten Confessions

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church – Friday  March 24th from 1:30-6:30PM with Adoration.

Last Lenten Day Retreat

Saturday March April 1st Topic: The Eucharist & True and False ideas of perfection (Holiness), at Sacred Heart basement starting at 12:30PM with Potluck, this is a free event and will finish with the 5:30 Holy Mass.

 Two novenas: St. Joseph and the Annunciation

Please join us in the Novena to Saint Joseph (March 11-19) the intention is for Catholic Faith in Canada  and the Novena of the Annunciation (March 16-24th) for the Spiritual and Material Need of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parishes. The novena is printed in the back of this bulletin.

Want to give up something for Lent? Want to help St. Vincent de Paul – Vinnies?                  

Grab a bag and put one item per day in the bag – clothing, household goods, etc. in good for re-use or re-sale 40 days – 40 items! EASY! You have purged, given up for Lent and helped someone! 

The Way of the Cross (The Stations of the Cross)

Saint John the Baptist at 11:30 AM &

Sacred Heart at 6:30 PM. 

Other activities in the Diocese

Please see at the bulletin board at the entrance of the church for other parishes activities and announcements:

-Popular Roast Beef Dinner at Immaculate

-Lenten Wednesdays – La Verna Ministries

-World Youth Day Bottle Drive – Immaculate

-Fundraising Portuguese Dinner for Wyd Pilgrims