Bulletin February 12, 2012

To fully understand today’s Gospel story, it is important to know that in Jesus’ time there were religious and social taboos associated with leprosy and other skin diseases. Skin diseases were examined by priests and in some cases the person was considered unclean and therefore physically isolated from the community. Not only were they ostracized, they had to identify themselves as ‘unclean’ when approached by a member of the community or village. If the disease was healed, the person celebrated a rite of purification and returned to the community. In today’s first reading, the Levitical laws were the basis of society’s treatment of lepers in Jesus’ day. At the time, what was understood to be leprosy included a broad range of skin problems and was not the same as what is known today as Hanson’s disease. Fears of contamination and ritual uncleanness were paramount and the leper was isolated from society. Remember that from the perspective of the Old Testament and even into Jesus’ day, afflictions were considered punishment for sin. The leper who came and knelt before Jesus in the Gospel was one of a long line of people who sought his healing power. Notice the ‘immediate’ results of Jesus’ healing touch and word. The instruction to go to the priests is according to the Levitical law. We must remember that in being declared clean, the man was re-admitted to Jewish society and worship. Word about Jesus’ healing powers spread rapidly and people continued to flock to him in great numbers.

Monsignor John R. Campbell

We wish to inform parishioners that Monsignor John R. Campbell has moved to Room 410, Drummond Hall, In the Parkstone Complex, Halifax. Monsignor had been in the Dartmouth General Hospital since early November. Though we will miss him here at Saint Peter’s Rectory and at the celebration of mass, we wish him contentment and good health as he adjusts to his new residence.

F.O.O.D. Project

This weekend is our committed weekend to provide meals for Feeding Others Of Dartmouth. The help you’ve offered to the less fortunate and unduly challenged is appreciated by many in our neighbourhood.

The Passion and Resurrection

Narratives

A series offered by Sister Norma Heffernan

Sr. Heffernan’s series on the Passion and Resurrection Narratives began this past Thursday. Call the office to register if you are interested as there are a couple spaces available.

Parish Directory Available

The Parish Directory is available for those who had their photo taken. Pick it up at the parish office during regular office hours or see a member of the pastoral staff after Mass.

Senior’s Group

Last Monday the Senior’s group gathered for their monthly gathering. About 30 seniors met for a Liturgy of the Word followed by a scrumptious lunch, sing song and Valentine fun. If you are a senior and would like to spend time with others, contact Sr. Cecelia at the office.

BIRTHRIGHT: CWL to Collect Baby Clothing

The Catholic Women’s League is collecting new baby clothing in sizes 0-3 months as well as other infant items in aid of BIRTHRIGHT in the crib located in the Blessed Mother’s niche until March 5. BIRTHRIGHT provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Using its own resources and those of the community, the organization offers positive and loving alternatives treating each woman as an individual who deserves kindness and respect. All Birthright services are free, absolutely confidential and available to any woman regardless of age, race, creed, economic or marital status.

In 2010 the Archdiocese of Halifax launched its Responsible Ministry Protocol. If you are involved in any of the following ministries and have not attended a Responsible Ministry Protocol Orientation, you are required to do so as part of your volunteer position.

• Teacher – Catechism, Confirmation Instruction, Children’s Liturgy, Youth Leader – EDGE program, Pastoral Care – Visitations to the sick and infirm, either in hospital or in private residence, Proclaimer of the Word, Altar Server, Minister of Holy Communion

at 7pm in the church and will take approximately an hour of your time. Should you not be able to attend at this time, please contact the Responsible Ministry Coordinator, Sandy Norman, at 464-3529 to make alternate arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ATTENDED THE OCTOBER SESSION AND HAVE NOT YET RETURNED THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK, THAT THIS MUST BE RETURNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO THE PARISH OFFICE.

The protocol on Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment is directed at enhancing the well-being and safety of all who participate in the Church’s programs and services. The Church is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated

Knights of Columbus Scholarship

Knights of Columbus Council 3133 are pleased to announce the annual Simon J. Khattar Scholarship. Applications for scholarships valued at $1,000 are being accepted through March 16, 2012. Applicants must be Catholic residents of Nova Scotia who will complete Nova Scotia Grade XII in 2012, or who are attending first year University, College, or Community College beyond the secondary level. Applications and additional information may be picked up at

St. Peter Parish office. Please direct any inquiries to Joe Beaton

at 462-4028 or beatonmj@yahoo.com

Liturgy of the Word with Funeral Rites for Mary Paradis

This Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday at noon. Please keep the loved ones she leaves behind in your prayers as they seek strength in our community.

RCIA & the Rite of Acceptance

Last Sunday at the 11:15am Mass,

we gathered to celebrate the acceptance of

Jackie Bone, Hayley Bone, Nikki Brown and Gayle Carolan

into the Order of Catechumens. It is a formal period of time when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to join the Church, and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow in the way of Christ. They will be Baptized at the Easter Vigil.

Also we have a Candidate, Phillip Henneberry, who will come into full communion with the Church. Furthermore,

Ashley Henneberry and Jessica Melady

will complete their initiation. Please pray for them.

Catholic Women’s League Installation of Officers

On January 28 at the 4pm Mass, the new CWL Officers were installed.

Executive Officers

President - Tricia Vermeulen

Vice President - Gloria Bernard

Recording Secretary - Chella Stephens

Treasurer - Marie MacNeil

Past President - Mary MacLeod

Committee Chairs:

Spiritual Development - Sister Cecilia Sacca

Organization - Sheila Rooney

Christian Family Life - Marilyn Chaisson

Community Life - Carol Mulcahy

Education and Health - Mary Moore

Communications - Gloria Bernard

Parish Activities - Phyllis Pattenden

Legislation - Terry Wigle

Children’s and Adult Choirs

Choir rehearsals continue on Wednesday at their usual times, that is 4pm for children and 7:30pm for adults. The Saturday group meets at 3pm in the music room (behind the tapestry). If you lean toward musical interests, you should consider joining one of our choirs. New members are welcome. Call Greg at the office for information.

Mass Coordinator’s Meeting

Mass Coordinators are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, February 28 in the parish office. That night we will meet to explore the needs of the Coordinators and find ways to make improvements to their ministry.

Pastoral Care Minister’s Day of Reflection

St. Thomas More Church - March 10, 9:30 – 3pm

For all who minister to the sick either at home or in hospital, the homebound, nursing home residents or those who grieve. Registration $10. Lunch and coffee/tea break provided. Morning Prayer, sessions: Pastoral Care Rooted in Our Baptism by Deacon/Chaplain Wilfred Boudreau; Bringing Christ to Others by Chaplain Patricia O’Halloran; Spirituality of the Pastoral Care Minister by Chaplain Aurea Sadi. Call St. Peter parish office to register.

Call Donna Legere with questions at 463-1408.

Come and Journey

Lenten Day of Reflection for Women

The CWL invites the women of the parish to join them on a Lenten Reflection Day to be facilitated by Sister Cecelia in the Parish Hall on Saturday, March 24 from 10am-3pm.

(note that this date was previously reported incorrectly as March 10)

Marriage Preparation Course

For couples contemplating marriage during the year, there is a preparation program on Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14. Please register by calling or emailing the parish office as we need to know the numbers of participants.

The Halifax Chapter of the Women’s Interchurch Council of Canada

2012 World Day of Prayer Service

2pm Friday, March 2 at St. James Anglican Church on Joseph Howe Dr. at the Armdale Rotary. The theme of the service, written by women of Malaysia is ‘Let Justice Prevail’ with guest speaker Rev Kimberlynn McNabb, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Reception to follow.

An evening World Day of Prayer service will also be held at 7pm at Mulgrave Park Baptist Church , 5676 Sebastian St., Halifax. Join fellow Christians in more than 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada as we gather on the World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of Malaysia.

James Hill with Ann Davison (cellist) performer in DCCA's next concert Friday, Feb 17 at 8pm in Woodlawn United Church. Tickets $25 (Senior $20, Student $10) Info at 434-2482

SAINT PETER’S PARISH

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3
tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207
e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca

website: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Religion/StPeters

SAINT PETER’S PARISH

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3 tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207 e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca

website: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Religion/StPeters

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3
tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207
e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca