Bulletin February 26, 2012

There is an urgency to Mark's depiction of Jesus' experience in the desert — the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness. What happened there? Jesus grappled with being "tempted by Satan," and in this he embraced fully the human reality of struggling to be faithful. Jesus left the wilderness ready to begin his ministry of proclaiming "the good news of God." Jesus had faced his own "the time is fulfilled" and said yes. Lent is our “wilderness” time to come to saying a fuller yes to God. In the covenant with Noah, God says yes to us and all of creation (1^st reading). Lent is a time to renew our yes to God and deepen our fidelity to our baptismal covenant (2^nd reading). Our tendency is to put off dealing with difficult, uncomfortable, challenging tasks. We often need a push to get going. Lent is the push: "The time is fulfilled."

Development & Peace

The theme for this year’s Share Lent campaign is: Help a Just World Take Root. Attached to the bulletin is the Solidarity Calendar asking the question “What resources must we preserve so that justice and the crops of the Earth can grow?” You can learn how D&P partners in the Global South are creating a world of justice for the landless peasants in Brazil. Our generosity during Share Lent is a sign of our compassion and solidarity for our sisters and brothers in the Global South. Next weekend is the 1st collection for D&P. Envelopes are included with the regular Sunday collection package; additional ones are available at the entrances to the church along with copies of the Share Lent mini-magazine.

2012 World Day of Prayer Service

This Friday, March 2 at 7pm, gather here in the church for an Interchurch service. The theme of the service, written by women of Malaysia, is ‘Let Justice Prevail’. Terry Wigle will offer a presentation on Malaysia. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

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.

World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together on the first Friday of March to observe a common day of prayer. Women affirm their faith in Jesus Christ and become aware of the whole world. They are enriched by the faith experience of Christians of other countries and cultures, share the burdens of other people, and pray with them and for them.

St. Vincent de Paul Ash Wednesday Collection

Please consider making a monetary contribution to St. Vincent de Paul if you were unable to do so on Ash Wednesday. For this purpose, you will find specially marked envelopes either at the entrances to the church or in the pews.

As well, please remember your contributions of non perishable food items for the St. Vincent de Paul Society during Lent when the call to share our resources and wealth is heightened. Your thoughtfulness enables the Society to continue the work of feeding those who struggle to make ends meet. Daily, the members of the Society bring food to those in need. Your contributions are necessary to make this work. You may bring food to the church and leave it in the basket in the foyer or drop it off at the office during regular office hours.

NOTE: No Mass this Wednesday at Noon

Mass will not be celebrated at noon on Wednesday this week as the priests of the diocese are observing a day of reflection

RCIA and the Rite of Election

This Sunday at the 11:15am Mass, we celebrate the first part of the Rite of Election for Jackie Bone, Hayley Bone, Nikki Brown and Gayle Carolan. They will complete the rite at St. Mary Cathedral with Archbishop Mancini this Sunday afternoon at 3pm. All are welcome to join them and the Candidates for full Communion, Jessica Melady and Phillip Henneberry as well as Ashley Henneberry, who is completing her Initiation.

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

Knights of Columbus Take Out Chili Dinner

Next Weekend

The Knights are offering a generously portioned chili dinner with roll after the Masses next weekend for $5 in the Parish Hall. All proceeds go to support the good works of the Knights in our parish.

BIRTHRIGHT: CWL Collecting 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.

Lay Ministers

The new schedules (March 11, 2012) have been sent by email. A few copies have been printed and placed in the usual folder in the sacristy. Thank you for your continued service and `welcome to new liturgical ministers.

Prayer Line

We remind you that we have an active Prayer Line network in the parish. If you have a friend or family member who is seriously ill contact the office at ext 222 and leave a name.

Mass Coordinator’s Meeting

Mass Coordinators are invited to attend a meeting this 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.

Grief Support Group

Interested in joining us for prayer, support and friendship? The Grief Support Group meets this Wednesday, February 29 at 7pm in the office.

Please bring a photo of your departed loved one.

Contact Sister Cecelia with questions.

GODSPELL Rehearsals

Rehearsals for cast this week are Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30, and Saturday at 9:30am. Band rehearses Saturday at noon.

Children’s and Adult Choirs

Children practice on Wednesday at 4-5pm. Senior choir folks rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:30. Saturday group meets at 3pm in the music room. New members are most welcome.

Pastoral Care Minister’s Day of Reflection

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

TAX RECEIPTS and PRE-AUTHORIZED PAYMENTS

All 2011 tax receipts have been mailed out. If you have not received your receipt please call Sherri at the office. The annual financial report for 2011 is available at the entrances to the church for those who don’t receive it with a tax receipt.

Pre-authorized payment contributors – sorry for the confusion regarding the special collection envelopes. The cut off date for printing the January, February and March was missed therefore the mail out will begin in April. Contact Sherri at the office if you would like the January, February and March specials.

A small number have been made up with recycled envelopes and are available upon request.

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.

Wednesdays in Lent at 1537 Brunswick Street. Fish Chowder and Roll, Gingerbread Dessert, Tea or Coffee. $10 Take-out available.

Angelina Steenstra, Canadian director of the Silent No More Awareness campaign, will share her own abortion story and path to healing in Christ. As a woman who suffered the psychological and physical consequences of abortion, Angelina brings hope to those who have been hurt by their abortion choice. The talk will be on Thursday, March 1 at Dalhousie University and again on Friday, March 2 at 7:30 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church Hall, Cornwall Street in Halifax. All are welcome. A free will offering will be taken for the work of Silent No More Awareness. Questions? Contact: Ellen at Campaign Life Coalition (902) 861-1982.

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