Lent begins this year with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13.  The staff and Pastoral Council will have a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Feb. 12, 5 – 6:30 p.m.  Proceeds go to the Development and Peace Share Lent Campaign.  The Mass time on Ash Wednesday is 7:30 p.m.

Parishioners are invited to return the palms received last year on Passion Sunday to be burned and used for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. 

The days of Lent are a time of prayer and penance.  Based on the message of the Gospel, the church encourages its members to fast, give alms to the poor, pray and perform works of mercy.  In the Penitential Spirit of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are designated by the Church as days of fast and abstinence from meat.  As well,  it is suggested that all Fridays in Lent be observed as days of abstinence.  The law of abstinence binds those who are 14 and older; the law of fasting finds those from 18 – 59.  Fasting is a penitential discipline intended to open our hearts to God, as a means of purification and spiritual liberation, and a witness of the depth of our faith.

Lenten Reflection Booklets are available at both entrances.  A donation of $2.00 is requested to offset the cost of the books.
 

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK – FEB. 11

The ministry of Jesus to the sick is central to the life of the Church.  Each year the Church observes this special day of prayer on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.  It is a reminder to us all that service to the sick and suffering can not be neglected and recognizes the great effort of doctors, nurses, health care institutions and pastoral caregivers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease.

We will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Feb. 10.  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sign of the presence of Christ and the Church to those who are critically ill, have suffered a serious accident or are debilitated by old age.  The sacrament brings the total care of the Church to the sick person.  It incorporates his or her into the prayers of the community for their temporal and spiritual well-being.  It also invites and encourages the community to serve the sick by lovingly caring for them.  In turn, the sick witness to the community by their faith, patience, acceptance of God’s will and rearrangement of life’s priorities. 

The Sacrament is not exclusively for those who are at the point of death but more for those who are seriously ill.  Those who are encouraged to receive the Sacrament are those who are at the point of death because of sickness, accident or old age; those who are seriously ill but death is not imminent; those undergoing major surgery; elderly who are debilitated by old age; people with serious heart conditions; people with severe psychological problems; and those with alcoholic and other drug addictions.

If you are someone for who the Sacrament is intended, plan to attend this celebration.  If you know of someone who is usually unable to attend Mass, make an effort to accompany them.  If you need transportation to Church for this celebration, call the office and arrangements can be made.
 

JOHN PAUL II CENTRE WORKSHOP

Can Peace and Joy be Found in the Lion’s Den? - Take Charge of Your Life, Bill Blanch & Andy Than, Feb. 6, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Islam: The Religion of Surrender – Carmen Webb, Feb. 7, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Responses to Poverty-Helping People in Financial Crisis: Feb. 11, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Tables for Two – Celebrate your love: Enjoy a 5 course dinner seasoned with guided discussion and sharing with your spouse.  $50/couple.

OPEN HOUSE - ST. ANGELA’S ACADEMY  a residential high school for girls at Prelate, Sk., Sat., Feb. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The open house will give prospective students the opportunity to meet with teachers and those who operate the school and to have a tour conducted by students.  If you are interested in attending, call the registrar: 673-2222, or e-mail: st.angela.acad10@sk.sympatico.ca.  

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES ANNUAL DINNER – Feb. 15, Delta Regina.  Entertainment: Martin Janovesky, a notable musician and comedian.  Cost: $65/person.  Call Catholic Family Services: 525-0521 for tickets.  

SOFIA HOUSE FUNDRAISER – Sofia House is hosting an Applause Dinner Theatre Evening on Feb. 16. Tickets $40/person.  Call 565-2537.
 
ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC STUDENT RESIDENCE  – Anyone wishing to apply for this residence at the University of Saskatchewan,  Saskatoon can visit the web site: www.usask.ca/stm or contact the college at 1-800-667-2019. See the brochures at either church entrance. 

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS  Palliative Care Services, Regina Health District offers a number of bereavement support groups.  There is no charge of any of the services but pre-registration is required.  For more information see the poster on the Gerein Centre Bulletin Board or call Marlene Jackson: 766-2884. 

ALL GOD’S PEOPLE SING – March 8th and 9th, Luther College, U. of R. Campus.  Featured Presenter: Marty Haugen.  This Worship and Music Event has been organized by a planning team made up of representatives of the Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Anglican and United Churches of Regina and area.  Anyone who is interested in Worship and Music is invited to participate.  Cost $45.00.  For a registration form call the parish office: 757-1325. 

FLEA MARKET – March, 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 425 Broad St. N., sponsored by Good Samaritan CWL.  To reserve a table call Maxine: 949-4728 or Doreen: 543-0827.