Immaculate Conception Bulletins

Confessions: Last Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Weddings: 6 months notice and a marriage course. Baptisms: 2 weeks notice. Choir: Those wishing to join our choir may speak to our Choir Director, Mrs. Rhonda Ashby, or simply come and lend your voice and rejoice with us.

Bulletin Notices: To have your notices included in the bulletin, please leave a message at the parish office (466-5912) or email to: immaculate.church@sympatico.ca (please note change in address)

The 4^th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) The readings for this day show some stark contrasts punishment and redemption, life and death. Though the Israelites were unfaithful to the covenant, God promises a helper in the person of Cyrus, King of Persia. Paul reminds us that we are given the promise of new life, not because we have done so well, but because of the gracious love of God. But on this Sunday of rejoicing, the words of Jesus say it most clearly God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son As we prepare to celebrate the sacrament of penance, these readings offer an examination of conscience: In what ways do we exile ourselves from God by forgetting him? In what ways do we prefer darkness to light? Do we really believe that God came into the world in Jesus not to condemn, but to love?

On Wednesday March 25^th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

F.O.O.D. - The list for F.O.O.D. (Feed Others of Dartmouth) for March has been posted at the entrance to the church. For this month only we are asking for the food donations to be at the Church hall by 6pm on Thursday, March 26^th. We will come together to prepare the meals on Friday evening March 27^th at 6 pm. If you are able to assist, please meet us at the church hall at that time.

Decoration of the Church will take place following the 7pm Mass this Monday, March 23^rd. As you can appreciate we will need several pairs of helping hands to lighten the load of covering all the statues and crucifixes, etc. Please!! Come and help us!! Parishioners are invited to donate flowers in memory of loved ones

Stations of the Cross are prayed each Friday evening during Lent at 6:30 pm. You are encouraged to make this part of your Lenten devotions. The Way of the Cross is an ancient prayer form in our church, and this provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice, suffering and success of so many of our brothers and sisters who journey with Jesus.

On Receiving Holy Communion The tradition in our parishes is to offer Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ, under both forms; that is, Bread and Wine. It is certainly the fuller sign and follows what Jesus invited his disciples to do at the Last Supper. As in the vast majority of parishes in this part of the world, we do so standing and coming in lines to the ministers of Communion. The faithful have the option of receiving the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue.

There has been some concern regarding hygiene in the ministering of Holy Communion. There is no perfect method to assure that all situations are germ-free. Some people believe that even the exchange of peace is a germ spreader. We have no intention of stopping this important gesture of greeting those close to us as it is an integral part of the celebration of mass. However, if one has a cold or flu symptoms, then it would be appropriate to not hake hands with others but gesture by word or a simple bow. As well, ministers of Communion would refrain from exercising this ministry if they had similar symptoms. The celebration of mass is a communal gathering and therefore we are going to be in contact with one another. If we all take normal precautions without getting overly obsessed about spreading bacteria, this seems to be the best we can do.

Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul Sister Cecelia will lead a discussion on St. Pauls letters: Colossians this Tuesday March 24^th at 7pm in St. Peters school gym. Remember to bring your bible.

BENNIE AND THE JETS: the NEW exodus, St. Peters drama group presents the musical featuring classis music by Elton John. A cast of 35 brings the Exodus story to life and promises to be both thought provoking and entertaining. Developed by Greg Becigneul, and directed by Tracy Giffin. March 25-26-27, at St. Peters Church, 10 Maple St, Dartmouth. Showtime 7:30. Tickets ($12 and $15) available at the door or at St. Peters Parish Office during regular office hours. Come and see if everyone makes it to the Promise Land.

Marriage Preparation Program to be held at St. Peters Parish, April 17^th and 18^th . Please call their office @ 466-6183 to register or for further information.

Guatemala Orphanage Mission will be having an uplifting Gospel Concert on April 4^th at Saint Peters Parish at 7 pm. The concert will feature Dutch Robinson and many local gospel groups and choirs. There is no admission to this joyful event, free will offerings will be gratefully accepted and all proceeds will go directly to Orphans Resources International whom we will be staying and working with in Guatemala. We are still accepting any donations which may be placed in the box provided at the back of the church. Thank you so much for your ongoing support.

March 30^th Celebration of Reconciliation at 7pm here at Immaculate Conception

March 31^st Celebration of Reconciliation at 7pm at St. Peters (Confessions follow noon mass until 2pm)

April 8^th Chrism Mass at the Basilica 7 pm April 11^th Easter Vigil at 8 pm

April 9^th Holy Thursday Mass at 7pm April 12^th Easter Sunday Mass at 10am