diocese of st. thomas in the virgin islands
TRANSCRIPT
Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
42 Barren Spot- P.O. Box 1160 Kings Hill U.S. Virgin Islands 00851
Tel. (340) 778-0484 Fax. (340) 779-3151
Website: www.catholicvi.com/stann/
E-mail: [email protected]
First Sunday of Lent—C
February 13— February 14, 2016 Most Rev. Herbert A. Bevard
“TOGETHER BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”
ST. ANN’S BOOKSTORE & GIFTS SHOP
Tuesdays to Fridays: 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Sundays: Open after Masses
CCN / EWTN Channel 7
9:30 a.m. Sundays Mass (Live) Channel 7
Internet: www.livestream.com/caribbeancatholicnetwork7
ALTAR FLOWERS
Would you like the Altar flowers to be offered in memory of someone or in celebration of a special occasion, Please call the office and schedule a date. A free-will donation is welcome.
SANCTUARY DEVOTIONAL LIGHT
Would you like to donate the sanctuary candle in memory of someone or in celebration of a special occasion, please call the office and schedule a date. A free-will donation is welcome.
LENT
Daily
Readings
This week’s sanctuary candle
St. Ann Chapel: In Thanksgiving Angels & Saints
St. Joachim Church: B’day Catherine Lockhart
Shrine of Our Lady: Souls In Purgatory
This week’s Altar Flowers
B’day Mary Martin
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
EVERY FRIDAY AT 5:30 P.M
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 P.M
Adorémus in ætérnum
Sanctíssimum Sacraméntum
MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTION
February 13, Saturday 5:00 p.m. B’day Ruth Samuel rb Sacred Heart Society
February 14, Sunday
7:00 a.m. Humble Servant Prayer Group
9:30 a.m St. Ann Parish Family
February 16, Tuesday
12:15 p.m. +Catherine Beharry rb Emanuel Beharry & Family
February 17, Wednesday 6:30 a.m. +Mary Arns rb Family
February 18, Thursday
12:15 p.m. +Catherine Beharry rb Emanuel Beharry & Family February 19, Friday
6:30 a.m. +Reginald Molloy rb Frances Molloy 6:00 p.m. +Zina Mason rb Theodosia Christopher
February 20, Saturday
8:30 a.m. B’day Tonia Woodbury rb Parents
15-Monday
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
16–Tuesday
Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15
17--Wednesday
Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 7c-8; Lk 11:29-32
18-Thursday Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 7:7-12
19–Friday
Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8;
Mt 5:20-26
20–Saturday
Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5,
7-8; Mt 5:43-48
21–Sunday (Violet)
Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27:1, 7,-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17—4:1 [3:20—4:1]; Lk 9:28b-36
Directory
PRIESTS DEACONS
Rev. Fr. Louis K. Kemayou, Pastor Rev. Mr. Joseph T. Mark, OCDS
Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Opira, Parochial Vicar Rev. Mr. Hyacinthe George, Rev. Mr. Denis Griffith,
Rev. Msgr. Michael F. Kosak, (Retired) In Residence Rev. Mr. Norbert Xavier, Rev. Mr. Eugene Thompson, ( Retired )
Rev. Mr. Arnold Helenese, OCDS– ( Retired )
SECRETARY Ms. Mary St. Aime RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Coordinator
Bookstore: Office Staff SACRISTAN: Mr. Aldon Rogers,
Assistant Sacristans: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Ms. Theodosia Christopher, Mrs. Patricia Griffith.
MAINTENANCE: Mr. Aldon Rogers & Mr. Michael Matthews
MASSES & DEVOTIONS
Weekend
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m.
Weekday
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:15 p.m.
Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30 a.m.
Fridays: 5:30 p.m.—Holy Hour
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM: Call for Appointment
CONFESSION: Saturdays: 4:30 p.m. or by Appointment
MARRIAGE: Call 4 months in advance
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Call anytime
FUNERAL: Tuesdays through Fridays
Please call prior to final arrangements
FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
First Sunday of Lent
It's finally here! Lent! It is the springtime of the liturgical year and renewal time for our own personal journey to God.
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses is preparing the people to leave the desert sands and joyfully enter the
Promised Land. Before they begin their new life of freedom and enjoy the fruits of the new land that the Lord has pre-
pared for them, Moses wants to make sure they will never forget the incredible works of God in freeing them from the
shackles of slavery. And, even though, during these past forty years, they have grumbled much and have been unfaithful
to the Covenant, God has relented and has forgiven them over and over. He has shown them mercy beyond measure.
Now, God commands them to renew that covenant, and, so purified, begin a new life in the lush lands of Canaan.
Moses charges them never to forget the mercies of the Lord, and never to let their children forget. Isn’t it that we usually
sing “I remember that you loved us to your death and see we celebrate for you are with us still; we believe that we will
see you when you come in your Glory.”
Lent is a time for us to remember and to celebrate the mercies of the Lord, and to shake off any traces of sin or sinful
habits.
In the Gospel, we see a parallel to the Old Testament story of the Exodus. Well more than a thousand years after the
journey of the Jews through the desert, Jesus embarks on His journey in the desert as Messiah and Saviour, not just for
the Jews, but for all people, past, present, and future. The Spirit, who had overshadowed Him at His baptism in the
Jordan, now leads Him into the desert for His initial battle with the powers of Evil.
Satan seeks to probe any human weakness in His adversary. First, he tempts Jesus to flaunt His power. Why not turn
stones into bread? Later, Jesus will miraculously feed others, but He refuses to let the devil manage His miracles! Sec-
ond, Satan tempts Jesus to political power and possessions -- and Jesus, the poor and humble Teacher, refuses. Third,
the last temptation is pride and glory. Jesus, knowing that His Mission is to win hearts through love and truth, refuses to
engage in artificial ways to win popularity. Quite soundly beaten, Satan leaves him for a while! Angels come and minister
to Jesus who is now ready to begin His public ministry.
This Sunday, we celebrate the victory of Jesus over Satan. What were His weapons? “Prayer, fasting and the truths of
Scripture”
Through humility and recognition of the weakness of being human, Jesus overcame temptations to pleasure, power, and
pride. He thus strengthened Himself for His passion and death. Ultimately, He must drink the cup of suffering to secure
victory, so must we, His followers. His weapons against Satan must be our weapons, too, this Lent, as we enter the disci-
pline of believers.
Jesus believed in the Father's truth and in the Father's love. He believed in obeying the Father's Will in all things. In that
spirit, let us remember and celebrate . . . and believe in all the graces of this Holy Year of Mercy.
STEWARDSHIP:
Means returning the first portion of all God has
given you. It is suggested to give from substance-
not abundance. Give back the first portion of all
your God—given gifts. Make sharing a top prior-
ity—not something you do with your remaining
time and money. “Store up for your selves treas-
ures in heaven...for where your treasuries, there
you heart will be also.” Mt 6:20-21. Your giving is the key to the success of the church
plans and programs. To help us meet our obliga-
tions, please pray about TITHING and becoming
GOOD STEWARDS, by obtaining Offertory En-
velopes available in the Marian Hall, as a weekly
reminder to support your church.
LENTEN PRAYER
Gracious God, when we feel ourselves bow-
ing to the lure of temptation, give us the
strength and courage we need to turn away
from sin and toward you. With you we are
strong. Open our eyes, Lord, so that we
may recognize you in every person we
meet. Open our hearts so that we may
love as you love, without conditions, with-
out limit, without expectation of anything in
return. Amen.
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
God of all goodness, look on those who wait for the safe
return of their loved ones who serve in the Armed Forces of
their country. In faith and hope we turn to you for comfort.
Grant that we may trust in your mercy and send an angel to
sustain us as we await their safe return. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SERVING OUR COUNTRY
Fr. Simon Obeng, Fr. Alejandro Sanchez, Fr. Jose Herrera, Fr.
Cecil Corneille, Sanil-Dale Tison, Darryl D’Souza, Brian
Krauser, Gemma Emmanuel, Levi Denios, Natasha & Ivone
Alcala, Linus Felix, Camillus Thomas, Erica A. Toussaint,
Nareka Selkriege, Agnes Lindsay, Patrick Rivers, Denecia
Weekes, Marcus Maximin, Miguel Navarro, Jr., Mariel Chi-
nouyaz, Audin Benjamin, Jane William, Verin Nesbitt Wes-
cott, Michael Moorehead, Brian Halloway, Istomin & Ismael
Lampe, John Noel, Pablo Montanez,Jr., Dwayne Thomas,
Xandrio Tank Yuk, Robinson Ferdinand, Kimberly JohnBap-
tiste, Kimberly Ferdinand, Mario Mason, Jr., Aaron Thomas,
Valence Modeste Kelly, Iulani Greenidge, Anissa Eversley,
David Best, Wayne J. Baker, Reginald Antoine, Marvin Del-
sol, Ismenio Lampe, Brian Peterson, Elsworth Stevenson,
Patricia Charles, Terrance Ritter, Lawrence Ritter, Tasha
Warner, Shana Antoine, James Frymyre, Kevin Purcell, Em-
manuel Maldonado, Denis Duparl, Louis Encarnacion, Pedro
Reyes, Patrick Vernon, James Gaston, Fabian Claxton, Collin
Joseph, John A. Francis, Jon Megahy, Nyasia Reed, Jason
Jaggernauth, Martin Alexis, Joel Gilbert, Jeffry Centeno, An-
thony Camacho, Aubrey Camacho, Austin Carino, Kernatha
Auguste, Masline Noel, Darwin Richards, Jeremiah L. Char-
ler, Akeem Greenidge, Ganisia Lashan, Alex Hector, John &
Felicita Martinez-Gines, Henisha Williams, Jeremye Morgan,
Sasha Chastanet, Eduardo A. Molina, Comeron Childres,
Jainea Louis, Tyquavias & Jemel Dawson, Enja Gumbs, Luis
D. Molina, Rodney Fabio III, Kareem Pedro, Rashid A. Rich-
ards, Naim Muhammad, George O’Neal Davis III, Herman
Bardouille, Jr., Vinetra Gilbert
Please call the Office, to add or remove names from this list.
HALO
Abundant blessings and thanks to our Altar
Society Group “D” that cleaned and prepared
the various areas for church services this
past Saturday. Group “E” is scheduled for
cleaning Saturday, February 20, 2016 start-
ing about 6:00 A.M. Please think and pray
about giving just one hour each month to
prepare the Lord’s house for worship.
2016 Lenten Calendar
WEDNESDAYS: Holy Hour
5:30—6:30 p.m.
FRIDAYS: Stations of the Cross
5:30—6:00 p.m.
SUNDAY MASSES:
5:00 p.m. Vigil—Saturday evenings
7:00 & 9:30 a.m.
DAILY MASSES:
Tuesday & Thursday 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday 6:30 a.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m.
CONFESSION:
Saturday 4:30 p.m. (Or by Appointment)
ST. LUCIA’s INDEPENDENCE MASS
The Mass of St. Lucia’s 37th year of Independence
will be celebrated at Sts. Joachim and Ann Catholic
Church, Barren Spot on Sunday February 21, 2016 at
9:30 a.m. Father Athanase Joseph from St. Lucia
will be the main celebrant.
The St. Croix community, especially St. Lucians, are
invited to celebrate with us.
BISHOP’S APPEAL—2016
The Bishop’s Appeal 2016 begins this weekend.
Through this annual campaign, your donation helps
Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands provide emer-
gency assistance for food, clothing, shelter and medi-
cine to those who need our care. It also gives our
Catholic schools tuition assistance and funds for re-
sources for the students. The appeal also helps in the
formation of our seminarians and evangelization ef-
forts. Please take home the brochure and pray about
what sacrificial gift you can give to this worthwhile
cause. For your convenience, you may choose to
make a pledge now and spread your donation over
several months.
Thank you.
“As We Receive His Mercy, May We Let It Flow
Through Us To Others”
ANGELUS OF
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Dear brothers and sisters, Good Morning!
The Gospel of this Sunday says - in the drafting
of St. Luke - the call of the first disciples of Je-
sus ( Lk 5,1-11). The fact takes place in a con-
text of everyday life: there are some fishermen
on the shore of Lake Galilee, who, after work
last night without catching anything, are wash-
ing and fixing nets. Jesus went up into the boat
of one of them, that of Simon, called Peter, and
asks him to break away a little from the shore
and began to preach the Word of God to the
people that had gathered numerous.
When he finished talking, he tells him to take
off and let down the nets. Simone had already
known Jesus and experienced the miraculous
power of his word, so replied: "Master, we toiled
all night and caught nothing; But at your word I
will let down the nets "(v. 5). And this faith is not
disappointed: in fact, the nets filled with such a
quantity of fish that were tearing (cf. v. 6).
In the face of this extraordinary event, the fish-
ermen are overcome with amazement. Simon
Peter fell at Jesus' feet, saying: "Lord, depart
from me, for I am a sinful man" (v. 8). Miracu-
lous sign that convinced him that Jesus is not
only a terrific teacher, whose word is true and
powerful, but that He is the Lord, is the manifes-
tation of God. And this presence close arouses
in Peter's a strong sense of their own pettiness
and unworthiness.
From a human point of view, do you think there
should be distance between the sinner and the
saint. In truth, his own sinful condition requires
that the Lord will not turn away from him, the
same way a doctor can not get away from
people who are sick.
Jesus' response to Simon Peter's reassuring
and firm: "Do not fear; from now on you will
be catching men "(v. 10). And again the fish-
erman from Galilee, placing his trust in this
word, leave everything and follow Him who
has become his Master and Lord. And so they
did James and John, the work of Simone
members.
This is the logic that drives the mission of Je-
sus and the Church's mission: to seek out,
"catch" men and women, not to proselytize,
but to give back to all the full dignity and free-
dom, through the forgiveness of sins. This is
the essence of Christianity: to spread the re-
generating and gratuitous love of God, with
attitude of acceptance and mercy to every-
one, because everyone can meet the tender-
ness of God and have the fullness of life. And
here, in a particular way, I think of the confes-
sors: they are the first who must make the
mercy of God by following the example of Je-
sus, as did the two holy brothers, father Leo-
pold and Padre Pio.
Today's Gospel challenges us: we really trust
the word of the Lord? Or we let ourselves be
discouraged by our failures? In this Holy Year
of Mercy we are called to comfort those who
feel unworthy sinners before the Lord and
slaughtered for their mistakes, telling them
the words of Jesus: "Fear not." "And 'the
greater the mercy of the Father for your sins!
E 'largest, do not be afraid! ".
May the Virgin Mary to understand more and
more that being a disciple means to put our
feet on the footprints left by the Master: they
are the footprints of divine grace that regen-
erates life for all.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
SECOND COLLECTION: The second collection this weekend is for the support of continued maintenance projects in the parish. The second collection next weekend will be for the support of Black & Indian Home Missions. We deeply thank you for your generos-ity.
MEETING(S):
Tues. 7: 00 p.m. - Eucharistic Night & Adoration
Religious Education classes resumes on Saturday, February 20th. Levels 7, 8 & 9—8:30a.m.-10:45a.m.; Levels 2-6—11:00a.m.—12:30p.m. Please be on time!
ALTAR SOCIETY SCHEDULE: The Altar Society Schedules for the 2016 are available in the Sacristy. All groups and individu-als who are involved in the Altar Society are asked to pick up a copy of the schedule after Mass. Thank you for giving your time and talent to prepare the Lord’s house for worship.
Bookstore:
For Lent: Crown of Thorns Cross, Way of the Cross Brochure, Small size standing Crucifix, Bibles in regular or giant print. Vari-ous Rosaries and pictures of the Divine Mercy and Saints. Come see, come browse.
St. Joseph’s Church will be a having a four-hour Prayer/Adoration
during the Gethsemane Hours—11:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. at the church
on February 26-27, 2016. An attendance sheet is available in the
Sacristy for anyone interested in attending. For further information,
contact Merle Seepersad—772-1076/226-4664 or Simone Gaston at
778-8861.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession - every Friday in the
Shrine of Our Blessed Mother from 3:00—5:30 p.m.
OUR SICK: Please keep in the charity of your prayers the
sick amongst us. Magdeline James, Alberta Hendrickson,
Lucinda Pemberton, Mary Denis, Catherine Decembre,
Pricilla Brown, Doreen Pemberton, Zephrine Thomas,
Elden Serrant, Joseph Jones, Stanislaus Prescott, Marv
E. Jon, Irene Prevot, Josephine Prescott, Hyacinthe
Bright, Steve Keith, Catherine Samuel, Larry Cook, Omar
Dubois, Mary Bishop, Kalla Genevieve, Maria Hall, Olive
LeCointe, Derick James, Clementina Tuitt, Kay Colon,
Bernadette Megahy, Troy Jones, Maurille Philemon, Ann
Marie Marius, Veronica Fleming, Stephen Williams,
Yvonne Monroe, Anna Lindo, Desmond Etienne, Charles
Gilbert III, Mervyn Tyrell, Linda White, Kianna Ireland,
Francis Davinci, Peter Joseph John, Wilberto Bennet,
Claudelle Mathurin, Magdalene Greene, Phillip Joseph,
Brenda Plaskett, Catherine Royer, Clytie James, Fr. John
Molyneuz, Eduarda Francis, Gerald Douglas, Hakeem
Martin, Evarice Xavier, Lynette Carrabon, Craig Matthew,
Landralyn Nelson, Marlon & Stephanie Jordan, Wil-
helimina Cooke, Gerard Hall, Marie Urgent, Conrad
Edwin, Arkuright Johnson, Ishvelle Christopher, Agnes
Dominique, Lisa Obeius, Vera Irwin, Erville Pemberton,
John O’Neal, Charleen Isaac, Veronica Rawlins, Maria
Leon, Ann Marie Octalien, Alexander Jean Marie, Gina
Weissinger, Mayco Santiago, Mabel Richardson, Gladys
Charriez, Shalmar Bine, Iris Caesar, Nicholas Miller, Cath-
erine Hughes, Melanie Krigger, Merina Durgadeen,
Laura Christopher, Peter Nestor, Doreen Henry, Lawrence
Walcott, Alexis Denis. Novena Charles, Varonica Hughes,
Luz Belardo-Webster, Gladys Royer, Josephine Bedmin-
ster, Bernadine Daley, Nkosi Dennie, Justin Garcia, Lisa
Griffith, Kama Melius, Nicholas Marius, Jerome Leon,
Isaac Thomas, Randolph Wilson, Lisa Monero, Carlos
Nelson, Judith Nelson, Ronald James, Jr., Claude C.
Steele, Winnifred Brown, Dolores Valasquez, Ramona
Pierre, Pablo Belardo, Caroline Richburg, Jeannette
Printy, Enid Vialet, Felix L. Llanos, Sharon R. Anderson,
Todd Cox, Corene Hurley. Please call the Office, to add
or remove names from this list.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God our Father, all the elements of
nature obey your command. We
praise and thank you for your pro-
tection during the hurricane season.
We ask again to guide us through a
new year, free of any earthquakes,
floods, natural disasters and all acts
of terrorism. Bless our families,
and bring peace to all nations. We
ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever. Amen.
LENTEN DAYS OF FAST & ABSTINENCE
The Lenten journey is a time of sacrifice throughout the
Universal Church. Fast and abstinence are to observed on
ASH WEDNESDAY and GOOD FRIDAY. All Catholics
who have reached their 18th birthday, and are less than 60
years old are bound to observe the fast, by which they are
limited to a single full meal during the course of the day.
All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are
bound to observe days of fast and abstinence during
which no meat may be eaten. All the Fridays of Lent are
days of abstinence from meat. Lent is also a season in
which prayer, the reception of the sacraments, charity and
almsgiving are emphasized.
OUR CONDOLENCES to Mrs. Maria Jones on the death of her
husband. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace! May Our Lord Jesus take
him to the glory of His Kingdom and give Maria and her family
comfort and peace!
#24/25 Estate Cottage, Christiansted, VI 00820 /PO Box 6209, VI 00823
Welding and Fabricating Contractor
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The V.I. Dept of Labor will be pre-screening all customers to see if they qualify for assistance.
Dedicated on Christmas Day, December 25,
2015 by Most Reverend Bishop Herbert A.
Bevard.
Please patronize these sponsors. It is through their generous support that this Church Bulletin is provided to our Parish Family.
Let us express our gratitude by making them our first choice.
1- SECURITY MASTER GUARD 6”
LOUVER WINDOWS (20)
2- PIVOT STYLE PANORAMICA
DOORS (2)
3- AIR CONDITIONER (2 CARRIERS
5-TON)
Total project cost $20,000.00
Up to Date: $25,570.00
My sincere thanks and apprecia-
tion for your support and prayer to
make this a reality.