From the Pastor Feb 28/March 1

Today’s first reading at Mass relates God’s call to Abraham, who is considered a Patriarch by the three great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Bible commentators point out that Abram wasn’t an exceptional character before he was chosen by God. In fact, even after God called him, he did some untrustworthy things. Abram was really not very different from you and me, yet God called him for a special role. This week I’ve been reflecting on that fact because lately I’ve been hearing and witnessing stories of God’s call to so many ordinary people. 

Last Sunday, I accompanied our catechumen, Leah Brown, her sponsor, EveMarie McNeil, and her catechists, John and Marlene Ciborowski to St. Mary’s Cathedral to witness Leah’s participation in the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Candidates for Continuing Conversion celebrated by Bishop Da Cunha. Despite the concern about the impending blizzard the cathedral was filled with anticipation as well over 100 people of all ages and backgrounds were admitted into final preparation to receive the sacraments and initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. It was a great sign of hope for the future of the Church.

Over the last few months, I have read about and witnessed signs of hope that Jesus’ promise, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Is still holding true. Throughout the world the Catholic Church is showing signs of growth. Some are antidotes but others have statistical proof. France has seen growth in people seeking instructions in the faith. It is being referred to as the Notre Dame Effect because some attribute it to interest in Catholicism after the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

There are reported upticks in interest in the Church in several other European countries such as The Netherlands and Great Britian. It is anticipated that by 2035, the majority of church attending Britons will be Catholics. You can add to that increased interest in Catholicism in Africa, and many Asian countries. That includes signs of growth in interest in Catholicism here in our country. That interest is especially evident among young men. I read where the University of Kansas is preparing to receive 128 students into the Catholic Church this Easter. About as many as our diocese. Our Church still has problems but there are many signs of hope. 

I witnessed signs of that when I was on vacation at Hilton Head, SC a few weeks ago. On Sunday, the Mass I attended was concelebrated by the priest who is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Charleston and chaplain at the University of South Carolina. The Diocese of Charleston encompasses the entire state of South Carolina and has about 206,000 Catholics or 4% of the population. Our Diocese of Fall River has a Catholic population of 275,000 or 33% of the population. Culturally, we are much more Catholic than that. He spoke on vocations in the diocese which has 30 seminarians and hopes to grow to possibly 40 this year. He also put in a plug for donations to help build a new Catholic Center at the university. The need comes about because their present facility is woefully inadequate for the number of students it services. Great signs of hope for the Church. 

Holy Redeemer might not have many youth but it has grandparents very interested in encouraging their grandchildren to be attracted in the Catholic Church and growing their faith. Parishioners in that category can have a great influence on young adults. Don’t be shy about discussing you faith with them. Most of all foster their discipleship by being a good disciple yourself. 

Lenten Reconciliation Service

A Lenten Reconciliation Service will be celebrated Sunday, March 1, at 3 pm. We will use the Order for Reconciling Several Penitents with General Confession and Absolution. That means we will not be hearing individual confessions at this service. This service is for forgiveness of Venial Sins like selfishness, impassions, white lies. If you are aware of more grave or mortal sins, they still must be confessed at an individual confession with a priest. During Lent Fr. Sullivan will be in the Reconciliation Room at the back of the church on Friday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 pm and the usual Saturday afternoon from 3-3:45 pm. Hopefully, parishioners who have been away from Confession will find the General Absolution and Absolution Service a little less threatening and help them to understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation better. 

Exciting News from The Anchor

The Anchor, the long-standing newspaper of Diocese of Fall River, is transitioning in

February from a paid monthly print edition to a free weekly electronic newsletter. Signing

up is simple. Visit www.bit.ly//Anchornewsletter.org or the diocesan website,

fallriverdiocese.org, and provide your name and e-mail address, or click the provided QR

code. Stay informed and stay connected with all the news and events in the Diocese plus the

latest developments in the Catholic Church across the country and around the world. Look

for the first Anchor newsletter in late February along with a new and enhanced Anchor

website.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Holy Redeemer was such a big hit, we decided we would do it again.   This year’s Dinner will be held in the Church Hall on Saturday, March 14th, following the 4 pm mass.  The dinner will again be catered by the Chatham Filling Station and will feature corned beef and cabbage and all the trimmings, plus appetizers and dessert. 

Tickets are $30/person, and children under 12 are admitted for free.  Wine and beer will also be available for purchase.  Now where can you get a better deal than that?  Plus, you have the pleasure of dining with all your friends at Holy Redeemer.  Of if you prefer, invite your neighbors.

Tickets will go on sale before and after mass beginning the weekend of February 28th/March 1st.  Obtain your tickets as soon as possible since we only have seating for 90 people.

Lenten Devotions

Throughout Lent the Stations of the Cross and Evening Prayer will be celebrated Friday afternoons at 4:30 PM. A simple soup supper will follow in the Parish Center. This Lent come and join us for this time of prayer and fellowship. 

As part of our Lent the Small Faith Sharing Groups are sponsoring, Redemption: What Does it Look Like? featuring Amanda Braga-Tipton in the Parish Center on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9 am. Lunch and fellowship will follow. Sign-up sheets are at the doors of the church.