ADOPT A CANDIDATE:  Later next month, Bishop Matano will confirm five young men from our parish. They are presently in the final phase of their preparation to receive this important Sacrament. You are invited to “spiritually” take one under your care and remember him in prayer that this commitment which he is about to make will indeed be for a lifetime. The candidates are: Jacob Flint, James Kiernan, John Mahaffy, Paul Mahaffy, and John Skoda.

NOT IN THE NEAR FUTURE:  Some parishioners have asked when will Communion be again offered under both species? Indications are that such an option is still some time off and that it will not happen anytime soon. You are reminded that a person who receives under one species is not deprived of any of the grace that is necessary for salvation. Christ whole and entire is contained within each species.

WHAT WENT ON?  There was a joint meeting of the Parish Council and Finance Board last Monday, March 1 at 7:00 PM in the parish hall. Present were: Norma Nadeau, Keith Grimes, Larry Brassard, Elizabeth Mahaffy, Dennis Breault, Dan Boone, and Joe & Dale Mount, and Fr. John. Absent: Pat Conard. Under Old Business: The last breakfast was reviewed along with the St. Valentine’s dance. Many good suggestions were made on how to improve the latter and make it more attractive. Much time was devoted to finances (i.e., the new format with Chittenden Bank, bingo, the old property, etc.)  Because of the time constraint, the Sacramental program for our parish was tabled until the next meeting. Under New Business: Dan Boone & Becca Breault made an excellent presentation regarding a new web-site. It was decided that more “fine tuning” could be done and suggestions are welcome from interested parishioners. These suggestions should be directed to Dan & Becca, and not to John or Norma. Much more information regarding the new web-site will be announced by way of  the Sunday bulletin in the near future. In light of the fact that several boxes of Easter items were uncovered, all agreed that the Chapel would serve as a temporary place where these items could be displayed and sold. It was decided daily Mass would be held in the church during the remainder of Lent. The St. Patrick’s Day supper appears to be well under control as most of the food has been donated and the Martha/Mary Guild will work out the final details at their meeting on March 9. A nice reception is planned for the five young men of our parish who will be Confirmed by Bishop Matano next month in Barre. The reception will take place Sunday, April 18, following the 10:00 AM Mass in our parish hall. All parishioners are encouraged to attend. A change will take place after Easter regarding the recitation of the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy before the weekend Masses. The next meeting is scheduled for Easter Monday, April 5, same time/same place.

EVERYTHING EASTER & MORE:  A wide variety of beautiful items; centerpieces, religious articles, wreaths, toys, stuffed animals and floral arrangements are now on display in the chapel for a very limited time.  They would make wonderful gifts as Easter approaches and if that isn’t enough, everything is 50% off the original price. Stop in after Mass or anytime when the parish offices are open. A cash box is there for your convenience.

Dear God, At times I look around me and see sadness and pain. This misfortune may be in my own family, with people I know, or in the lives of strangers. I wonder why this has to be. Help me to find ways to ease the sadness and pain. Maybe I can do this with a smile, a kind word or a simple act. Maybe I will find a way to reach out to those I do not know. Whatever path I take, let me do it in Your honor as a sign of my gratitude.      Amen