Fifth Sunday of Lent March 29, 2020

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice!

— Psalm 130:1

Parochial Vicar’s Corner When you read the readings this week, they’ve clearly got an overarching theme of life overcoming death. Ezekiel prophesies that the Lord would have the people rising from their graves and that his Spirit will give them life. Paul, in addressing the Romans, speaks of being alive in the Spirit of God, that is if the Spirit is dwelling in our life. And then there is the familiar story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The plea of the sisters begging for life for their brother and Jesus reiterating that he is ‘life’ itself, and that if they trust, and believe, that Jesus will overcome death. A lot of us feel like we’re being hemmed in and that our way of life has taken a turn for the worse, so to say. And yes, we have had to experience many little deaths this Lent. No public Masses, no gatherings, no school in person, no friendly gatherings, shops shuttered, work curtailed, all little deaths. In them though is the seed of life. There is the promise in our faith that life overcomes death, and there is too within our spirit the promise that things will come back alive. Christ Jesus calls all to life, and he comes that we have it more abundantly. A life that is focused and examined, one that is full and intentional. Intent on doing the will of God, and avoiding sin so as to live as we’ve been called to by God. That’s the Gospel summed up. And, for all it’s stresses and difficulties, this virus is serving a purpose too. When we gather once again without the threat of disease, will we go back to the old normal? Will it just be a tireless run of school assignments, social gathers, and sporting events? If we don’t cherish every moment, and every hug and handshake, every Sunday Mass, and those little league games, then have we really grown or did we waste this opportunity for grace? Pray as we continue through this struggle that we can all come out on the other side of this more grateful, more loving of life, and converted to not only enjoy the daily things of life, but converted in our hearts and minds of God. —Father Mark Shoffner

ALTAR WORKERS FLOWER GUILD CARPENTER’S CUP April 3: Virginia McDaniel Lenten Season

PARISH INCOME LAST WEEKEND Weekly amount anticipated to meet budget Amount received last weekend WeeklyEnvelopes: $11,057.70 $4,134.00 (75) Loose Contributions: $326.93 $0.00

Special Collections: Catholic Relief Services Please contribute by mail or use the rectory drop slot. $168.00

GIVE GLORY TO GOD On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, just before we begin to enter Holy Week, we are summoned to Bethany. If we had been friends of Mary, Lazarus, and Martha, and found out that Lazarus was gravely ill, we probably would have dropped everything to be with them. This was what was so surprising about the behavior of Jesus. Although he was their close friend, he chose to stay away, that God’s glory would be manifested. This is a persistent theme in John’s Gospel. Right to the very end, Jesus’ works were meant to give glory to the Father. As our Lenten journey reaches a crescendo, let us be mindful that, as people who have “put on Christ” in baptism, we are also called, by our attitudes and actions, to give glory to God. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

LIFE A well-spent life is the only passport to heaven. —Pope Leo XIII PRAYER The more you devote yourself in prayer the more you will do well in your work. —St. John Baptist de la Salle WITH GOD With God, go over the sea. Without God, don’t even go over the threshold. —Russian proverb

2ND Blood Drive

Added in 2 weeks! Thursday, April 16, Noon to 5 p.m.

Go to www.bloodhero.com NOW

To make your appointment!

Thank you and May God bless all our valuable blood donors for answering the call during this critical blood shortage!

St. Mary Basilica (601) 445-5616 Susan Nielsen (504) 258-6940 Charlene Rushing (601) 431-9127

The following friends and members of our parish need our prayers. Please add these names to your prayer list. Contact the church office 601-445-5616 to have names added to the prayer list. Names will be removed after four weeks.

Barron Black Cole Doughty Ken Beesley, Jr. Anne Giadrosich Dinah Ricks Daniel Miller Bobby McLean Phillip Mardis Speedy Wilson Willie Rymer Diane Golden Gwen McCalip Jim Sanguinetti Betty White Edna Rose Bellan Paul Vaughan Al Walker Dot Foster Lee Jones *************** Hayden Kaiser, Jr. Charlene Rushing Pete Cantu Dennis McDaniel Erin Myers Barbara Burke Paisley Mardis Dennis Christian Connie Louviere Elsie Evans Kenny Nosser Delphine Prestridge Gerald and Yara Pitchford Bob McWilliams Fr. David O’Connor Donny Golden

Butch Brown Anne Tebbetts Mullins Julie Kendall ************** Jack and Doris Kerwin Brian Warren Lance Gaude Mary Gunning Clarene Guercio Suellen Barnett Tommy O’Beirne Ben Butler Loveta Byrne Sissy Eidt Browning Wanda Mulvihill Mimi Maier Kate Ferguson Sonny Vance John Taylor Walter Maier Pat Dale Ron Gaude Brandon Garrity John R. Ferguson Mimi Sandel Murphy *************** Orvis Marlow John Barnett Mary Brasher Louis Dallalio Johnnie and David Galer Paul Vaughan

Clint and Elizabeth Smith Ken Beesley, Sr. Anita Souderes Gayle Anders Margaret Cooley Charles Garrity Millie Weathersby James Weathersby Carolyn Krueger Selah Willard Michael Shaidnagle Richard Olier Cynthia Dollar Maureen Irby Ron Brumfield Patrick Biglane

PRAYERS FOR MILITARY and LAW ENFORCEMENT

We pray for those listed below who serve in the military or in law enforcement at this time, especially any of those who are serving in

Iraq or in other dangerous areas of the world. Contact the church office at 601-445-5616 to have names added.

Ashley Bennett Tyler Wheeler Andrell Hardy Benjamin Long Delayne Bush Lee Best Josh Jackson Casey Snyder

Brandan Bordelon Christopher Shaidnagle Marcus Estes Aaron Moore Matthew Henderson Matthew Voss Xander Miller

Priester Byrne Mike Chapman Travis Patten Josh Gamberi Conner Burns Luke Eidt Brian Hughes Albert J. Hughes, Sr. Frank Smith

Adoration of Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction

Abstinence: Catholics abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday (Feb.26, 2020), Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent. Abstinence binds all Catholic age 14 years and older. Fast: Catholics fast (eating only one full meal) on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2020) and Good Friday (April 10, 2020). Catholics 18-59 years old are bound by this obligation.

Everyone outside the obligatory ages for Fasting and Abstinence is still encouraged to join in on the fun of fasting and abstaining from meat throughout the Lenten season. —Father Scott Thomas

Easter Lilies for the St. Mary Basilica altar area for the Easter season can be donated in honor of or in memory of a loved one. If you wish to donate Easter lilies, please write down the names of the

deceased or the living (be sure to indicate who is deceased and who is living) on an envelope, include the name(s) of the donor(s), your monetary donation, and mail to the church office (107 S. Union St.) or drop in the mail slot at the Rectory.

The altar in the Basilica will be decorated for Easter since we have aleady ordered the lilies, and the Holy Mass will be live streamed on Easter Sunday.

CANCELLED due to Coronavirus Pandemic

SUNDAY MASS IS LIVE STREAMED! While all Masses are closed to the public until further notice, Father Scott and Father Mark will live stream the 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass on the St. Mary Basilica FaceBook page and greenwavesports.live. Please join in each Sunday!

Also, our priests will offer the Sunday Mass for the intentions of our parishioners and will offer a Mass each day for the intentions listed on the back inside page of the bulletin.

ST. MARY YOUTH PROGRAMS This past Sunday night we had a wonderful virtual meeting and the BIGGEST YOUTH NIGHT EVER with over 7,000 people attending virtually and over 1,700 parishes! The meeting at PROJECTYM.COM/WATCH featured evangelist Paul J. Kim, praise and worship music by Dave Moore, games, and fun. JCYO and CYO will do this again on Sunday, March 29, from 7-8 pm in GroupMe.

Everyone is asked to use a parent’s email and to go to the site by 6:55 pm. The broadcast starts at 7pm CDT, but log in a few minutes early to make sure you’re on when it starts. You can access the event on any device with a web browser, but the faster the connection, the better. Parents are also invited to watch along. This week’s speaker is Katie Prejean McGready – who is AMAZING!!

After our virtual youth meeting, we had a group chat in GroupMe. It was so nice to hear from our youth and some parents. Project YM issued them a dance challenge, and I issued a video challenge. Though we may not be able to be together physically right now, there are other ways we can connect like through GroupMe, NetFlix Party, etc. I’d like to continue concentrating on positives that we can take away to help us through these unusual times. It was wonderful to be able to attend Mass virtually. Thank you, Father Scott, Father Mark, George, Franco and Jay. Read this bulletin to see what other things St. Mary is presenting virtually, like Stations of the Cross on Fridays. This past year I know so many people who felt their lives were out of control because of how busy they have been. Now we’re being forced to slow down. So take a breath. Spend quality time with family. Make memories: good, fun ones. Start or pick up a hobby. Nourish yourself spiritually through podcasts, books, audible, and Formed. (More information about Formed is in this week’s bulletin which explains how you can access it online). I’ll continue searching for various fun ways that allow us the opportunity to connect with one another virtually. As I said last week, while virtually meeting is not the same, I know we’ll all give each other big hugs when this is over; and we can be physically present with one another. In the meantime – show up virtually and spiritually. We all need one another and God every day, but especially during times like these. I’ll continue keeping all of you in my prayers. —Carrie Lambert, Youth Director

THANKS TO ALL DONORS AT OUR PARISH BLOOD DRIVE

Thursday, March 26, 2020 [2nd Blood Drive on April 16—see attached

flyer in this bulletin.]

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our Parish Blood Drive. Blood is in very high demand at this time. St. Mary surpassed its goal! Our goal was 44 units of blood. We collected 66 units with 7 double reds. WAY TO GO!!

We especially thank Susan and Steve Nielsen, Charlene Rushing and other members of the Community Services Commission for coordinating and manning the blood drive at the Family Life Center!

Another drive in 2 weeks!! Please give on April 16 if you did not give on March 26!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY

The Knights of Columbus will continue to hold its annual Lenten Fish Fry each Friday of Lent.

The Fish Fry is take out only from the Family Life Center between 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Just drive up and we will bring your plates to you.

Catfish dinners Shrimp dinners Combo dinners $10 $11 $12

Dinners include: Fries, Hush Puppies and Coleslaw

[Grilled fish dinners not available]

CROSSES AVAILABLE FOR EASTER! Walter Maier has made 43 crosses from the wood of the old pinnacles of St. Mary Basilica. A few years ago, he made over 100 crosses from this wood, but they have long since been sold. After many requests to make more of these crosses, Mr. Maier used the last of the old wood from the Basilica pinnacles to make these 43 crosses. The crosses are now available for

purchase from the offices of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church and directly from Mr. Maier (601-597-0800). The cost remains at $30 per cross. These crosses make beautiful Easter gifts, RCIA gifts, Confirmation gifts, house warming gifts, etc. Get yours before they sell out—unfortunately, there will not be anymore.

UPDATE FROM YOUR PASTOR, FATHER SCOTT THOMAS

As I expected, Bishop Kopacz has extended the diocesan ban on public gatherings through April 30. This means that Palm Sunday, the Sacred Triduum, Easter, and everything else in the month of April will be celebrated privately as the dates cannot be changed.

But this does not mean they are canceled because you can still celebrate them all at home. Read the readings together as a family.

Pray some of the prayers yourself. On Palm Sunday, hold a procession as a family around your back yard recalling our Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, pray during the night as a family keeping watch with Christ in the Garden. You can also wash each other’s feet after reading John 13. Read the Passion from the Gospel of John on Good Friday. Decorate a large candle in your home as your own personal Paschal Candle for Easter! There’s so much that you can do as a family during the rest of this time!

We plan to continue streaming Sunday Masses on greenwavesports.live as well as our St. Mary Facebook page. And daily Masses will continue on the Basilica’s Facebook page. Hopefully this will help you feel connected to your parish church, along with other news and videos Fr. Shoffner and I will continue to post.

Remember that even though the public offering of Holy Mass has been suspended, you are still obligated to keep the Sabbath holy by some form of prayer together and by avoiding unnecessary “work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body” (Catechism 2185).

What are you doing as a family to worship God at home and grow closer to Him as a family? During this time we as a parish are also reaching out to our elderly parishioners to make sure they are being cared for as best as possible. If you would like to help us in this mission, please email or call us in the parish office. But most of all, let’s look out for each other. Let’s do our best to stop spreading this virus and help kill it off. Listen to our city and state leaders, along with actual doctors and health experts. The sooner we all work together, the sooner all of this will end and life will return to normal.

AN AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR (AED) IS LOCATED IN THE BULLETIN ROOM /CONFESSIONAL ON THE ELEVATOR SIDE OF THE BASILICA.

USHERS AND MASS COORDINATORS ARE AWARE OF THE LOCATION.

ACH / MONTHLY DRAFT Make your life simpler by having your church contribution drafted. St. Mary offers a once per month ACH draft. You no longer need to write weekly or monthly checks or use your offertory envelopes. Please call Mary Flowers at the St. Mary church office (601-445-5616) or email her at stmaryfinance@cableone.net to set up this service or to change the amount you are currently having drafted.

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION IN TIME OF PANDEMIC

O Mary, you always brighten our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’ pain while remaining steadfast in faith. O loving Mother, you know what we need, and we are confident you will provide for us as at Cana in Galilee.

Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, the Divine Physician, for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable, and for those who have died. Intercede also for those charged with protecting the health and safety of others and for those who are tending to the sick and seeking a cure. Help us, O Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who took upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows, so as to lead us, through the Cross, to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen. Under thy protection we seek refuge, O Holy Mother of God. In our needs, despise not our petitions, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. —Adapted from the prayer of Pope Francis

********************************* The ancient fresco of Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help) in St. Peter’s Basilica was restored with the support of the Knights of Columbus to mark the Year of Faith (2012-2013). Photo courtesy of Fabbrica di San Pietro/M. Falcioni. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

REMEMBER YOUR WEEKLY/MONTHLY CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS

During this Coronavirus pandemic, we thank all our parishioners who have mailed or dropped off their weekly/monthly donations to help with our parish’s everyday operating costs. If you have forgotten to do this, please either mail your contributions to 107 S. Union St., Natchez, MS 39120 or use the drop box by the Rectory front door. We must still pay our bills! We pray that everyone stays healthy during this difficult time. May God bless us all.

PICK OF THE WEEK Lectio: Salvation with Dr. Michael Barber

At every Sunday Mass, Catholics confess that Jesus came down from heaven “for us men and for our salvation.”

But what does “salvation” mean?

Please continue to pray for those participating in the RCIA 2019-2020 program at St. Mary Basilica. We welcome these people who are continuing their study.

The following CATECHUMENS are preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation:

Catechumen Godparent/Sponsor Matthew Thomas LeTard Ruth Powers Suzannah Ketchings Sara Dallalio The following CANDIDATES are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation:

Candidate Sponsor Gary Blackwell Page Blackwell John Branton Robin Branton Mitchell Brooks Dan Miller Barbara “June” Brown Heather Burget Natalie Schwager Devin Dunaway Charlene Rushing Sela Gaude Kakki Gaude and Kalynn Vegas Sandy Hall Justin Johnson Bryant Killen Jonathan Willard Carlyle Killen Bridget Milliken Toni Lambert Ginger Cowart Sidney McLeod Joan David David Ryan Elizabeth Ryan Janice Walters Christina Welch Adam Roberts Josh Welch Adam Roberts The following CONFIRMANDS are preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation:

Confirmand Sponsor Richard Branyan Jill Treutel and Martha Branyan Kari Caldwell Megan Guido Lindsey Callon Katherine Callon Kole Junkin Elizabeth Ryan John Kennon Ann Shaidnagle, Annette Burns, and Rose Whitam The Following are preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion only:

Adeline Burget Brent Gaude (Sponsor) Barrett Burget Brent Gaude (Sponsor) Dylan Overby Sarah Overby (Sponsor)

PARISH WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS

KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY—JOIN ONE OF OUR FITNESS CLASSES

QiGONG / TAI-CHI CAO YOGA and LINE DANCING

Natchez Journey of Hope

Luncheon Catholic Charities

Thursday Night—Rite of

Christian Inititation of Adults

TUESDAYS WITH MAUREEN For Seniors Wanting Something To Do

WEDNESDAY BROWN BAG LENTEN SERVICE

POSTPONED due to Coronavirus Pandemic

FRIDAY

HEALING HANDS For those who knit, crochet, tat, quilt,

draw, do needlework, paint, carve, or any kind of handwork

OUR LADY OF THE OAKS LADIES RETREAT, GRAND COTEAU, LA Would you like to grow closer to God? Do you need some time away to listen to Him, to grow, to rest? Experience the natural beauty of oak trees and the beautiful setting of nature.

The ladies of the Natchez area will be attending their annual three (3) day retreat December 3-6, 2020. You are invited to join us to rest in the care of the Lord in silence, solitude, deep

prayer and reflection. It is time to send in our deposits ($25.00) to hold our rooms as they fill up so quickly. Deposits should be sent in as soon as possible. Please contact Kot Morris at 601-334-8339.

Grief and Loss Support Group

WHEN: Second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm WHERE: Parlor of Grace United Methodist Church, 2 Fatherland Road Open to the Public Monday, March 13

For more information: 210-737-4759 **CALL FIRST to be sure the meeting is still open due to

Covid-19.

Despite this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, our elderly people still need help. Staples Food Drive APRIL 4 and 5, 2020 PLEASE MAKE A DONATION NEXT WEEKEND!

During the first full weekend of every month, our parish collects staple food items to help feed the elderly needy in the local area. A box will be placed in the vestibule of the church for all food donations next weekend or you may leave your food donations on the porches by the Rectory front door or back door. If you prefer, you may make monetary donations. Please drop all cash/check donations in the mail slot by the Rectory front door or mail your donations to St. Mary Basilica, 107 South Union St., Natchez, MS 39120. [Make checks payable to St. Mary Basilica.]

Collections have been VERY SLIM! Although we are very short on almost everything, we are most in need of these food items at this time: Tuna, Treet, Powdered Milk (small envelopes), Canned Fruit, Cornmeal, Flour and Sugar.

Miss Lou Community Support Group for those grieving loss due to suicide

is scheduled to meet Monday, April 6.

The session begins at 6:30 pm.

Grace United Methodist Church 2 Fatherland Rd., Natchez, MS

Jan and Pete Mills, 210-737-4759. **Call first to be sure the meeting

is still open due to Covid-19.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You. Amen.

Mass INTENTION INTENTION DONOR DONOR

March Monday, 30

Kurt Russ Family (L) Friend

Tuesday, 31 Charles Garrity (L) Friend

Wednesday, 1 Judy Clements (D) Dale Steckler Family

Thursday, 2 Leona Uzzetta (D) Trish Grant

Friday, 3 Charles Conner Burns (D)

Family

Saturday, 4 Mary Williams (D) 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass

Class of 1955

Sunday, 5 People of the Parish 10:00 a.m. Sunday

MEETINGS THIS WEEK ST. MARY BASILICA

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:1-11 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21- 30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 — 27:66 [27:11-54]

March 29 Byrne Heatherly John Zachery Wingfield March 30 Gene Laird Margaret Wilson Jeanette Britt Robyn Gregg

Parishioners, please contact the parish office if your birthday is not listed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

April 3 Matthew Kaiser April 4 Jane Bush Diane Golden Christian Burkley Brooklyn Rayborn Amy Depta

March 31 Regina Charboneau Ginger Cowart April 1 Todd Waycaster April 2 Mary Gunning Donna Martello Jennifer Foley

WHILE PUBLIC MASSES ARE CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Father Scott and Father Mark will offer private Masses every day for the intentions listed here.

ALL MEETINGS CANCELLED due to Coronavirus Pandemic Our priests and staffs of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church thank you for being so wonderful and supportive during these challenging times – as we all are in uncharted territory. One thing we know for sure is that our Church cares about each and every one of you. We cannot predict the future, and therefore do not know how long it will take for the virus to begin to diminish. Our weekly meetings and gatherings are all cancelled for the time being as nationwide and worldwide situations evolve. We fully intend to resume all of our parish’s wonderful activities and commission projects as soon as we are allowed. God bless you all.