747 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32607 Office: 352-376-5405 Fax: 352-375-7568

Dear Parishioners,

The First Sunday of Lent we are given the image of the desert to define our Lenten journey. Last Sunday, the Second Sunday of Lent, we are given the image of the mountain, the Mountain of Transfiguration. We are given this image to show us where our Lenten journey in the spiritual desert is taking us: to a place of transfiguration, change, conversion in Christ.

The next three Sundays of Lent are from Gospel stories used to teach about Baptism, because Lent is preparing us to celebrate Baptism at Easter (we baptize adults and youth and we renew our own Baptism promises at Easter). Remember that when one is in a desert, water means everything. The same is similar when in Lent we recall this preparation for Baptism or its renewal.

Pastor, ext. 111 Fr. John M. Phillips, V.F. fr.john@holyfaithchurch.org Associate Pastor, ext. 113 Fr. fremmanuel@holyfaithchurch.org Deacon, ext. 109 Dcn. Michael Demers dcn.michael@holyfaithchurch.org

Letty Valentin Director Adult Faith Formation, Letty Valentin Director

, Cristina Logan, Director

Sr. Adell Lininger, SND, Director

TiAnna Rosario, Youth & YA Minister

Dcn. Michael Demers

Dcn. Michael Demers, DirectorFrom the Heart o f t he Pas tor . . .

Christ Meets the Samaritan Woman at the Well Outside the City.

(Notice that the well is shown in the shape of a Cross like our Baptism Font at Holy Faith)

Continued on page 2 ...

Continuation: From the Heart of the Pastor ... January 12, 2014 Continuation: From the Heart of the Pastor ... March 19, 2017

So, on this Third Sunday of Lent, we are brought back to the desert in John’s story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. The story of the Samaritan Woman and her encounter with Jesus takes place at a well (the water connection). It is Jacob’s Well outside the town of Sychar, in ancient Samaria. The first thing we may note in this Sunday’s sacred geography is that this well is outside the city. In other words, it is not inside the city walls but one had to go out of the city to get to this well. We know the well was outside the city because John notes that when Jesus stopped to rest at the place, “A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’ His disciples had gone into town to buy food.” (John 4:7-8) What is the significance of this encounter with the Samaritan Woman outside the city? There are several connections with Lent and Baptism. Ancient Christians went into the desert to get away from the distractions and temptations of the city. We still do this in the Season of Lent when we go into the desert in a spiritual sense. It is good for us to fast from our distractions during Lent so as to better hear God and meditate on what is truly life-giving. Like the Samaritan Woman we may encounter Jesus.

Second, symbolically, being outside of the city was to enter the margins of society: outcasts, lepers, the homeless, the exiles, the unclean, lived there. There is a very significant Bible passage that connects Jesus with these marginal and least ones: “Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to consecrate the people by his own blood. Let us then go to him outside the camp, bearing the reproach that he bore.” (Hebrews 13:12-13)

In other words, Jesus was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem, on Golgotha, where criminals were put to death. He identifies himself with all others who are rejected and cast out of society. And we are to go to him and also identify with the lowly. We are to see him in the least of his brothers and sisters: the poor, the hungry, the naked, the sick, the prisoner (See Matthew 25); and dare we add today the immigrant and refugee?

A Methodist minister, Jill Sander-Chali, notes:

“[T]he location of this sacrifice beyond the gates of the city matters... It implies that the place outside the city is also redeemed; that the people outside the city are also redeemed; that those once considered unclean are no longer to be treated as outcast, but rather are to be brought into the community of the blessed and sanctified.

“Throughout his whole life and ministry, Jesus danced in and out of the gates of the city. He certainly loved the rich and powerful and he taught them about giving up wealth and material gain in order to truly be his disciples. But he also loved the poor and the outcast.”

www.universityumc.com/sermons/2012/5/10/jesus-sacrifice-beyond-the-gates.html

Now we can see the significance that Jesus met this Woman of Samaria outside the city because we learn that she is on the margins of her society and a second class citizen in the eyes of Jews for being both a woman and a Samaritan (“For Jews have nothing in common with Samaritans.” John 4:9) She came to the Well at Noon, alone, the hottest part of the day and a time not normal for drawing water, usually a communal activity of the women. She had been rejected by five different husbands and was finally living outside of marriage. But Jesus is going to speak to her, confer upon her forgiveness and dignity, and restore her to the community, by offering her living water. He does this for us also, in Baptism.

Yours in the Heart of Christ,

Fr. John

Jewish Passover Meal:

The Seder Supper

at Holy Faith on Thursday, April 6 at 7pm in the Parish Life Center

Seat reservations are available weekdays at the office from 10:30am‐3:00pm.

Recommended donation is $15 per person. (Children free)

Tickets are required to reserve a seat and seating is limited to 250 prople

so reserve your tickets as soon as possible. We will have them available

after every Mass next weekend, March 25‐26.

Children are most welcome to be a part of this great celebration, and nursery will be available

for the little ones. Please call to let us know if you need babysitting.

The Jewish Passover meal is where our Holy Eucharist began

and till today the way we celebrate the Holy Mass is basically

shaped and based around the theology and prayers of the Jewish

Passover Meal. It is a great experience for Catholics to connect

with our Jewish roots, and to honor our Jewish brothers and

sisters and celebrate what we both have in common: our

liberation from oppression to freedom from the hands of God;

from death to a new life….

When answering a question about Non‐Jews celebrating the Seder Supper (Passover Supper),

Reform Jewish rabbi Laura Novak Winer writes: “Passover is the time of year when we remember

and retell the story that forms our master narrative. Over the course of the Seder meal, we remind

ourselves of the experience of slavery and the liberation from bondage by eating symbolic foods,

telling stories and singing songs. In that experience, we are also called to recommit ourselves to the

Jewish obligation to end bondage and slavery elsewhere in the world.

“When we include non‐Jews in our Seder rituals and experiences, we are able to share our master

narrative with them. We give non‐Jews a window into the core experience and identity of what it

means to be Jewish. We also impress upon them our enduring commitment to civil rights and

social justice. Sharing the Passover Seder with our non‐Jewish friends, colleagues and neighbors

builds bridges in our communities, helps develop shared understandings of one another and lays

the foundation for partnerships that can work toward social change.”

CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN FORMATION (CCF) Parish Life Center 10:40am to 12:00Noon

CCF SUNDAY CLASS SCHEDULE March 19th: NO CCF Classes (Spring Break) March 26th: CCF CLASSES CANCELED March 26th: Parenting with Grace Seminar (see below) April 2,9,23,30: Classes for Grades K thru 9th

Sacramental Preparation

First communion Saturday, April 1st

10:00am to 12:00 Noon Class for Students & Parents

in the Parish Life Center Section B/C

Saturday, April 22nd 10:30am to 12:00 Noon in the Church

Ritual Rehearsal for First Communion

Youth Confirmation Confirmation Class Retreat

Sunday, April 2 from 4pm to 7pm in the Parish Life Center Section C

Sunday, April 9th 10:40am to Noon Class for Students only

in the Parish Life Center Section C

Catholic Youth Ministry

Enjoy your Spring Break!

The Simple Life 10! A social justice and service camp

for high school youth. June 11-16, 2017

Registration is now open! All incoming 9th graders thru 12 grade graduates are invited to participate in this week long camp centered on simple living and Catholic Social Teaching. You will not regret it! Earn 30-40 hours of community service in one week! Have a great time with your catholic peers and grow in your faith. Brochures with more information and the registration forms can be found in the vestibule of the church, the ministry center, the parish life center, and at CYM meetings. Spaces are limited so sign up today!

2016 Simple Life 9

Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference

June 30-July 2nd … Orlando, Florida

For the 12th summer in a row the Gainesville Area Catholic Youth group will attend a Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference by Franciscan University of Steubenville. Will you join us? All graduating 8th through 12th grade youth are invited to participate in this one of a kind conference! Check out the conference website at steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/ for more information and a video presentation. Contact TiAnna Rosario at yayam.holyfaith@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like the online link to register your child/children.

"Parenting with Grace," a Family Life Seminar Presented by Dr. Charlotte Chadik.

Please join your Holy Faith community for lively and informative discussions regarding Parenting Issues. We meet in the Parish Life Center in Section B (10:45am to noon) on CCF Sundays.

Topics planned are: * March 26th Session Canceled * April 2nd - Methods of Discipline * April 9th - Children and Faith Life

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Coming Soon … REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR VBS at Holy Faith. Save the Dates: June 24-28.

FAMILY VBS is on Sunday, June 25 after the 9:30am Mass. Watch your emails for full details.

Monday, March 20, 2017 St. Vincent de Paul Meeting (6:00 PM)

Location: Social Hall Section A Tuesday, March 21

HoFa Crafts Ministry Group (10:00 AM) Location: Conference Rm 2

Lenten Reconciliation Service - Queen of Peace (7:00 PM)

Lenten Parish Mission (7:00 PM) Location: Parish Life Center (see right)

Wednesday, March 22 Novena: Our Lady of Perpetual Help

(10:01 AM) Location: Chapel Book Study: Jesuit Guide to Almost

Everything (10:30 AM) Location: Mtg Room 9

Girl Scouts Troop 2298 Meeting (6:00 PM) Location: Mtg Room 5

Divorce Survival Guide Series (7:00 PM) Location: Conference Rm 2

Thursday, March 23 Gainesville Networking Group (11:45 AM)

Location: Social Hall Section C Bible Study: The Gospel of St. Matthew

(7:00 PM) Location: Social Hall Section B People of Praise Prayer Group Meeting

(7:30 PM) Location: Chapel Friday, March 24

Bulletin Deadline for April 09, 2017 Send email with details to: bulletin@holyfaithchurch.org

Lenten Stations of the Cross at Noon (12:00 PM) Location: Church

Lenten Stations of the Cross (6:00 PM) Location: Church (see right)

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner (7:00 PM) Location: Social Hall B/C/Kitchen (see right)

Wedding Rehearsal - Warner/Horn (7:30 PM) Location: Church

Saturday, March 25 Baptism - Ezenwa (11:00 AM) Location:

Church Wedding Celebration - Warner/Horn

(2:00 PM) Location: Church Reconciliation (3:30 PM) Location: Church

Sunday, March 26 NO CCF CLASSES (see page 4) RCIA Second Scrutiny at 11:15am Mass RCIA Breaking Open the Word/Study

(11:45 AM) Location: Fr . John’s Office RCIA Workshop on Prayer (12:30 PM)

Location: Conference Rm 1 Baptism - Holloway (12:30 PM)

Location: Church NO Catholic Youth Ministry Meeting

Holy Faith Parish Mission

Please join us this Tuesday, March 21st from 7pm to 8:30pm

in the Parish Life Center

Did you find what you are thirsting for? Now it’s time to reflect on what keeps you blind.

Come and pray for the longings of your heart and soul

and explore John’s Gospel through the story of the The Man Born Blind.

This is a Lenten experience of prayer, reflection, and hope.

Take the time out & come!

Next Tuesday, March 28th we will explore the story of Lazarus and reflect on what keeps you

buried. All three Gospel stories reminds us to:

BELIEVE IN HIM!

Lenten Reconciliation Services

Queen of Peace: Tues, Mar 21 @7pm St. Patrick: Tues, Mar. 28 @ 7pm

St. Augustine: Apr. 5 @ 7pm

Join us at the Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of Lent.

12:00Noon & 6:00pm in the Church

LENTEN FISH FRY DINNERS Sponsored by The Knights of Columbus

On the Fridays of Lent after the 6pm Stations

PARISH MISSION

Holy Thursday APRIL 13 5:30-6:30 pm

Soup & Sandwich supper

Please join us at the annual Soup & Sandwich Supper on Holy Thursday, April 13th in the Parish Life Center prior to the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

Please consider bringing a pot of soup to share with the parish community. Sign up sheets will be in the vestibule soon.

Then please join us at the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper at 7:00pm in the Church.

Jesus has a special meal prepared just for us!

The Holy Week Liturgy Schedule will be in next week’s bulletin. Please join us

for the three Most Holy Days of the Liturgical Year beginning on April 13. Easter Vigil is at 8:30pm on April 15.

The Holy Rosary is prayed every weekday at 9:00am and at 10:00am in the Chapel. All are invited to come and pray with us this beautiful devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Wednesday, March 22 Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19

7:00am Philip Bonganay, RIP, by Marcela Bayard 9:30am Elvira N. F. Silva, RIP, by Mc Sorley Family

Thursday, March 23 Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Lk 11:14-23

7:00am George Corwine, RIP, by MJ & Gini Stirna 9:30am Thelma Clauna de Ocado, RIP, by Fil & Fe Alcantara

Friday, March 24 Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab,14 and 17; Mk 12:28-34 7:00am Jacqueline Quinn Aiken, RIP, by Aseltyne Family 9:30am Estrella Hatch, RIP, by Alice & Dick Schwartz

Saturday, March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord

Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38

9:00am Art Jennings, RIP, by Theresa Toby

Sunday, March 26 Fourth Sunday of Lent 

1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4,5, 6; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

Monday, March 20, 2017 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a 7:00am Elisa U. Joven, RIP, by Rey & Becky PeBenito 9:30am Irma De Marchi, RIP, by Glenda Tobar

Tuesday, March 21 Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35 7:00am Patrick W. Doyle, RIP, by Michael & Kathleen Perri 9:30am Spiritual Bouquet in Thanksgiving for HF Prayer Groups, by Peg Iwata

For those suffering after abortion, may they find healing and peace through God’s limitless mercy.

We pray to the Lord ...

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our parish and for all those in need of our prayers.

We pray especially for: Adelina, Alain, Amy Sue, Angel C, Angela R, Anita, Anne T, Anthony C, Antonio, Barbara F, Barbara M, Barbara R, Bebe, Bella, Ben,

Bev, Beverly B, Brian I, Caitlin, Carisma O, Carmen, Chela, Cindy F, Dale F, Dan & Beth T, Danny C, David K, Dayce, Dekle V, Delia A, Diana F, Doris R, Doyle, Elizabeth D, Frank F, Gerardo, Ginger, Harry F, Hilda D, Hope, James B, Janet S, Jeff, Joel R, Joey, John A, John K, John S, Joseph C, Juan Carlos D, Julieta L, Kathy Jane B, Kathy D, P.Ladkani, Baby Lillian Hannah J, Lina T, Linda P, Lynn, Maddie J, Margaret I, Maria C, Martha, Mary K, Mary M, Michael R, Michael T, Michelle P, Milagros, Millie, Milly L, Muriel M, Nancy L, Nilda, Norma L, Omar, Pat O, Patricia P, Paul N, Paula A, Pearse H, Pio S, Preston, Rebecca R, Rita, Rosalia, Rosalie, Sandy H, Shirley D, Shirley T, Sr. Rita, Steve R, & Sylvia M.

To add or remove a name from the prayer list, please call the office or send an email to: bulletin@holyfaithchurch.org with your request.

Eucharistic Congress March 24-25, 2017

Osborn Convention Center Jacksonville

This is a FREE event open to people of all faiths who want to grow in their spiritual journey to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

Go to: ww.floridaeucharist.org More Information, flyers and materials can be found in the vestibule/office. the Eucharistic Congress Steering

Committee is pleased to announce that the new Executive Vice President of Football

Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tom Coughlin, w ill be sharing about his Catholic faith during a special question and answer session on March 25.

The Eucharistic Congress will be live streamed on the Congress website, www.floridaeucharist

Novena to St. Joseph: For Those on the Path of Adoption

Visit the USCCB website for

a downloadable version of

this Novena online. Go to:

http://www.usccb.org/about/

pro‐life‐activities/adoption‐

prayer‐and‐education.cfm

The intentions vary each day

to include a variety of people touched by adoption. Each

day includes a different Scripture passage, as well as

prayers and petitions.

Par ish Giv ing

Building Fund as of March 12, 2017

$2,731,573

Offertory: March 12, 2017 March Estimated Weekly ParishPay Offertory

Total Offertory

$18,160.63 2,350.00 $20,510.63

EXTRA DONATIONS

Ash Wednesday Kid’s Treasure Votive Candles Outreach to the Poor & Those in Need St. Patrick’s School Catholic Relief Services Eastern European Churches Respect Life Sister Parish Donations Sister Parish Sponsorships

59.00 52.00

395.60 952.00 307.00

15.00 150.00

75.00 400.00

3,675.00

TOTAL EXTRA DONATIONS $6,080.60

EASTER BASKETS for Migrant Ministry

In the spirit of almsgiving during our Lenten season, please provide an Easter basket for a local Migrant family or child. Please choose an Easter Egg from the basket in thecvestibule and find suggestions for meeting the needs. Bring your basket or contribution to the Church vestibule by Palm Sunday. Baskets will be distributed through Migrant Education and Catholic Charities.

Sister Parish Sponsors

Thank you to all who so generously support the students and teachers of the Institute in prayer and with financial

donations. It is not permitted to contact the students in the school directly. However, if you wish to send a message to your

student or teacher you may send your e-mail to Fr. Chepe at: jnipalakin@gmail.com. Put "Sister Parish Sponsor of: and the name of the student or teacher" in the subject line.

Fr. Chepe will deliver your message to your student or teacher.