SUNDAY – May 8Religious Education Classes (last of the year)9:30 – 10:45am – NDESDiscovery - YH8:30am – Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast/GH until 12:30pm9:45am – Church History/SEASR(Religious Article Store – OPEN after Mass)11:00pm – Blessing of Prayer Shawls5:00pm – CRHP/SEASRMONDAY – May 9Breakfast after Mass/SJR3:00pm – Open Youth Hall (until 5:00pm)TUESDAY – May 107:00pm – St. Jude Circle/SEASR7:30pm – Creighton NFP/SMRWEDNESDAY – May 113:00pm – Open Youth Hall (until 5:00pm)4:00pm – Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacra-ment (until 6pm)/HFC5:30pm – Pray the Rosary/HFC

7:00pm – Bible Study/SJR7:00pm – Women’s Bible Study/SJPIIR7:00pm – CRHP/SEASR7:00pm - VERSO L’ALTO - YH(Religious Article Store OPEN after Mass)THURSDAY – May 127:00pm – R.C.I.A./SJRFRIDAY – May 13GH OccupiedSATURDAY – May 148:00am – Diaconate Inquiry/SJPIIR4:00pm – Confessions/HFC (until 5:00pm)(Religious Article Store – OPEN after Mass)SUNDAY – May 15Religious Education Classes (last of the year)9:30 – 10:45am – NDESNO Discovery9:45am – Church History/SEASR(Religious Article Store – OPEN after Mass)5:00pm – CRHP/SEASR

Ascension SUNDAY – May 8Happy Mother’s Day to All Moms8:30 am – DONNA BRESKE † (Stan & Kevin Breske) TINA NEEB† (Lori Stallcup) FELICIDAD PANGANIBAN† (M/M Jesus Ucol) SOULS in Purgatory (Jimmy Ho)11:00am – Missa Pro Populo

(Mass for the people)MONDAY – May 98:00 am – SOULS in Purgatory (Jimmy Ho) LAWRENCE HOLUB† (Lynda James Family) MARYANN SOKORA - INT (M/M John Horn)TUESDAY – May 108:00 am – Liturgy of the HoursWEDNESDAY – May 116:15pm – GERTIE SCHREIBER†

(The Schreiber Family) JACKIE BERGENHEIER† (M/M John Horn) LUCIA RODRIGUEZ† (Gina Reid) SOULS in Purgatory (Jimmy Ho)THURSDAY – May 128:00am – SOULS in Purgatory (Jimmy Ho) CLARA HERRING† (Lynda James Family) Sr. PATRICIA STE. MARIE - INT

(M/M John Horn)FRIDAY – May 138:00am – SHERYL BEREND†

(Edmund & Shirley Vieth) ROSE CUBA† (The Cuba Family) SOULS in Purgatory (Jimmy Ho)SATURDAY – May 146:15 pm – ANN DREHER† (M/M Dale Dreher) MIGUEL MORALES, Jr.† (M/M Danny Lee) JOE and ALMA SIMEK† (Mary Ress)SUNDAY – May 158:30 am – LAWRENCE HOLUB† (Shirley Holub) ROLAND SIGLER, Sr.† (M/M Richard Lucero) JAMES and CARLA SCHMEHL - INT

(Pattie Redder)11:00am – Missa Pro Populo

(Mass for the people)

SJR-St. Joseph Room; HFC-Holy Family Chapel; GH-Great Hall; NDE Cafe-ND Elementary Cafeteria; NDHS - NDHigh School; CR-Conference Room; WR-Workroom; BR-Brides Room; SCMR-St. Cecilia Music Room; SEASR-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; SJP2R-St. John Paul II; SMR-St. Matthew Room; YH - Youth Hall

WEEKEND CONTRIBUTIONSApril 23 & 24: ...................................................................$April 4: .............................................................$20,366.56April 15: ...........................................................................$Seminarian Fund: ..................................................$711.00

Names of the Sick are now posted in the Narthex

and in the St. Joseph Room.

Welcome to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish “One Family of Faith”We are delighted that you have come to worship with us today! We hope you and your family

received a heartfelt Welcome, there is always room for you in our growing parish family.Again, thank you for coming today.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Seventh Sunday of Easter

INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER - MAYUniversal: Respect for Women That in every country of the world, women may be honored and

respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed.Evangelization: Holy Rosary That families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary

for evangelization and peace.

JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCYDecember 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016

“It is a favorable time to heal wounds, a time to offer everyone the

way of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.”

(Pope Francis)

FREE MASS TIMES APP! (masstimes.org)The Catholic Directory iPhone App is FREE and will quickly find the churches nearest to you, including Mass Times, Web sites, Maps, Directions, Staff, Bulletins, and other important information. Powered by TheCatholicDirectory.com

PRAYER for OUR TROOPSLord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Parish Activities

May 8, 2016

PRAY FOR PRIESTS THIS WEEKListed below are the Priests of our Diocese for whom we are asked to pray for daily.5/9 – Rev. Gary Geurtz 5/10 – Rev. Michael Greco 5/11 – Rev. Eric Michael Groner, SVD5/12 – Rev. Juan Guerrero, CORC 5/13 – Rev. Pedro Romero Gutierrez, OFM Cap. 5/14 – Rev. Albert Haase, OFM5/15 – Rev. Msgr. E. James HartEternal Father, we lift up to You these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

DAILY READINGSAscension of the Lord SundayActs 1:1–11 * Eph 1:17–23 * Lk 24:46–53Monday (Easter Weekday)Acts 19:1–8 * Jn 16:29–33Tuesday (Easter Weekday)Acts 20:17–27 * Jn 17:1–11aWednesday (Easter Weekday)Acts 20:28–38 * Jn 17:11b–19Thursday (Easter Weekday)Acts 22:30; 23:6–11 * Jn 17:20–26Friday (Easter Weekday)Acts 25:13b–21 * Jn 21:15–19Saturday (St. Matthias, Apostle)Acts 1:15–17, 20–26 * Jn 15:9–17Pentecost SundayActs 2:1–11 * 1 Cor 12:3b–7, 12–13 or Rom 8:8–17 * Jn 20:19–23 or Jn 14:15–16, 23b–26

SAVE THE DATE!!!CDA – Father’s Day Breakfast (Sunday, June 12)Vacation Bible School (June 20 – 24)

THANKS FROM SISTER PATRICIA STEMARIEThere are no words to express my thanks to everyone for their continuous prayers for me during my surgery and recovery period. I felt

like I was on a magic carpet of prayer the entire time! Thanks too for all the cards and

notes that so many of you sent me! I loved reading them all and they were so

encouraging! Sr. Patricia

Electronic Offertory Giving with Faith Direct!This is an exciting way for you to support our parish offertory: Faith Direct.Faith Direct enables your family to make your parish contributions through either direct debit to your checking account or through your Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover credit cards. No more writing checks or searching for envelopes on the way out the door. Now you can apply the convinience of direct debit to your parish offerings in much the same way as you may now use it to make your mortgage, car or tuition payments.

With Faith Direct, Our Lady Queen of Peace will gain predictable cash flow that will help us with planning our parish needs and programs. Faith Direct also offers you personalized offertory cards to replace your envelopes for the collection basket.

Of course, enrollment is voluntary, but many parishes and their members around the country have experienced a win-win with Faith Direct. If you find this program appropriate for your family, please enroll by visiting www.faithdirect.net to enroll securely on line. Our parish code is TX420. You may also scan the QR barcode above to access Faith Direct. We also ask that you please call the church office to stop your envelope mailings.

ConfirmationSunday, May 15 from 2pm

• • •Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast picture attachedMother’s Day Pancake BreakfastSunday, May 15 from 8:30am until 12:30pmIn the Great HallAll Mom’s eat FREE$5 for everyone else(All you can eat Pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and oj)

• • •OLQP Men’s Club Next Meeting: Monday, June 6Meets each First Monday of the month at 7pm in the St. Joseph’s room. All the men of our parish ages 18 and older encouraged to attend. There is no cost to join.

MAY MONTH OF MARY

Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace. Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love- the very heart of the vocation of motherhood. May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son.

On this Mothers day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you...

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Parish Announcements

Our Lady Queen of Peace Seventh Sunday of Easter

Come learn more about what PSM is doing for our community. We also invite you to participate in this comfort-giving ministry. If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, the ladies in PSM are happy to teach you.If you or someone you know is in need of a prayer shawl or lap robe please request one at the church office.

INTERFAITH MINISTRIES, INC.Current Critical Needs: Dried beans (small bags), Canned fruit, Jelly (small jars), Rice, Oatmeal (instant or old-fashioned). Items MUST be in their original packaging and not expired. Bring items with you when you come to Mass.www.interfaithwf.orgFB-page: Interfaith Ministries, Inc.

• • •Prayer Shawl MinistryThe Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to thank everyone who have and continue to support this ministry that brings comfort to those who are in need of it.NEW members are always invited! (Even if you have never knitted or crocheted and want to learn)First and Third Tuesday (9:30–11:30am)May 17First and Third Thursday (7-9pm)May 19If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, the ladies in PSM are happy to teach you.If you or someone you know is in need of a prayer shawl or lap robe please request one at the church office.

Tuition Assistance for Notre Dame Students (OLQP families)Our parish offers tuition assistance for ND families in need. The following are the requirements for this assistance:

Those families who apply for assistance must have their FACTS report. The FACTS Report that we receive from the Notre Dame Finance office will greatly assist us in determining families in need of financial assistance. If you feel you need financial assistance for tuition to attend Notre Dame Schools, we must have your information from that report. The school will provide each individual family their report. The report will show the financial need and also the percentage of “relatively needier” families. If the report does not show a financial need please do not apply.Assistance will be limited to students in 5K through Grade 12.Those families who apply for assistance should be participants in their parish through their “Time – Talent – Treasure”. Again, if we do not have records to prove this we will not be able to provide tuition assistance.Those applying must request assistance  in writing to the parish office by letter or email to Fr. Sojan or Deacon Jim (see bulletin cover for email address). For more information call the church office.These requirements are in place so that we can offer as much assistance as possible and be consistent in our policies of assistance.

Consider Notre Dame Catholic School for your children and grandchildren. Call 940.692.6041 to schedule a tour!

• • •It’s Official…CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS - COURT QUEEN OF PEACE #2710Our Lady Queen of Peace parish now has a Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court, which was instituted on April 3, 2016. If you are  interested in joining Court Queen of Peace, please complete the Membership Application found in the church  foyer or at the church entrance on the chapel side. Bring your completed registration form and a check for $30 (made payable to CDA) to the next meeting.For questions and information, call our newly elected officers: Regent: Laurie Harper @ 580-695-2172; Vice Regent: Dolores Bernal @ 940-235-5718; Financial Secretary: Julie Knox @ 940-782-4221 or Recording Secretary: Carolyn Dreher or Treasurer: Fe Lee.Thank you for your interest in Catholic Daughters. We invite you to join us!

Next meeting will be Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph Room.

• • •CHURCH HISTORY SERIESfrom the Reformation to the PresentCome join us to study and reflect on this segment of Church history. The series, led by Jack Abel, will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:40 – 10:45 in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton room continues until May 29. Please bring something to take notes.Some of the topics to be covered will be:1. What led to the Protestant Reformation and how did the Church

respond?2. The significant features of the Church from the time of the Counter

-Reformation Council (Trent) to Vatican Council I (1869-1870)3. The development of the Church’s social teaching in response to the

conditions of the modern world4. Vatican Council II and the present Church

NOTRE DAME NEWS

May 8, 2016

ATTENTION: Married and Engaged CouplesFREE introduction to the Creighton Model FertilityCare System™ offered for all interested women/couples. The CrMS is a method of family planning which is compatible with Church teaching. Beginning in 2016 all engaged couples undergoing the pre-Cana process in The Diocese of Fort Worth will be required to attend a minimum of 3 sessions of a natural family planning course. The CrMS can be used for both achieving and avoiding pregnancy. It is 99.5% effective for avoiding pregnancy and 98% effective for achieving pregnancy. NaPro TECHNOLOGY trained doctors can also use the woman’s CrMS chart to diagnose and treat gynecological health conditions such as infertility in a morally licit way. The use of a natural method respects the dignity of women and marriage.

Next session: May 10 at 7:30pmCOST: Free

Sign up online:www.fertilitycarewichitafalls.com

Contact ShirelleEdghill@gmail.com for questions

• • •NEW Entry Canopy for Church/Open VestibuleWe are planning to build a covered entrance area for the Church which will protect the wooden entrance doors from the West sun that causes much wear on the doors. This will provide for a more aesthetically appealing entrance to the Church building. You may see the plans in the Narthex. Our parish family celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its founding in April 2016. This will be wonderful addition for our beautiful church as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary.

The estimated cost of this will be around $140,000. If you want, you have an opportunity to make a memorial donation of $5000 and above in memory of a loved one who has passed away or in honor of a loved one. A plaque will be placed in the new entrance to permanently honor their memory. Those of you who want to make a year-end donation please make it to the Building Fund.

• • •OLQP 2016 Safe Environment Training

ALL Volunteers (no matter how much or how little)

MUST take a class and update every 3 years.

INITIAL UPDATE

Sat., July 9 (9am) Wed., July 6 (7pm)

Wed., Aug 3 (7pm) Sat., Aug 6 (9am)

Sat., Sept 10 (9am) Wed., Sept 7 (7pm)

Wed., Oct 5 (7pm) Sat., Oct 8 (9am)

Sat., Nov 5 (9am) Wed., Nov 2 (7pm)

Wed., Dec 7 (7pm) Sat., Dec 10 (9am)

Call Gary 940-423-6283 to sign up.

ENROLLMENTwww.notredamecatholic.org or email Matt Ledes-ma, Director of Enrollment,

at matt.ledesma@ndcswf.org.EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYNotre Dame Catholic School is now accepting ap-plications for the following positions for the 2016-2017 school year: Upper Campus Art Teacher, El-ementary Teacher, and Early Childhood Teacher.For information on job requirements and qualifica-tions, please visit the Employment Opportunities web page at www.notredamecatholic.org.

• • •Notre Dame Lady KnightSummer Kickball ClassicMay 28th 10am @ City of Wichita Falls Softball Complex

Support Notre Dame Lady Knights Softball as they raise money for new uniforms and equipment.

Players must be minimum of high school age, adults welcome and encouraged to join. Teams will be between 8 and 15 players, cost will depend on number of players on team, each player will receive a jersey and guaranteed minimum of 4 games. Team registration fee is $200

For more information and to register a team, contact Notre Dame Softball Coach Brian Thar @ 940 391 3686

Kids’ Corner, Ascension, 2016Sister Ginny says…

Before Jesus left the earthHe wanted the Apostles to believeEverything that he taught them,Every grace they were to receive.

“The Holy Spirit will come to you,The Spirit will give you power.You’ll not know the day,Nor the minute, nor the hour.”

He made the promise and then rose upUntil they could see him no more.Into the sky he was takenWhere there were clouds galore!

Two angels appeared and saidThat Jesus would someday returnTo take us all to heaven!So important for us to learn!

For Jesus is our Lord and SaviorHe’ s with us every day.He watches over us and walks with usAnd loves us in every way.

So let us thank our good Lord JesusFor his love and very kind heart,For always keeping us in mindForever being with us, never ever to part.

©Sisters of St. Mary, 909 W. Shaw, Ft. Worth, Tx.All rights reserved.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++Show love for Jesus by praying everynight this week before you go to bed.

KID’S CORNER

INTERFAITH MINISTRIES, INC. – NEWSNew Program: Equipment ConnectionRecognizing an unmet need for many in our city, Interfaith Ministries is unveiling a new program to make donated durable medical equipment available to those who need it. “Equipment Connection” is an opportunity to address two dilemmas that many families face”, says Kris Gossom, Executive Director of Interfaith Ministries. If you or your family have durable medical equipment they no longer need and would like to dispose of it, Interfaith Ministries would like to help you. There are Individuals and families right here in our area who have need of the equipment not often covered by insurance and too expensive to purchase. This program is designed to be the “connection” for both.

Donations of safety aids such as shower benches, and toilet chairs are particularly needed. Larger equipment including wheelchairs, hospital beds (without mattresses), power mobility chairs, Hoyer lifts and walkers are also needed, along with smaller items such as canes and crutches. The equipment will be inspected, cleaned and prepared for distribution.

Healthline Medical Equipment, Inc. is partnering with Interfaith Ministries and will assist with making sure all equipment in the program is ready for use when needed.

Individuals needing equipment are asked to contact Interfaith Ministries at 940-322-1365 for program guidelines and information.

For those wanting to donate items to Equipment Connection, contact Interfaith Ministries or drop the items by their office Monday through Friday between 9am and 3pm.

Adult Formation

Our Lady Queen of Peace Seventh Sunday of Easter

facebook.com/OLQPyoungchurch twitter: OLQPyouth | Instagram: OLQPyouth

Kelsey MortonRoyal Hoffman

Sophie LuigGabriela Nuñez

Garron AndersonGarrett Duncan

Kevin Le

Charlie ZechaCynthia StewardAlexandra Acosta

Joseph DiazAngelique (Noelle) Frando

Mia GonzalesMeredith Hodge

Breanna HudsonColton Knobloch

Nathan Merdrano JrGregory Nix

Thomas PhillipsSamuel Schroeder

Olivia Toris

May Birthdays

Youth Choir: contact Greg for more info• • •

Verso L’alto (High School Ministry)Wednesday’s 7-9pm (Youth Hall)Parent’s interested in preparing or providing a meal, please contact Greg.

• • •Discovery (Middle School Ministry)Sunday’s 9:30am – 10:45am (Youth Hall)

• • •Pro Life Boot Camp (14-17y/o)June 3-5 @ Notre DameA immersion experience for all youth 14-18 years old in being Pro Life. Join youth from across the diocese in becoming the leaders of the generation that seeks to irradiate offenses agains life we face in our world today.

Be apart of the generation that irradiates the greatest evil our world faces today

• • •Steubenville Conferences (incoming 9th through graduating seniors)June 17 -19, 2016Just before He died on the cross, Jesus said “I thirst.” Assuming He wanted something to drink, the soldier standing guard by the cross gave Our Lord a sponge dipped in bitter wine. But Jesus wasn’t thirsting for something to drink. Instead, His statement should be interpreted as “I thirst… for souls!”Jesus is thirsty for your soul – at the 2016 Steubenville Youth Conferences, we will all have an opportunity to give our souls to Christ, who so desperately thirsts for them.Join 3500 CATHOLIC youth for the sold out and first highly acclaimed Steubenville Conference to ever be held in the great Lone Star State!We can only take 12 youth, so please sign up soon.Cost is $150 per youth.

Camp Fort Worth (incoming 10th through graduating seniors)Camp Ft. Worth is a service-ministry “mission trip at home” summer camp for teens that is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Ft. Worth. CFW builds the King-dom of God while drawing you closer to Him. God the Father loves and He sends. He loved the world so much He sent His Son Jesus. CFW is a place where God’s love, sends YOU!!At Camp Ft. Worth you will experience the love of the Father in the person of His Son Jesus through the pow-er of the Holy Spirit in a profound way through:•Service work•Daily Mass•Friendships made•Prayer time•Praise and Worship•Contact with the poor of our diocese.Jesus said the poor would always be with us. He also sends us to their aide. Camp Ft. Worth is a small effort to raise awareness to the plight of the poor in our dio-cese and to encourage youth to add service to the poor of the world to their lifestyle as Catholic Christians.We can only take 8 youth to each session of CFWJune 26 – July 1July 17 – 22Cost is $125 per youth (scholarships available)

• • •Please note: for any event beginning June 1, 2016 you will need to complete a 2016/2017 Diocesan Form A (it is only 2 pages this year!).Fill it out once and I will keep it on file until May 31, 2017 so you do not have to fill it out for every event.

• • •Graduate Blessing: Sunday May 22nd at the 11am Mass. Please wear your cap and gowns and be in the Narthex 15 min before Mass. There will be a reception following in the St. Joseph Room.Please email Greg the following:Graduate NameParent’s NamesHigh SchoolPlans for next year.

R.C.I.A.Thursday Evenings 7-9pmSaint Joseph RoomMay 2016 Sessions12 – Our Call to Evangelize and ServeWithin the Church and Outside of the Church

• • •Divorced and Re-married?If you are divorced and remarried outside of the Catholic Church without a Decree of Invalidity, or if you are married outside of the Catholic Church, you may not partake of the Sacraments, including the reception of Holy Communion. Until it is shown otherwise through the ministry of the Tribunal, no person is free to enter into another marriage without the appearance or occasion of serious sin. A divorce alone would not affect, or hinder in any way, your participation in the Catholic Church. A divorced Catholic is free to receive the sacraments. However, if you are divorced and have remarried, or if you are divorced and in a new relationship, or if you are living with someone without a Decree of Invalidity (and your former spouse is still living) you may not partake of the sacraments, including the reception of Holy Communion.Consider seeking a Decree of Invalidity which will enable you to return to a full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. For more information contact Deacon Larry Bills at the Church office at 696-1253.

• • •Worldwide Marriage EncounterMarried Couples. Would you like to relive the excite-ment, romance and passion from your honeymoon? Rekindle that spark on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Upcoming dates: June 10-12, 2016. Dates fill fast. To apply, visit our website at: http://www.df-wme.org/apply. For more information e-mail apply@dfwme.org or call 469-444-0904. Para mas informa-cion de Encuentro Matrimonial en Espanol, escriba a emmdfw@gmail.com o visite http://www.seccion15.org/

• • •Rachel’s Corner“At the retreat forgiveness is found, shame is lifted, healing is bestowed, and most of all motherhood is given back. God has restored ALL! How can God love us so much? I don’t know, but I’m so glad He does.”

- Testimony after a Rachel RetreatJoin us on our next retreat for healing after abortion and see how much God loves you!

Rachel Ministries817-923-4757

Next Retreat Sept. 9

NEXT TOT: May 5th at MSU CCC with guest presenter barry Macha

College students and Young Adults in their 20s and 30s!E-mail: theotap.wftx@gmail.comFor college students and young adults in their 20s and 30s.And for those Facebook fanatics, please Like our page: Theology on Tap Wichita Falls

YOUNG ADULTS

Stephen R. Morath Parishioner Financial Advisor

3705 Maplewood Avenue 940-692-2942

Serving Individual Investors Since 1871

In Memory ofRichard Andrew Steed

Mem

orial

In Memory ofBen Connors

Mem

orial

House Of Flowers & GiftsSay it with flowers!

Specialize in Fresh Cut ArrangementsAnniversary • Birthday • Wedding

www.HOUSEOFFLOWERSTX.com1712 9th St. Wichita Falls 940-723-2163

Hair Design By AnnaAnna Pennartz

3008 Saxet Wichita Falls940-766-6167

Great websites start at$500

512.452.3413 websitesbybartleby.com

Development & Support

Law Office of

Joe B. Steimel PC900 Eighth Street, Suite 401

940-761-5000 Parishioner

Archangel’s Safer Chimneys Inc.Chimneys, Air DuctsClothes Dryer Vents

Kevin Connors • John Marshall

696-2433

Willen Electric Co.200 Galveston 940-766-3201

Danny Shine President

Myrna C. De Asis, M.D.Internal Medicine

1819 10th St, Wichita Falls, TX(940) 763-8077

www.DeAsisMD.com

May 8, 2016

Growing in Faith

GOOD NEWS!May 8, 2016ASCENSION OF THE LORD (C)Acts 1:1–11 / Eph 1:17–23 / Lk 24:46–53In Luke’s ascension account from Acts, Jesus admonishes his apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Spirit because they are witnesses of his mission and message. When the time for his ascension comes, Jesus blesses them, then “was lifted up” (1:9). We don’t hear the great commission to go out to, preach to, and baptize all nations as we do in Matthew’s Gospel (28:19–20). Instead, Luke’s account leaves us with an image of the apostles joyfully returning to Jerusalem: “They were continually in the temple praising God” (24:53).

Returning to Acts, I love that the early disciples’ first order of business—even prior to Pentecost—was to gather to pray (1:14). Paul often admonished the early Christians to pray constantly. He knew that prayer grounds us in the Lord and strengthens us to lay down our lives and carry our crosses. Prayer focuses our attention on God’s call and our response to it. The apostles’ prayer opened them to receive the promised gift of the Spirit and strengthened them for their mission—to let the world know that Jesus is Lord, that the Kingdom of God has come, and that we have been restored through the death and resurrection of Christ.

Thus should our week begin: in praise and worship before God, in gathered prayer. Like the disciples in Jerusalem, the Lord will open our minds “to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). We, too, will be filled with the Spirit and be sent out as joyful witnesses to God’s presence and saving work.Mary Katharine Deeleysundaybulletin@liguori.org

Dear Padre…Pay heed at MassShould I read the bulletin at Mass?And should the priest make announcements during his homily?The Mass is the high point of Christ’s work to sanctify us and of the worship that we offer to the Father through his Son(General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 1). Therefore, it is of greatest importance that the celebration “be so arranged that the ministers and the faithful who take their own proper part in it may more fully receive its good effects”; this is best accomplished when the Mass “brings about in the faithful a participation in body and spirit that is conscious, active, full, and motivated by faith, hope, and charity” (GIRM 2, 3).

Reading the bulletin—or even praying the rosary or breviary—during Mass would prevent this highest participation that the Church desires, the nature of the celebration demands, and the duty for the Christian people dictates. Brief commentaries on the Scripture readings that assist the faithful are better read before Mass. The homily also assists the faithful in their full participation. In explaining the Word of God, the homily “must always lead the community of thefaithful to celebrate the Eucharist actively, ‘so that they may hold fast in their lives to what they have grasped by their faith’” (Lectionary 2.24). Thus, “any necessary announcements are to be kept completely separate from the homily; they must take place following the prayer after Communion” (Lectionary 2.27).FR. BYRON MILLER, CSsRsundaybulletin@liguori.org