Third Sunday of Lent

March 7, 2010

Special Prayer Requests: Please pray for the repose of the souls of: Sharon Maher; and James Callahan, Jr., father of Joyce Crompton and James Callahan III. A Funeral Mass for Mr. Callahan will be held next month on Monday, April 5 at 11:00 AM.

Parish Office Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, but closed on Thursday afternoons from 12 to 4:30 PM for staff development, training and administrative meetings.

Last Week’s Collection: Regular Collection: $10,593.01, Building Fund: $1,937.00, Ash Wednesday: $40.00, Children’s Collection: $2.00, Candles: $164.76, Easter Flowers: $50.00, Haiti Relief: $12.00. Total: $12,798.77.

Mass Attendance: 5:00 PM: 429, 8:00 AM: 305, 10:30 AM: 529. Total: 1263.

Easter Flower Intentions are now being taken. Your intentions will be listed in a special Easter bulletin. Envelopes are located in the gathering space. Drop them in the collection or at the parish office – deadline for envelope return is March 24.

Father Pat’s Easter Baskets

As many of you know, each year at Easter Father Pat provides Easter Baskets for the children on Easter Sunday at our 11:00 AM Mass. If anyone would like to make monetary contributions to this project, please contact the church office.

Safe Environment Program at PBOC

Precious Blood is committed to ensuring a safe environment for our children and for upholding the “National Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People” as established by the

U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

All adults who work with children must:

¨ Attend the “Protecting God’s Children Program

¨ Be screened by Law Enforcement

¨ Adhere to the DOC Code of Conduct (copy available in the

Gathering Space)

¨ Read and sign the DOC Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures

For more information on how to report an allegation of abuse,

go to www.catholic-doc.org and click on “Sexual Abuse Policies and Procedures” on the left side bar. Then click on “How to

Report an Allegation of Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel.”

Safe Environment Coordinator: Renee Faiella, 843- 485-3515

Diocesan Office of Child Protection Services:

843-853-2130, Ext. 209

Diocesan Victim Assistance: 1-800-921-8122.

Volunteers are needed to help serve and cleanup for our annual St. Patrick’s Day party on March 13^th – please call the parish office if you would like to help. (237-3428)

ATTENTION MINISTRIES: LAST CHANCE! Articles for the April issue of the Precious Word are due by March 8. Please email them to: coordinator@pbocchurch.com/

REMINDER! SPRING FORWARD!

Daylight Saving Time begins on March 14. Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour next weekend!

A Note of Thanks:

Dear friends at Precious Blood Parish,

Thank you for all of your prayers, cards and visits during my illness. Mack & I are blessed to be in this parish family.

- Mary Ann MacDonald

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS: March 7 - 13

Happy Birthday To: Gina Allan, Jim Bindner, Laura DeChamplain, Christine Kitchen, Skylar Lombard, Christopher Naar, Jordan Robinson, Catherine Sweeney, Joan Viggiano, Shelby Burke, Daniel Molloy, Anna Campbell, Fern McConville, Helen McGough, Kathryn Patrylick, Christine Schwartz, Justin Seningen, Janet Strittmatter, Mary Jane Barnett, Eleanor Bonzani, Ronald Gaudelli, Paula Gromults, Shannon Hannon, Guido Ianiero, Danah Kozma, Daniel Laudone, Harold Schwartz, David Gleaton Jr., Robert Kozma, John Millane IV, Paul Reitano, Camie Scalera, Edward Schoenig, Thomas Sears, A. J. Strange, Terri DeCenzo, Donna Kaminski, Cecilia Knapp, Michael Rice, Helen Salemme, Tristan Thomas, Claire Walsh, Jennifer Zawislak, Suzanne Brady, Benton Dailey, Evelyn Hayes, Laura Pauken, Virginia Walker.

To: Kim & Lamont Teeples, Marianne & John Anderson, Kathy & John Cioni.

This year’s Tastes at Pawleys will be held on April 25^th.

Volunteers are needed to sell admission tickets starting Monday, March 29^th.  Tickets will be sold during the week from 9-11:00 AM in the PLC lobby.  We have 15 slots to fill, so if you can help, please call Alicia Fata at 235-0269. Thank you!!

Service Men and Women are always in need of mail from home. Please drop a line to the following:

* WO-2 Michael Theo, 4^th LAR S-2 Det A, Unit 40650,

FPO AE 96427-0650

* Sgt Tayna Tucker, CFLCC SJA, APO AE 09306

* Major Stephen J. Ryan, CJTF 82 CJ9, APO AE 09354

* CAPT Thomas G. Ivanco, CO D, 51159th AVN,

COB @ ADDER, APO AE 09331

* LTC Andrew Ewanitz, CDDOC Bldg 505,

Camp Arif Jan, APO AE 09306

If you would like to add someone to this list, call Phyllis Bieger at 237-3444. *Please Note: These addresses could change.

Also, please call Phyllis or the parish office to let us know when any of these servicepersons have returned home.

AID TO OUR MILITARY: Your response in donating for our military care packages is needed to enable us to continue sending packages. Troops like to receive Pringles, chex mix, chips, granola bars, beef jerky, cheeto’s, peanuts, cheese and peanut butter cracker packs, etc. which can be in bags marked “Military”, and dropped off at parish office. Our K of C members have generously mailed these packages. Your prayers are requested for our military and their safe return. – John Glinka

The parable in today’s Gospel clearly warns that we, like the fig tree, will be judged by our fruit. While God mercifully provides us with time and opportunity, let us give witness to our faith with deeds of kindness and generosity!

RELIEF FOR CHILE – A special collection will be taken up to help the relief efforts from the earthquate in Chile. Envelopes are available at all exits of church.

STEWARDSHIP: A CHRISTIAN WILL

Last week you received notification of our first seminar on Christian Wills and a Christian Will Workbook you will find helpful whether or not you choose to participate in the seminar.

The seminar, which will take place on March 16 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Parish Life Center, will help you and your attorney write or update your will in a manner that can bring great peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Interested parishioners may sign up for the seminar using the registration sheet in the gathering space or may contact the office directly to register (237-3428).

Prayer & worship

MINISTRY OF CARE

Let us know of your loved one confined to home, in the hospital or recovering from surgery and now home. (Hospitals will not give out patient information, so we have no way of knowing your needs.) Our ministry is to unite the sick and recovering followers of Christ with the Body of Christ, they are not ALONE. Please call the parish office at 237-3428, Christine at 237-2096, or Anne at 237-0401.

Respect life

The Rosary for the Unborn will be prayed this Sunday (and every first Sunday of the month) in the chapel after the 10:30 AM Mass

The Day of Unborn Child is being celebrated in our parish on Monday, March 22. The day of prayer is culminated by a Mass at 6:00 PM sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus has been a leader in the pro-life movement for over 30 years and have shown a never-ending commitment to unborn children. All parishioners are invited to the Mass to pray and give witness to the sanctity of human life. The Birthright volunteers will attend in a body. The rosary in the morning will be dedicated to the unborn, and the morning Mass will be followed by a benediction to commemorate the Day of Unborn Child.

OUTREACH

NEIGHOR TO NEIGHBOR PROGRAM

Our parish transportation ministry has partnered with the Neighbor to Neighbor program. Anyone who requires transportation assistance can call the Neighbor to Neighbor office at 234-0818.

The Neighbor to Neighbor program needs more volunteers. If you would like to participate in this vital ministry, please call Joy Hanner at 234-0818 to schedule an orientation session.

Fr. Pat’s Lunch Kitchen continues to serve on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with people coming together to enjoy sharing meals and friendship. Last Wednesday we served 90 people BBQ Chicken, Savory Rice, Cole Slaw, Black-eyed Peas, Rolls/Butter, Assorted Desserts and Sweet Tea. On Thursday we served 75 people, Chile Con Carne, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Assorted Desserts and Sweet Tea. We thank everyone who helps to make these meals a pleasure for all who come.

Saturday breakfast is served every Saturday morning, 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Last weekend we served 90 people Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Fruit Cocktail, Cereal, and OJ/Coffee/Milk.

Correction: Special thanks to the Fellowship committee for serving breakfast in the month of February. Prayer & Worship’s Extraordinary Ministers are serving in March.

EASTER FOOD DRIVE - Bags for the Easter Food Drive will be distributed after every Mass on the weekend of March 13^th and 14th. Thank you for your generosity. - Food Drive Coordinators,  Pat and Jim Richardson 

Just a reminder…the second Sunday of each month is our food drive for the Baskervill Ecumenical Food Pantry. Precious Blood is responsible for spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. There is a basket in the gathering space where you can leave your donations at any time. This is a way we can come together as a community to help those in need. Thank you for your generosity.

FELLOWSHIP

“ST. PATRICK’S DAY” PARTY

Saturday, March 13

Only a few more tickets are left!

Stop by the parish office and see Patty.

(See the flyer at back of church for details.)

PRIMETIMERS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Attention parishioners (55 & older), The PrimeTimers will be holding their regular Bingo games on Friday, March 19^th at 1:00 PM. Call a friend or fellow parishioner and invite them to join our friendly, fun-loving group of regular Bingo Players. We play BINGO, offer terrific prizes, serve refreshments and enjoy a fun filled afternoon. It’s inexpensive and lots of fun. Try it; you’ll like it. For more information, please call: Linda Caswell at 237-5743

RELIGIOUS ED REVIEW

Children’s Mass next Sunday, 3/14 at 10:30 AM. All Religious Ed students in grades 1-9 will attend this Mass.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Sr. Youth Group (SYG)

· Community Service Opportunity: Stations of the Cross being sponsored by SYG Friday, March 26^th.

· March 12 – 14^th is the Annual High School Conference at White Oak! Please meet here around 3:15 on Friday March 12^th as the bus will leave at 3:45.

· Wednesday morning coffee meetings: 6:45 AM at Starbucks in Litchfield.

Confirmation Class (7^th, 8^th & 9^th Grades)

· Community Service opportunity: Friday, March 19^th at 5:30 in PLC Gym. Confirmation Class sponsoring Stations of the Cross & Simple Supper.

· Community Service Opportunity: Tuesday, March 30^th in PLC Gym. Need help with “Seder Meal”.

Youth Music

· Senior Youth Choir meets Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 in the Church.

· Seeking singers and any musicians to form Junior Youth Choir (6^th – 8^th graders).

· Children’s Choir: Tuesdays 4:00 – 4:30 PM. We sing at one 10:30 Mass monthly. Any K – 5^th Graders interested in Children’s Choir.

Women’s club

"Puttin’ on the Glitz" – March 13^th

The 2010 Fashion Show is SOLD OUT! Please remember to bring your ticket to the Fashion Show so you can be entered into our Door Prize Drawing.

The Day of Prayer will be on Tuesday, April 20 in Founders Hall. The guest speaker will be Sr. Donna Lareau of the Sisters of Charity who will be speaking on Mother Seton and her role in the world and how that relates to the Women's Club here at Precious Blood and our prayer life. There is limited seating so tickets need to be purchased early this year. They will be available for $5 at the March meeting. This will include a continental breakfast and a box lunch. The day will begin with 8:30 Mass if you choose or continental breakfast at Founders Hall at 9:30 and end with a question and answer period followed by a closing prayer at 3 PM. This is an integral part of our Women's Club annual journey so hopefully all will make an effort to attend. Those desiring transportation to Founders Hall need to make that known at the time of ticket purchase. You may also call Suzanne Harris at 503-8247 for tickets if you are unable to attend the meetings.

Ladies, please remember to bring canned goods to our next General Meeting on Thursday, March 4^th at 11 AM in the PLC.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Congratulations to the following for the month of March: Knight of the Month, Allan Guazzo;   Family of the Month, Ellen & Scott Sullivan;  Youth of the Month, Katlyn Gould.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER!    Social, Thursday, March 18, 6:00 PM; Knights Parish Breakfast, Sunday, March 21, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM; Operation Entertainment & Operation Blitz March 20 & 21. After all weekend Masses, Mass for the Unborn, Monday, March 22, 6:00 PM.

If you would like to become a part of the Knight's, contact Council Membership Director, Tom Dalton, at 235-8295 or Grand Knight, Tom Cardea at 237-4120.

Local news

TAIZÈ LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE AT ST. JAMES CHURCH - March 16, 6:30 – 7:45 PM

Join us for a prayer service in the tradition of the community of Christian brothers in Taizé, France. Discover the beauty of prayer and simple song in a quiet, candlelit setting. Taizé services are meant to be ecumenical, so we encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors!

4^TH ANNUAL COMEDY SHOW – at St. Michael Church to benefit their New Church Capital Campaign Fund. Doug Brummel will present “Lighten UP!” on Friday, March 12^th and Saturday, March 13^th at 7:30 PM in the Duffy Center. $45 for limited reserved seating, $25 for general admission. For tickets call their parish office 651-3737.

PRECIOUS BLOOD SOFTBALL TEAM

Anyone interested in joining a Precious Blood Softball team for this spring, call Dave Gleaton at 222-9597.

2010 CENSUS - In March 2010, more than 130 mission addresses across the nation will receive a 2010 Census form. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census one every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Additionally, census data directly affect how more than $100 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. Please complete and mail back you from and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. For more information, visit 2010census.gov.

CENSUS WORKERS ARE NEEDED! Be a part of the 2010

Census Team! Earn $11.25 per hour. Info is available at the parish office, or call 1-866-2010. More information, including a practice test is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

March 8 - 13

Monday 2 Kings 5:1-15b / Luke 4:24-30

Tuesday Daniel 3:25,34-43 / Matthew 18:21-35

Wednesday Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 / Matthew 5:17-19

Thursday Jeremiah 7:23-28 / Luke 11:14-23

Friday Hosea 14:2-10 / Mark 12:28-34

Saturday Hosea 6:1-6 / Luke 8:9-14