In the First reading From the Book Of
Isaiah


Is43:16-21

The exiles in Babylon were depressed, as only displaced persons with no hope of ever returning home could be. They dreamed about the past, "the good old days" of Exodus from bondage in Egypt, for in their eyes God was really with his people at that time! The prophet warns against this kind of useless daydreaming. "Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. "Have faith in the future!
See I God am doing something new!"
Life can be depressing. It can even be our own fault that we are in a mess. Are we then to take refuge in the remedies for depression recommended by television commercials -- to even turn to escapisms of alcohol or dope? Try to heed this Bible message! And if your faith is weak, ask God to strengthen it.



The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.



In the Second Reading, From the Second Letter of Saint Paul
to the Philippians


Phil 3:8-14

With unshakable faith in Christ, Paul is full of optimism for the future. Born and raised in a city, he has watched the games, the races, and the fights in the amphitheater. He can thus equate life with a race course; "I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess [the prize]." An what is the basis for his optimism? "I have... been taken possession of by Christ."
Pray for faith in Jesus Christ and you will have the imagination and courage to push on " to what lies ahead" no matter what comes.



In the Gospel of John


Jn 8:1-11

From the outset in this reading, it is clear that the Pharisees who bring the adulteress to Jesus are not honest. Jesus simply bends down and starts tracing on the ground with his finger, indicating that he is not interested in their hypocritical nonsense, very much as we doodle when bored! Finally they leave. And an unhappy woman who had faced death regains hope by meeting a good person.
God's word to us through this tradition could be: With regard to the past, God is merciful. With faith in him work for a happy future!




IDEAS FOR FORMING FAITH WITH
CHILDREN AND FAMILY

As Jesus hung on the Cross, he uttered seven last words
of great meaning to those who contemplate his Passion and Death.

This online prayer commemorates each of the Seven Last Words
in a separate meditation.

Click below to share with your family:


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Catholic Mom contributor Claire McGarry's booklet,
is perfect for families with school-age kids.

Each day's prayer page is right-sized for busy families,
with a quote from Scripture,
a micro-story or reflection,
a meditation on our faith,
and a Mercy section at the bottom of each page:
a one-line prayer ("Receive Mercy")
and a call to action ("Extend Mercy").

Click below for a link to Abundant Mercy and more:


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Ukraine is in need of prayers and help right now
in light of the current war!

Click below for a free printable prayer pack 
created as a way to help facilitate families
to easily pray for Ukraine. 




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Click below to see 40 simple Lenten activities you can do with your children.





Newsy Notes
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From Becky Ready, DRE
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE

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Current 2nd Grade Families
Click below for a downloadable document listing
both first reconciliation and first communion preparation dates:




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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


Current 8th grade Confirmation

The next group meeting will be Tuesday May 3rd,
from 6:30 -8:00pm in the Parish Dining Hall .


Decision Point Chapter 12 should be
completed at home before this meeting.


Please bring your Saint paperwork, and
your Project to go over together.


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Lord help me
to remember
that nothing
is going to happen
to me today
that You and I
together can’t handle.
Amen.

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Divine Lord, send your Holy Spirit anew into our hearts and cleanse us from all sin so we may adore and worship you in Spirit and in truth. Create in us a greater love for your Word and a keener desire to serve you and our fellow men. Remove all malice, bitterness, and resentment from our minds, and fill us with your abundant grace. In Christ Jesus our Savior and Friend. AMEN


Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
Meditations
“Lord, I too lack the necessary faith to see the blessings that accompany Your Cross, as well as the many crosses I am given in life. Help me to be purified in my faith so that I can see Your hand at work in all things, even suffering, injustice and persecution. May I see life from Your perspective alone. Jesus, I trust in You."