February 14, 2016 The First Sunday of Lent

Yes, today is the First Sunday of

Lent. However, many would be

quick to point out the significance

of today's date, February the

fourteenth. Today is known as St. Valentine's Day.

Valentine, a third-century saint who served as Bishop of

Terni in Italy, was known as the protector of lovers. During

Valentine’s time as Bishop, the Emperor of Rome banned

all marriages, all in an attempt to free up more men for his

army (married men were exempt from service at this time).

Valentine clearly did not agree with this ban so he secretly

would preside over the marriage of young couples,

knowing full well the danger for himself in doing so. The

popularity of Valentine grew even beyond Terni, eventually

reaching the ears of the Emperor of Rome who saw

Valentine as a threat. Valentine was kidnapped, imprisoned

and shortly afterward executed. While in prison he wrote a

letter to the people of Terni, which, legend has, it was

carried to them by a dove; the letter

was signed “Your Valentine”. The

journey of Lent is one that calls us

to move closer toward the reality of

God's love for us, today Valentine

inspires us to take the first step of

this Lenten journey.

For the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father asks that special

places of pilgrimage hold a full day (24 hours) for

confessions, the Sacrament of Mercy. This day is Friday,

March 4th. As a result, there will be confessions, almost

continually, at the Cathedral that day and night. Right here

at Blessed Sacrament, we will have ADORATION OF

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT from right after the 7:30

a.m. morning Mass until 8:00 p.m. in the evening, with the

Benediction at that time. We will have CONFESSIONS

HERE from 6:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.

Today there is a schedule for the adoration in the narthex.

Please sign up for half an hour or an hour. We would like

to be sure there are at least 3 people present at all times

praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

The corporal works of mercy:

To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty,

clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the

sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

The spiritual works of mercy: To counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant,

admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive

offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and

pray for the living & dead.

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET During the Year of Mercy, right after the Saturday morning

8:30 a.m. Mass, we will pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

All are welcome to join in this prayer asking God for His mercy

on us and on the whole world.

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS Sacred Heart Parish has Mass on Mondays at 9:00 a.m.

Tues. Feb. 16 – 7:30 a.m. – John Forgare

Wed. Feb. 17 – 7:30 a.m. – Dolly Cook

Thur. Feb. 18 – 9:00 a.m. – Michele & Maria Grosso

Fri. Feb. 19 – 7:30 a.m. – deceased members of the

Sullivan & Bozak family

Sat. Feb. 20 – 8:30 a.m. – Giuseppe Tamilia, Olga Smith,

Alda Manuel, Raffaele Mattina, Carmela Mauro,

DIOCESAN PRAYER CALENDAR MON – Rev. Jarek Pachocki TUES – Rev. Heinner Paucar

WED – Lay Parish Ministers THURS – Rev. Young Hoon Kim

FRI. – Rev. Bill O’Brien SAT. - Rev. Florian Stasinski

Saturday, February 20 - 5:30 P.M.

Lector Marcia Piedigrossi

Commentator Judy Adams

Euch. Ministers A. Settimi, M. Stauth, J. Carty - C

Gift Bearers Aoanan Family

Rosary Eileen Kelly

Sunday, February 21- 9:00 A.M.

Lector Leo Dunn

Commentator Gilles Bouchard

Euch. Ministers N. Bouchard, D. Dunn, K. Robinson - B

Gift Bearers Barriotos Family

Sunday, February 21 - 11:00 A.M.

Lector Candidate for Confirmation

Commentator Candidate for Confirmation

Euch. Ministers J. Bennett, J. Capretta, A. Catania - C

Gift Bearers Candidates for Confirmation

Children’s Liturgy Ashley Marsh & Carrie Farruto

Contributions to Parish for

February 6 / 7 , 2016 Envelopes $3,882.00 Loose $407.00

‘Celebrating the Word’ - every Thursday, from 2:30 to

3:30. The next date is February 18th. Come join us to take a

look at the readings of the coming Sunday. Attend when

you can. You’ll love yourselves for it! This would be great

as an extra “centering” activity for LENT.

Please try coming to some of the WEEKDAY MASSES

during Lent! And use the reflection booklet that is given

out to you as you leave church this evening/morning.

Thank you to all those who came out to our

Annual Pancake Tuesday afternoon. The youth

ministry hopes you enjoyed your afternoon.

Tues. April 26, at Liuna Station - the Serra Club Annual

Celebration Supper: 50th anniversaries of priests &

religious. Call 905-628-5682 for tickets. Regular parish

volunteers can call OUR parish office – we will subsidize

the cost of tickets for a number of our volunteers.

Stations of the Cross are every

Friday during Lent at 11:30 a.m.

February 14, 2016 The First Sunday of Lent

OUR ANNUAL

PASTA SUPPER

supporting Development & Peace

takes place at Michelangelo’s Centre on Friday Feb 26th.

Doors open at 6:00. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets

are $18 adults, $10 children (elementary school aged). The

tickets are available for sale after all Masses and at the

parish office. Bring a friend. Bring a “table-full”!

CWL - there is no meeting in February 2016.

Mark Wednesday, March 2nd for the CWL

Share Lent Supper Meeting.

Monday Feb 15th is Family Day –

Enjoy your Family. Our Parish Office

is closed this Monday.

The Resurrection Choir of Blessed Sacrament Church is

looking for new members. The

Resurrection Choir is responsible for

providing music during the funerals that

take place in our church. If you are

interested in participating in this important ministry, please

call the rectory for details. All new members are most

welcome!

The Diocese of Hamilton Celebrates Its 160th

Anniversary on February 29th, 2016. We will mark the

event at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at

the Cathedral Basilica. Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi,

Apostolic Nuncio to Canada will join us for the celebration.

All are most welcome.

Thinkfast is held this year from Sat.

March 5th at 11:00 a.m. to Sunday,

March 6th after the 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Thinkfast permission forms and pledge

sheets are located in the Narthex. The

Thinkfast is open to all young people in

grade 7-12. There is a sleepover option. If you have any

questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact

Rachel. Thinkfast is an opportunity to experience an

understanding of the Global South and how young people

can make a difference in the world they live in.

"The World Youth Day pilgrims thank all who have

supported them in their fundraising initiatives with their

lottery. They will now hold 50/50 draws. Tickets are $2

each or 3 for $5. A winner will be chosen at the 11 o’clock

mass the last Sunday of each month until July."

Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass: Sunday May 29

at 1:30 pm at Cathedral of Christ the King. All celebrating

special anniversaries of marriage (25, 40, 50, 60 60+) are

most welcome to attend. To register: see our bulletin board!

WYD pilgrims are holding a

fundraising bake this weekend,

Feb. 13th and 14th after each mass.

Our tasty treats will make a great

gift for all your loved ones this Valentine's Day. THANK

YOU to any and all who brought in baked contributions!!!

Come and See Retreat Men interested in the vocation to

the priesthood are invited to the Come and See Retreat at

St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto on the weekend of

February 26 - 28. This is a unique opportunity to spend time

with those studying for the priesthood, hear their stories,

and pray for your vocation. More details and online

registrations at www.HamiltonVocations.com

PERSONS SEPARATED AND DIVORCED

Learning to Cope (Level 1) is a ten week support program

starting Tuesday, March 1st (7:00 pm to 9:30 pm), at the

Chancery Office. For persons experiencing difficulties as a

result of a separation or divorce. Please contact the Family

Ministry Office at (905) 528-7988, ext. 2249. Cost: $35.

Past participants are welcome to inquire about further

Levels programs starting the same week.

Come Join Us to Find the ‘Keys to Loving Relationships”

“Keys” is a ten week video-based program meant for

anyone (married or single) who is looking for a more

meaningful relationship with a spouse, family member or

friend. Learn how to become a better “me” in all your

relationships! Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

starting March 3rd, at the Chancery Office. $45. For more

information, please call the Family Ministry Office.

C.Y.O. Children’s Fundraiser BANQUET provides money

needed to maintain the wonderful programs for children -

also celebrating 75 years since Camp Brebeuf began.

Thursday, Feb. 25. The $125 ticket includes a five course

meal, complimentary drink, and wine. Entertainment. Call

905-528-0011 ext. 3608 or mel.leggat@cyo.on.ca

Camp Erin Hamilton is a therapeutic bereavement camp for

children and teenagers (ages 6 - 17) who experienced the

death of someone close to them. A free weekend camp. Fun,

traditional camp activities combined with grief education

and emotional support led by bereavement professionals

and trained volunteers. Camp Erin Hamilton 2016 will take

place Friday, June 10th, 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 12th,

5:00 p.m. Contact: Karen Nowicki, Camp Erin Hamilton

Administrator, 905-387-2448 ext. 2208.

Join the Serra Club of Hamilton in

Celebrating 50 years of Service by Fr.

Ciavarro, Fr. Curtin, Fr. Isabelle, Fr.

Strohmeyer, Fr. Clarke SJ, Fr. Kelly CCSp, Fr.

Wagner CSC, Fr. Wahl CR and Sr. Kerrigan CSJ on

Tuesday April 26, 2016 at Liuna Station for the Annual

Celebration Supper: call Margaret Carreiro 905-628-5682.

Check http://celebrationprl.wix.com/dinner Tickets $63

Happy Valentine’s Day !! Happy Lent !!!!!!