Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord – May 24, 2020 Celebrate the Month of Mary

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church

Web Site: www.olphsedc.com Email: info@olphdc.com

PARISH STAFF Very Rev. Michael L. Thompson, SSJ, Pastor Deacons: Ira Chase, Thomas Jones, and Timothy Tilghman

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Bernice Waller

Director of Religious Education: Ms. Cynthia Battle Pastoral Council Chair: Ms. Aletcia Whren

Phone: 202-678-4999 Email: cdbattle@yahoo.com Phone 202-246-1960 Email: aletciawhren@gmail.com

Finance Council Chair: Mrs. Bonita Boulware Ministers of Music: Mr. Rawn Harbor, Director Phone 301-758-3768 Email: bhboul@aol.com Mr. Dehrric Richburg, Mr. George Stewart, Ms. Debra Tidwell, Ms. Melanie Cobb

Newcomers & Visitors: Welcome to “The Church on the Hill”! Thank you for worshipping with us today. May you be blessed with hope, joy, love and peace while here!

Should you want to join our parish family please contact a Minister of Hospitality, Priest, or call the Rectory. Again, Welcome!

Josephite Fathers and Brothers

1600 Morris Road, SE Washington, DC 20020 Phone: 202-678-4999 Fax 202-610-3189

Emergency Telephone Number: 409-963-5633

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Mass Intentions are available for the faithful departed and the needs of the living. In addition, every weekend one Mass is offered for the parishioners of our parish. Call the office to request a Mass intention. An offering of $10 is suggested.

Memorials are noted by: † Indicates Deceased

BD means Birthday AD means Anniversary of Death

Sunday (24th) 10:00 am For the People of OLPH Monday (25th) 8:00 am Tuesday (26th) 8:00 am Wednesday (27th)

8:00 am †AD Rev. Patrick Bradley, SSJ

Thursday (28th)

8:00 am †Randolph Hursey, by Charlene Hursey

Friday (29th)

8:00 am †Olga Angela Downer, by Vielka Downer

Sunday (31st) 10:00 am For the People of OLPH

Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday

May 31, 2020 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Responsorial Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23

OLPH History, Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Core Values

Matthew 28:18-20: The Commissioning of the Disciples

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go,

therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,

until the end of the age.”

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish has a rich, black cultural history. From its formation in 1920, the Black

Catholics of Anacostia contributed to its development and growth through their sacrifices of time, talent, skills and funds to provide a parish plant of their own. Thus, the

uniqueness of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish places it in a leadership position to interact with other Black and non-

black parishes in utilizing the gifts of Black spirituality through music, dance, education, and special action.

MISSION STATEMENT: We, the people, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, therefore, acknowledge that our Pastoral Mission is to proclaim Christ and teach the “Good News”, to worship and bear witness in the community, to love and serve as Jesus commanded, and to preserve and share our rich Black heritage.

VISION STATEMENT: “A Roman Catholic church that is actively visible in the Community, shares its spirituality through fellowship, and is committed to serving God.”

CORE VALUES BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: We will always speak the truth, respect the opinions and roles of all parishioners, and value each person, always maintaining Christian charity in all of our actions.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We will seek to increase the understanding of our Catholic faith and expand our spiritual growth by participating in and supporting charitable and spiritual activities, in addition to attending Mass.

STEWARDSHIP: We will become involved in church activities and commit our time, talent and treasures.

INCLUSION: We will be open and inviting by extending ourselves to all by sharing in our parish life; thereby, reaffirming our vision of being actively visible in the community.

LEGACY: We will preserve our rich Black cultural history by respecting the past, continuing in service and faith in the present, and committing to the future of OLPH.

Quote for the Week

"Be careful of what you throw in the trash. You never know where

it might end up."

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The Week Ahead CH: Church CHG: Church Grounds REC: Rectory 1P/3P: First/Third Portable Building PR: Panorama Room PRF(S)(G): Panorama Room Field (Stage) (Grounds) WSG: Washington School for Girls

Sunday, May 24th:

10:00 am Mass Monday, May 25th:

Memorial Day Observed Parish Office Closed

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the last Monday of May commemorating men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Thursday, May 28th:

10:30 am LOC Food Pantry – 3P Sunday, May 31st:

Pentecost Sunday 10:00 am Mass ALL REGISTERED PARISHIONERS: Please contact the parish office to update your record with any name changes, address changes, new email address or new phone numbers or with any additions to the family. If you have a family member listed as a dependent and they are now married or self-sufficient please let us know as they need to register on their own.

Masses Will Be Live-Streamed

On the OLPH Website or go to

https://facebook.com/OurLady.ofPerpetualHelp.DC

Sunday 10:00 am

Monday-Friday 8:00 am A Prayer That Can Be Offered At Communion:

“My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.”

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COVID-19 has made remote learning the norm these days. As we adapt together to this new normal, we want to use every resource at our disposal to help keep our families connected to God and one another. Please complete this survey even if you do not have children. Your responses will help us determine the best resources to help support you and your child's faith formation. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfR3HrgcQt1oHcz8i0BxLiCTq8vhsKrz8adYMTHjs5p8s8MIg/viewform?embedded=true

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Common signs of infection include respiratory

symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The virus spreads through the air

from coughing and sneezing and also from close personal contact like touching or shaking hands.

You are encouraged to wash your hands often with soap and water at least for 20 seconds. When using

hand sanitizer, please be sure it has at least 60% alcohol. Also, it is very important that we adhere to the request of staying 6 feet apart.

Items Available Candles ($3.00) and Religious Pamphlets

($1.00) are available in the Rectory Monday through Thursday

8:30 am-3:00 pm. Parish Office is closed on Fridays.

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Tuesday Night when we resume.

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Collections last week: $5,060.00

Many thanks to all OLPH parishioners for sending in your tithes and offerings. You may continue to remit your offerings via direct mail, pay on-line or dropped off at the office. Your continued support of our parish is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Just as Jesus sent his disciples to make disciples, our family, the domestic

Church, is called to bear witness to the life of discipleship. That act of

witnessing can take many forms. First and foremost our family should call

people to discipleship by the example of our love for one another. That example

is only the beginning; our love must extend beyond the family, reaching out to others and to the world. Together

with your family, identify one or more ways in which your family lives the life

of Christian discipleship. Thank God for the blessing of the opportunity to be able to show God’s love. Then read

together today’s Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20. Discuss what Jesus sends his

disciples to do. Work together to identify one or more ways in which

your family would like to do a better job bearing witness to the life of

discipleship. Choose one of those ways and work together to make it happen.

Pray as a family for the grace to be witnesses to the world of the life of

discipleship. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.

Death Notices In your prayers remember the souls of:

Dwight Key Carmichael, Sr. DOD 4-21-20 Husband of Yvonne Carmichael

Funeral service held May 1

Ann Bailey DOD 5-3-20 Sister of Kathy Yeldell

Funeral Service held May 22

Cecil Charles West DOD 5-15-20 Uncle of Deirde Point

Services will be held in West Virginia

A Virtual Memorial Service was held for Alfred Lee Harris, Sr. on May 22nd.

Very Rev. Thomas R. Frank, SSJ participated

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Prayer For Strength When Grieving Lord, at the moment nothing seems to be able

to help the loss I feel. My heart is broken and

my spirit mourns. All I know is that Your grace

is sufficient. This day, this hour moment by

moment I choose to lean on You, for when I am

at my weakest Your strength is strongest. I pour

out my grief to You and praise You that on one

glorious day when all suffering is extinguished

and love has conquered we shall walk

together again.

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Anniversaries of Priest Ordinations May 20th, 42nd Very Rev. Thomas R. Frank, SSJ

May 20th, 14th Rev. Oswald Pierre-Jules, Jr., SSJ

21st Rose Quander-Neverdon 22nd Lorraine Parker-Miller Andrea Wright 24th Ruby R. Farmer Thomas “Phil” Ford Michelle Marshall 25th Vincent Jordan Aaron J. Wright 27th Gwen Thomas 31st Dawnielle Battle Kayla Tucker

PARISHIONER TIDBITS

What is intercessory prayer? Intercessory prayer is

where we make requests to God on behalf of other people.

Who should we pray for? The bible exhorts us to

intercede for all types of groups and people: church leaders, those in authority (managers, politicians, and anyone in a position of power in society); those who are ill; family and friends; enemies and those who mistreat or persecute us; all people should be prayed for.

ENTERING THE HOSPITAL? Parishioners planning to enter the hospital are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of the Sick prior to admission. Because of privacy laws, hospitals no longer notify parishes of a parishioner’s stay. Please notify the Rectory of the name of person, hospital and room number, also when the person returns home.

Parishioners who are sick or homebound and unable to attend Mass on Sunday may request to receive the Eucharist. Even if you are ill for a short period of time you are most welcome to receive a home visit. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements.

HOMEBOUND, **HOSPITALS and/or *NURSING/REHAB

*Nettie Biscoe, *Sonnie Boulware, John Brown, Lorraine Brown, Shelia Conway, Roberta Dade-Young, Agnes Dua, *Thomas “Phil” Ford, *Cordella Gough, Elease Gravett, *Michael Holley, Ruth Holt, Hilda Kearney, *Geraldine Lee, Fred Lewis, Antoinette Reese, and Kobe Williams.

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It is known that no one has been left untouched by the COVID-19 crisis. Everyone’s life has been disrupted. Everyone’s life has changed. All of us have had to deal with unexpected cancellations, sudden shutdowns, and painful closures. Some of these have been a minor inconvenience. Others have been difficult to accept. And still others have been devastating. The one word that embodies all of these experiences is loss. We have all lost something during this pandemic. And with the loss there comes confusion, sadness, anger, and grief. So let us offer prayer for everyone: Pray for those people who are hurting and going through some unimaginable circumstances. Pray for those who want their lives to be better and all to be free from things that may be holding them back. Even though you may not know them, God knows their situation!

Our Special Prayer List became so long and some names had been listed close to a year with no updates. If there is someone who truly needs prayer because of illness, you may resubmit their name to Doris Savoy by calling 202-610-3751 or email dsavoy0642@aol.com. Father God, we lift up all those who are facing illness today. We ask that You would bring healing, comfort and peace to their bodies. Calm their fears and let them experience the healing power of Your love. Amen.

Doreatha (Doty) Jones-Wallace Louis Lloyd Bernadette Waters Carolyn Wheeler

James & Joan Jackson 47th on May 22nd Curtis & Dianna Hill 22nd on May 23rd

Alvin & Denise Durham 17th on May 24th David & Clementine Easley 13th on May 26th Alphonzo & Angela Philison 19th on May 26th Edward & Barbara Glover 48th on May 27th

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord May 24, 2020 Page 6

Prayer is when you talk to God. Meditation is when you listen to God.

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So far this event has not been cancelled. You will be notified if it does.

St. Joseph’s Ladies’ Auxiliary No.213, Knights of St. John International invites you to join them to see “Queen Esther” on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Cost includes Show, Transportation, and Lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Make checks payable to: St. Joseph’s Ladies’ Auxiliary No.213. COST: Adults 14 years and older $150.00. Children 13 years and younger $90.00. $60.00 Non-refundable deposit ASAP 2nd Installment April 15th $45.00 Balance Due May 15th $45.00 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Depart OLPH at 6:00 am. Showtime is 11:00 am. Return to OLPH 9:00 pm. CONTACTS: Cheryl Holley 202-491-5779, Kathy Jones 301-404-9254 or Sahon Palmer 301-894-1997. Email: aux213@gmail.com

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SHARE MENU – JUNE OLPH Contact: Gladys Reid 202-575-1663

VALUE PACKAGE $22.00 Boneless Chicken Breast, Mild Italian Sausage, Beef Sirloin Tips, Shredded Cheese, plus 8-12 lbs of the freshest fruits and vegetables STEAK BOX $28.00 8-8oz sirloin steaks ready for your grill or marinade PIZZA BOX $16.00 14 – 7 inch individually wrapped pepperoni pizzas

ORDERS AND MONEY DUE BY JUNE 8TH. PICK-UP DAY IS SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH.

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PANORAMA ROOM IS STILL CLOSED

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DID YOU KNOW? The Association of American Publishers founded the Get Caught Reading campaign in 1999. Since many are homebound due to

COVID-19, all month long wherever you are every one of all ages is challenged to read. Reading has helped to expand the

minds of people everywhere sharing morals and spirituality, and even

teaching people new skills and how to survive in situations they might not

otherwise have experienced. Encourage reading during stressful times as a way to distract the mind away from worries

and to refocus.

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Prayers for the month of May: Pray the Hail Mary, Pray the Rosary and Pray the Angelus

Prayer During Coronavirus Pandemic: O clement, O loving, O sweet

Mother Mary, we, your children of every nation, turn to you in this

pandemic. Our troubles are numerous; our fears are great. Grant that

we might deposit them at your feet, take refuge in your Immaculate

Heart, and obtain peace, healing, rescue, and timely help in all our

needs. You are our Mother. Pray for us to your Son. Amen.

**************************************************************************************** 2020 United States Census

Every 10 years, the US Census counts every single person living in the United States. The novel coronavirus that has spread across the United States has begun to cause social and economic havoc, and the Census Bureau's efforts have also been affected. The 2020 Census is already facing delayed deadlines and suspended operations because of the coronavirus. An accurate census is extremely important for American communities because it is used to determine congressional representation and billions of dollars of federal funding. Deadline for submission moved to October 31, 2020.

During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for: Your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, your bank or credit card account numbers. Additionally, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census. If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it's a scam, and you should not cooperate. For more information, visit Avoiding Fraud and Scams.

Please be sure to fill in your form received in the mail, or you may go to the website on-line

to register at: http://2020census.gov.

May 24, 2020 Feast of the Ascension

I have always liked this first reading on the Feast of the Ascension. The first time I read it with my imagination

I laughed at the angles question. It so captured humanity as they are in bewilderment of where Jesus went.

Sometimes, we like the apostles are looking up, waiting for an answer from Heaven unaware that it has already been given to us, in Jesus Christ himself.

In today’s first reading from the Book of Acts, as it describes Jesus’ Ascension, it says that Jesus was lifted up

and a cloud removed him from the disciples’ sight. It also says that the disciples kept intently looking at the

place in the sky where Jesus had ascended. Then, it tells us that two angels appeared and said to the disciples,

“Men of Galilee why do you stand there looking up at the sky?” Now the answer to the angels’ question is

obvious. The disciples stood looking at the sky just where Jesus had left them. Although scripture tells us,

Jesus prepared them for his departure and that the Father and he would be sending and Advocate in the form

of the Holy Spirit. From this point forward they would not be able to experience Jesus as they had during his

three years of ministry and after his resurrection. Things were going to be different now, Jesus would no longer

be physically present to them. Therefore awestruck, his followers stood looking up into the sky, looking

subsequently at what they had lost, a friend, Christ the Lord. We probably have a sentiment of this feeling

when we lose someone, either in death or broken relationships the void is ever present. Our lives are changed,

and adjustments have to be made to accommodate for the emptiness that we feel.

But as long as we live, our lives will change, and in those changes, we will lose things that are valuable to us. It

might be the loss of a particularly fulfilling job placement. It might the loss of our health. It might be the loss of

a person that we love through death. But when something that is dear to us is taken away from us, then we like

the disciples are inclined to look up, fixating on what we once had, but is no longer ours. It is for this reason that

the next words of the angels are important, not only to the disciples but to us. The angels say, “This Jesus who

has been taken up to heaven will return again in the same way that you saw him go.” You see, the angels do not

dispute the fact that Jesus has left. His visible appearance is a thing of the past. But they promise the disciples that he will come to them again in a new way.

The lesson I propose we can learn from the angels’ is when one good thing is taken away, other good things will

be given to us. God loves us so much and will provide our needs. This is why we cannot stand bewildered idly

looking at what we have lost in this world. We need to keep our eyes “fixed on Jesus”, like the song says: using

our eyes to see the next good thing, the next blessing that is bestowed on our lives. When things change in our

lives, jobs, family, even in our country, it does us no good to contemplate over and over, “I wish things were the

way that they used to be.” As we hear in today’s readings all thigs must come to an end. As Christian believers

we must look to the gift of the Holy Spirt, where new possibilities emerge. When our health fails, we trust in the

Lord. When we began to age and perhaps even loose our mobility, we trust in the Lord. When someone we love,

a spouse, family or a friend, dies, we put our trust in the Lord. The approach in our faithfulness is not to live in

what we used to be able to do, but what the Lord can do for us. Jesus shows us that there are new ways to live, new pathways to happiness, we have a relationship with God through the Advocate sent to sustain us.

The scriptures today challenge us to take seriously the question of the angels. “People of Galilee why do you

stand there looking up at the sky?” looking for what we have lost. If we keep our heads up and our eyes are

always in the sky, we will not be able to appreciate the next blessing that God is bestowing on us here below.

Remember our role that Jesus imparts on us in the Gospel today, go and be witnesses testifying to what we have seen in heard, spreading the Good News!

Ages 7+ May 24, 2020 • Luke 24:46-53

© 2020 CRI • PO Box 9290, Canton, OH 44711 • www.ChildrensBulletins.com

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality is offering two (2) $800 Scholarships. The first scholarship will be awarded to a Catholic Student entering college, and the second scholarship will be awarded to a college student returning to college (sophomore, junior, or senior). To apply you must meet the following criteria: 1. A member of OLPH Church 2. Presently active in a parish organization or involved in community service (written verification from the organization is requested.) 3. A current letter of acceptance from a college, technical institution, or a school of higher learning. 4. Submit a 100 word essay stating your goals, dreams and aspirations. To apply please provide the student’s full name, address, home telephone/cell number and an e-mail address; in addition, the school name, address and telephone number. Please place information in an enclosed envelope marked BVM Sodality. You may email the information to hickory12108@yahoo.com, or you may place your information in the mailbox at the front of Rectory.

The Application deadline is Friday July 31, 2020. Dream Big! Plan Well! Work Hard!! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!!

For questions or concerns please contact: Linda Wilkinson (301) 292-6373

Scholarship Awardees will be announced on Sunday, August 16, 2020.

2020 Blessed Virgin Mary

Sodality Scholarship

Announcement

OUR LADY OF PERPETUTAL HELP

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

WOMEN’S MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Women’s Ministry is awarding Three (3) scholarships

($800 each) for the following categories: one adult student 21 years of age and above

accepted in a (university, community college, vocational or technical school); one college

student (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior); and one high school student who has

been accepted and is currently enrolled in an Archdiocese of Washington Catholic high

school. Applicants must be a member of OLPH Church.

Students will be rated on their academic record, volunteer service history, and Two (2) letters

of recommendation. Recommendations should be from adults 21 and older who are familiar

with the nominee’s character, academic record and volunteer service history.

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage the applicants to continue their education.

All required documents must be submitted with the application.

APPPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Copy of the student’s report card and/or unofficial transcript

Acceptance letter or letter of good standing from the school

Two (2) letters of recommendation

List of volunteer activities

Student Category (check one) Vocational/Technical ___ College ___ High School ___

Student’s Name _________________________________________________________

Last name First name Middle initial

Address_________________________________________________________________

Number Street Name Apt# City/State Zip Code

Home Telephone ______________________Cell _________________

Parent/Guardian Name (If applicable) _______________________________________

OLPH Envelope # ______________________

Applications are enclosed in the bulletin. Your completed application should be emailed to

Amanda Tucker (amandatucker111@hotmail.com) and Tanja Doy (tanja.doy@hq.doe.gov) no

later than Friday, July 31, 2020. If you have any questions regarding this process, please

contact Ms. Tucker at 301-204-3482 or Ms. Doy 301-526-2170.

Scholarship recipients will be announced at Mass on Sunday, August 16, 2020.