St. Boniface Catholic Church

1952 GA. Hwy. 21 S

Springfield , Georgia 31329

PARISH STAFF FR. MARTINO BÁ THÔNG NGUYEN, PASTOR

RICK RAFTER, DEACON PATTIE LIEBL, PARISH SECRETARY

CELESTE GISH, DRE KATHY O’SAKO, OUTREACH ASSISTANCE

DON SMITH, CUSTODIAN PARISH STAFF EMAIL

mnguyen@diosav.org secretary@sbcatholic.com

DRE@sbcatholic.com. WEB ADDRESS

www.sbcatholic.com BAPTISMS/WEDDINGS

Please contact Fr. Martino for an appointment. WEDDINGS

Please contact Fr. Martino for an appointment a minimum of four months before wedding date.

PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION Office: (912) 754-7473 Fax: (912) 754-1201

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

CONFESSIONS Saturday, 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Or Upon request WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE

Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

Friday 7:00 p.m. Religious Education

Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45 a.m. When school is in session

ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please contact Fr. Martino at

706-825-3032 Bulletin Deadline

We welcome your contributions to the bulletin. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, by 12:00 noon

STATEWIDE RESPONSE FROM THE CATHOLIC DIOCESES IN GEORGIA TO GOVERNOR KEMP’S APRIL 20 UPDATE

Dear Friends in Christ,

Knowing how much Catholics everywhere are yearning to return to the Eucharist and to gather once again in our churches, we must communicate that, having struggled with our decision, we believe that we must yet maintain the current practice of sheltering in place. With input and support from the priests of both the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Savannah, we are, for the safety of all Georgia residents, not au-thorizing the return to congregating at churches or making our churches available for devotions. This de-termination extends through the month of May. If the sheltering-in-place and social distancing guidelines are altered significantly during this time, we will reexamine the possibility of congregating at churches.

We took many factors into account in coming to this conclusion. The Institute for Health Metrics and Eval-uation has been updating data daily and providing guidance on when next steps might be safe. Their current report on Georgia indicates that waiting until June to shift social distancing strategies would be the best course of action.

Many of our priests fall into the high-risk category for this virus, as do a good number of the faithful. In addition to that, priests are reluctant to put their congregations at risk. With more than 200 churches and more than one million Catholics in the state of Georgia, in a great variety of circumstances, we are not able to offer a workable strategy that could apply throughout our diverse population.

If one church offers a unique liturgy or devotion, it might be flooded with attendees. Normally that would be a welcome response, but in the current environment this would not respect the need to remain, for safe-ty’s sake, in place. The same is true for drive-through services and devotions. Parishes that could accommo-date a drive-through service or reconciliation for their own members would not be able to safely accommo-date the additional people from surrounding communities.

We will take the time from now until we do resume regular liturgies and sacraments to carefully plot the conditions--including matters of numerical management, required spacing, and sanitation--under which churches may safely return to offering regular gatherings,. The dispensation from Saturday or Sunday Mass attendance is, of course, still applicable, although Catholics are expected to avail themselves of the vir-tual Mass each week.

Preserving the bonds of parish life is particularly important, even as we see evidence of the strengthening of family worship and devotion in our homes. Parishes are reaching out to the elderly and homebound, which we heartily endorse. Providing encouragement, especially in light of the protracted absence from normal activities, is a proper work of mercy.

Parish catechetical activities such as Parish Schools of Religion or other faith formation opportunities should be offered digitally. Both Arch/Diocesan staff and Parish staff have put together resources for both catechetical leaders and families to use, and they are updating their website resource pages almost daily. The employees of the Chanceries will continue their working remotely, and parishes are strongly encour-aged to do likewise.

This is an unprecedented time in history, and we hardly imagined a time when we would have to weigh our Church’s spiritual progress against the brute necessities of general health and survival. But, we live in the reality of Easter, and even now we rejoice in the goodness of God and the saving grace of the Risen Lord. May the ever-new and ever-wondrous Paraclete, the Spirit of all truth, sustain us in hope and keep us unit-ed in the confession of our Catholic belief.

Given April 23, 2020 in Savannah, GA. Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM, Conv. Bishop of Savannah/Archbishop-designate of Atlanta Bishop Joel M. Konzen, S.M. Diocesan Administrator

Please pray for our sick For all those homebound, in the hospital or nursing homes and especially those who care for them. We also ask prayers for those not listed and those we

A time of war, and a time of peace: We pray for those that serve in our military. CW5 Scott Durrer A1C Cameron Rahn

MSGT Brian Lafond A1C Aubriana Butchko SFC Steven Liebl Protect and guide our men and women in uniform, strengthen them in their trials. Give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be,

Bob Ahlfeldt, Carolyn Ansel, Owen Austin, Fr. Isadore Baky, August J Breton, Justin J Breton, Chuck Brown, Steven Burns, Stephen Bussey, Andy & Kathy Chester, Megan Corley, Keith Cor-nell, Danny Dagon, Catherine Dagon, Rindy Den-mark, Eric Guge, Marty Haloda, Jim Hester, Stephanie Horton, Cindy Howard, Jane Hughes, Julie Hunt, Josette Lafond Carolyn Leonard, Lin-da Liebl, Rosa Lewis, Sandra & Vince Mackey, Frances Maher, John and Michael Maher, Tom and Bridget Maher, Tony Maples, Marie & Bob Mar-tel, John Miller, Bruce Moss, Larry Moss, Lor-raine Nessar, Roy O’Connor, Kimberly Osucha, Melanie Pitingaro, Chris Powell, Alan Schwartz, Bill & Ada Seng, Anna Seymour, Angel Smith, Joanne Skorich-Smith, Bernie Weber, Morgan West, Edward Wonnink

26 de abril de 2020 3º domingo de Pascua "¿No ardían nuestros corazones mientras nos hablaba en el camino, mientras nos explicaba las Escrituras?" LUCAS 24:32 ¿Con qué frecuencia nos tomamos el tiempo para discern-ir lo que Jesús quiere de nosotros? ¿Nuestras oraciones son siempre peticiones, pidiéndole a Jesús que haga cosas por nosotros? Si es así, esa es una relación unilateral. Vi-vir nuestra fe significa desarrollar una relación personal con Jesús. Al igual que en cualquier amistad, hay que dar y recibir, cada lado escuchándose y ayudándose mutua-mente. Tómese el tiempo en silencio para escuchar lo que Jesús le está pidiendo.

GOD’S PLAN Saint Peter speaks to us twice today. In the first read-ing, we hear an excerpt from his sermon on Pentecost; in the second, part of his first letter. Once a frightened, uneducated fisherman who often said just the wrong thing, now Peter is speaking what he knows to be true. Everything Jesus had said now makes sense. His death and rising were all part of God’s plan, and our faith and hope can be centered on God. Today’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ walk to Em-maus with two of the disciples. Frightened, sad, and confused, the two of them don’t recognize Jesus, who tells them what we heard Peter say above: All this had to happen as part of God’s plan. In the end, these dis-ciples recognize Jesus as we are to recognize him—in the breaking of the bread.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

April 26, 2020

3rd Sunday of Easter

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked

to us on the road, while He opened to us the scrip-

tures?” LUKE 24:32

How often do we, as Christian Stewards, take the

time to discern what Jesus wants from us? Are our

prayers always petitions, asking Jesus to do things

for us? If so, that’s a one-sided relationship. Living

our faith means developing a personal relationship

with Jesus. Just like any friendship, there is give and

take, each side listening to each other and helping

each other out. Take time in silence to listen to what

Jesus is asking of you.

STAY WITH US, LORD

Walk with us, Lord,

along the road of resurrection!

Explain for us, so slow to believe,

the things that Scripture says of you.

Break the bread of the Eucharist with us

whenever we share our lives

with our brothers and sisters. Stay with us

each time night approaches

and the daylight fades in our hearts!

—From Come, Lord Jesus by Lucien Deiss, CSSp, copyright © 1976, 1981, Lucien Deiss. Published

Weekly Collection with YTD figures June 30-April 19, 2020

Weekly Offertory Collection: $4,405.00 Online Weekly Donations: $985.25 Year to Date Collection: $270,564.90 Bills Paid this week: $4,793.09 Bills Paid to Date: $287,609.25 Building Fund Collection: $700.90 Building Fund YTD: $60,318.70 Thank you for your continued generosity

Donate Now through online giving at www.sbcatholic.com follow the link on the front page.

Faith Formation News CCD classes are cancelled until further notice. First Communion rescheduled With Governor Kemp’s stay-at-home order extend-ed through April 30, we will celebrate First Com-munion on Sunday, June 14, the Feast of Corpus Christi. Attention Confirmation candidates During social distancing, we urge Confirmation candidates to work on their letters to the Bishop and saint research at home so fall classes can be devoted to catechism. If you need guidelines or more information, please contact Celeste Gish at 912.754.1432 or ce-lestegish@windstream.net. God bless our kids, parents and catechists. Stay safe, everyone!

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus,

I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and long for You in my soul.

Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

As though You have already come,

I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You;

never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

-St. Alphonse Ligouri Creo, Jesús mío, que estás real y verdaderamente en el cielo y en el Santísimo Sacramento del Altar. Te amo sobre todas las cosas y deseo vivamente recibirte dentro de mi alma, pero no pudiendo hacerlo ahora sacramentalmente, ven al menos espiritualmente a mi corazón. Y como si ya te hubiera recibido, te abrazo y me uno del todo a Ti. Señor, jamás permitas que me aparte de Ti. Amén San Alfonso Maria de Ligorio

Dear Parish Family,

Thank you for using the Online Giving. For those who have used the service, they are pleased with how easy it is to set up and man- age their contribution. If you have not yet signed up for Online Giving, please consider this option. By using Online Giving you are helping the parish during this uncertainty to keep bills and the staff paid. Visit our parish website at www.sbcatholic.com, on the front page you will see the link to select Online Give- ing. Of course, if you wish to continue to mail or drop off your donations in the mailbox outside the office, please continue to do so. We are so grateful for your generosity during these trying times. May God Bless you and keep you safe.

Mass Intentions For the Week

Sunday 04/26 +Dessie Agnew Monday 04/27 +Joyce Hodapp Tuesday 04/28 +Amerigo Legnaioli Wednesday 04/29 +Muriel Healy

Thursday 04/30 ♥Tim Healy

Friday 05/01 +Burr Tolles

Saturday 05/02 ♥Sherry & Reggie Loper

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — God has raised the crucified Jesus, who now pours forth the Holy Spirit upon us

(Acts 2:14, 22-33).

Psalm — Lord, you will show us the path of life

(Psalm 16).

Second Reading — Our faith and hope are in God, who raised Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:17-21).

Gospel — Through his words and in the breaking of the bread, the risen Christ made himself known to two disciples on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30;

Jn 6:22-29

Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a,

17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35

Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40

Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20;

Jn 6:44-51

Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59,

or, for the memorial, Gn 1:26 — 2:3 or

Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58

Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69

Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps 23:1-6; 1 Pt 2:20b- 25; Jn 10:1-10

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA (1347-1380)

April 29

Imagine the pope receiving a young woman still

in her twenties who addresses him as “my sweet

Christ on earth,” then orders: “Get back to Rome

where you belong!” Amazingly, Gregory XI

complied! Yet this was but one astonishing inci-

dent in the extraordinary life of Catherine of Si-

ena, a truly unique medieval woman. Youngest

of twenty-five children, Catherine refused mar-

riage and became a Dominican Tertiary at six-

teen, cloistering herself at home in contempla-

tive prayer, austere penances, and mystical expe-

riences, culminating in “spiritual espousal” to

Christ. Then, incarnating the Dominican ideal of

“passing on to others the fruits of contempla-

tion,” Catherine left her solitude to care for the

poor, nurse the sick, comfort the dying, and bury

the dead. Increasingly renowned for converting

souls and healing bodies, she was sought after to

broker peace during civil wars and Church

schisms. All this, and like Jesus, whom she

called “my Divine Spouse,” she died at thirty-

three! Four hundred letters and her spiritual clas-

sic The Dialogue inspired Paul VI to name her,

together with Teresa of Ávila, the first women

Doctors of the Church.

—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

The month of May has not only good weather, but an interesting pedigree. It is named after the Roman goddess Ma-

ia, said to be the mother of Hermes, or Mercury. The Romans saw it as “love’s month,” while in England, more

practical farmers called it “Three Milks,” since the cows grazing on springtime’s bounty could produce at a phe-

nomenal rate. Old customs die hard, and Christians have never made peace with Maytime frolics. No wonder that

popular tradition dedicated the month’s prayers and devotions to Mary, although we cannot lose sight of the fact

that the liturgy always has Easter at the center of celebration. Recent developments have enriched Mary’s place in a

cycle of feast days woven through the whole year, dedicated Saturday as a weekly day for devotion, and highlighted

Mary’s role in the Advent story. In fact, every day of the year Evening Prayer centers on the singing of Mary’s Can-

ticle of Praise. The fifty days of Easter culminate on Pentecost with Mary, present of course for Christ’s birth, wait-

ing in the upper room for the birth of the church.

—James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.