From the desk of Monsignor Bride
I cannot imagine a day, which is more important in the life of a Catholic parish than the day of First Holy Communion. These special people, for the most part in our 2nd grade CCD class, come to Church, as we hope they do every Sunday. Up until now, they could not receive Holy Communion. Today, all of that changes.
When I reflect on this day, I see our parish as fulfilling its mandate. We are called to make real the presence of Jesus Christ.  We are to proclaim his word.  We are to make real the presence of Jesus in our midst. This must happen to every person, to everyone who enters the front door: for those who have been here for a long time and for those who are walking through the front door for the first time. It is here that the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and proclaimed and made real, please God, for our daily lives. It is here that we celebrate the mysteries of the Lord in his sacraments. These are the special instruments the Lord has given us, which makes it possible for us to come into contact with him, to receive him, to be nurtured by him, to be strengthened by him.
For us adults, we often take this for granted.  We take it as second nature. We know, we understand, we accept, we believe.
Today our children come to the altar for the first time. This is so special, so necessary, so required of them to come in contact with Jesus Christ. He is their Lord.  He is God. Each First Communion child will receive Jesus into his/her body and soul for the first time as Eucharist. We congratulate their parents and families and we thank Sister Michelle for all she does to bring this about. As head of our CCD program, she takes this responsibility most seriously and it shows in the results. She is a witness to the message of Jesus to these children. We thank all those who assist her and bring the message and word of Jesus to our young. God bless all your efforts and the sharing of your faith with our youth.
We pray that what our children experience today will stay with them for the rest of their lives. That is why First Holy Communion is so important.  That is why it is so essential to their faith life. 
First Holy Communion Class, God Bless you. God watch over you.  God protect you. God make you his own. We congratulate you and bless you on this special day in your life.
We have printed their names on the cover of this bulletin so that all may recognize them for the special gift Jesus is giving to them and so we can congratulate them for coming to this special moment in their lives. This is a day of joy and celebration for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
Monsignor Bride

Mothers’ Day Card
Each year we have a novena of Masses for all enrolled Mothers.  If your mother is alive, enroll her in the novena and give her the special card for Mothers’ Day, which will tell her that she is remembered in this (9) Novena of Masses.  There is no greater, no better, no more special gift you can give to your Mom than this.  Please take the time to fill out the enclosed flyer and drop it in the basket anytime between now and Mothers’ Day.  
NEXT WEEK IS MONSIGNOR’S
 40TH ANNIVERSARY
The Committee needs volunteers to set up the hall on Thursday night, May 3rd, at 5:00 P.M.  There are also volunteers needed for Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon to prepare and to receive the food for the Pot Luck Supper.  
    We need people to bake according to the alphabet listing for the Pot Luck Supper. IF YOUR NAME BEGINS in a letter, Please Make that food. 
      If your last name BEGINS   in

A B C or D ….. Bring dessert
E F G or H …. Bring Hors d’oeuvres
I J K L or M …. Bring a Pasta Dish
N O P Q or R..Salad with dressing on it
S T U V W X Y or Z  ...bring a hot
                                      vegetable dish
Bake for 10 people

Scripture Study in the Morning
Ann Megan wishes to begin a study of scripture one day a week in the morning for women. If interested, telephone Ann at 447-3488.

TELEVISION MASS
Monsignor Bride will celebrate the Channel 20 TV Mass this Wednesday at 10:00 P.M. This is televised for shut-ins of the State of Connecticut. Encourage anyone at home to watch this Mass each day and especially this Wednesday.

CRUSADE OF PRAYER ON fRIDAYS
                7:30A.M.   Morning Mass
8:00A.M.   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                 followed by   Morning Prayer             
8:15 A.M.  to 4:45 P.M. Individual Adoration and
                  Praying for Vocations all day in  Church
4:45 P.M.   Evening Prayer /Benediction/Closing

 This is ABA PRE-APPEAL SUNDAY
Next Weekend is ABA Appeal Sunday. We are showing the video this weekend as we do each year. This helps us put the Annual Bishop’s Appeal into proper focus. The Bishop speaks to the entire Diocese of Norwich in this.  You get a clear vision of the needs of the Appeal and how it strives to help those in need.   Come next weekend prepared to make your 2007 Gift or pledge.

Monday, April 30th   Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M.  Gloria Sabilia  (Maryann Hatt & Irene Cygan)
 Tuesday, May 1st  St. Joseph the Worker
7:30 A.M.  Parishioners of OLPH
Wednesday, May 2nd    SAINT ATHANASIUS
7:30 A.M.  For a  Special Intention  (Ruth Sanislo)
10:00 A.M. Msgr. celebrates TV Mass Channel 20
Thursday, May 3rd SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES   
7:30 A.M.   Isabel Rosa     (A Friend)
Friday, May 4th  Easter Weekday  
7:30 A.M.  Intention of Monsignor Bride (actual Day of 40th)