MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

Dear Friends,

On this weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is a feast that sets us apart from many other Christian Religions because the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Our entire congregation joins itself to Christ in acknowledging the great things God has done for us!

Jesus commanded, “Do this in memory of me.” Remembering, we call upon God to send the Holy Spirit over the gifts we bring and over us that we, the Church, may be transformed through our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ. We, the baptized, are members of the Body of Christ and live out our calling by our discipleship. Yes, this is a very special celebration!

On your way home from church today, take a glance at our convent and see the new roof! I wish to send a very special thank you to the OLPH Ladies Guild for their very thoughtful and kind generosity. The Guild members work very hard at raising money to assist our faith community in many projects. Because of their generosity, the parish at large does not have to assume the cost of the re-roofing.

When asked, please consider supporting the efforts of these two parish groups, The OLPH Ladies Guild and the Family Group, who continually support and promote the well being of our faith community.

Sincerely,
Father Joe
               

BAKE FOR THE LADIES GUILD TAG SALE
JUNE 7, 2008
Parishioners are asked to bake for the upcoming Tag Sale, which is June 7, 2008.  There will be no baking of the famous Babka Bread for this Tag Sale.  Instead there will be baked cakes, cookies, turnovers for sale at the bake table.  All baked goodies should be delivered to the hall on Friday, June 6th.  Luncheon will be served – kielbasa sandwiches, apple turnovers.  Please help make this Tag Sale a success as in the past years.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
THIS TUESDAY,
MAY 27, 2008 AT 6:30 PM IN THE HALL.

     4:45 P.M.
     Evening Prayer/Benediction/Closing

2008 Annual Bishop’s Appeal
“Bringing Hope To Those In Need”
We are pleased to report that the 2008 Annual Bishop’s Appeal –“Bringing Hope to Those In Need” continues to be well received and generously supported by the 78 Parishes and 10 Missions of the Diocese of Norwich.  As of today, our Diocesan family has raised $2,068,661, which represents 61% of the 2008 Goal of $3,400,000.  OLPH has pledges totaling $29,201, which represents 73% of our goal of $40,000.
We thank those who have given generously to the 2008 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and ask all who have not yet given to prayerfully consider doing so.  The Appeal helps our Church and our Parish in so many ways.  Please consider all the ways that God has blessed you and  yours, and then think how the Church has brought goodness into  your lives.  Join our appeal and give back what you can so that we can remain strong and able to do God’s great work!      
                

                       
                        Help is Needed!

Care Net Baby Bottles for Life 2008
Please help protect the unborn and contribute to the annual Baby Bottle Campaign to support Care Net – a pro-life pregnancy resource center.  Baby bottles are in the back of the church.  Take empty baby bottles with you on, fill them with coins, currency or check and return them on Fathers Day.

What ever happened to Limbo?
Have you ever noticed that from time to time Church teachings change?  Understanding how and why that can happen is important because knowing what the Church teaches is an important part of being Catholic.  Understanding how teachings change is also important.  The more you understand how the Church teaches, the better you understand your own faith, and the better you can explain your faith to others.  Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P., J.C.D., Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning and of the Office of Worship will present this topic here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Hall on Thursday, May 29 – 9:30-11:00 am or 7:00-8:30 pm.  To register, please respond as soon as possible to 848-2237, ext 317 or email: evangrcia@norwichdiocese.net and let them know what presentation you would like to attend.

SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY MASS
In Saint Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London, Rev. Msgr. Robert Brown will celebrate this Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.  In case of inclement weather this Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery, New London.

Announced Masses

Monday, May 26th   Saint Philip Neri   MEMORIAL DAY
7:30 A.M.  Our beloved dead and those who died for USA
Tuesday, May 27th    Saint Augustine of Canterbury
7:30 A.M. Intention of Sr. Teresa Regan, S.C.
Wednesday, May 28th  weekday of 8th week in Ordinary Time
7:30 A.M. Mothers’ Day Novena of Masses  
Thursday, May 29th    weekday of 8th week in Ordinary Time 
 7:30 A.M.  Albert Razzano   (Wife, children & grandchildren)
 Friday, May 30th     Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus
 7:30 A.M.  Parishioners of OLPH