Mary, Antonello da MessinaM is for Mary
May is Mary’s month. We honour her role in the story of salvation and ask her prayers for our personal intentions and for the needs of family and friends. As Mother of Christ, Mary is also mother of his Body the Church. How appropriate that Mothers Day falls during the Month of May!
Don't forget
Remember to bow your head in adoration before receiving the Body of Christ in Communion.
Mothers' Day Prayer
Holy God, look with kindness on our mothers
who have shared in your creating love by the gift of their children.
Bless the mothers who have nurtured and sustained us throughout our lives.
Fill them with all the gifts of your Holy Spirit.
Bless with your grace those who died.
Give them a place of honour in your heavenly kingdom.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wash me, O Lord
At the doors of every Catholic Church you will find fonts of holy water. We are encouraged to dip our fingers into the water and bless ourselves when we enter or leave the church. Take a moment to remember what this simple gesture means. It’s a reminder of our Baptism, the Sacrament which frees us from the alienation of sin and welcomes us into the Body of the Church. Only the baptized can approach the altar to receive Jesus in Holy Communion.
The Roman Missal: Looking at the Text
THE SIGN OF PEACE
The Sign of Peace is not about human friendship or reconciliation. The peace we celebrate is Christ’s gift of everlasting peace, the gift of salvation. This peace we cannot give to one another. Only he can give it. This is not about trying to shake as many hands as possible. It’s a profound moment of communion with Christ and with one another.
Out with the Old
By ancient tradition, the Old Testament is not read during the Easter Season. The Old Testament readings at Mass are replaced by a selection from the Acts of the Apostles or from the Book of Revelation.
Open Wide the Doors
Jesus Christ lives in the heart of the Catholic Church. He invites all men and women to enter into the communion of his heart. Every Catholic Christian has an obligation to proclaim his Name and to invite others to share our Gospel way of life. St. Clement Parish has a programme of prayer and teaching for any who might be interested in joining the Catholic Church (RCIA). They are out there, waiting for your invitation to “Come and See”.
Welcome New Catholics!
We extend a warm welcome to those who entered into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Solemn Easter Vigil. Gillian Smook was baptized, confirmed and welcomed to the Eucharist. Matthew Atkin made a profession of Catholic faith and was confirmed and welcomed to the Lord’s Table. May they always know the love and support of the Catholic community as they continue their journey of faith, hope and love.
Easter Duty Revisited
The Church calls all Catholics to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Pentecost Sunday. We call this our “Easter Duty”, but keep in mind, reconciliation is never a burden or a duty. It’s a joyful celebration of God’s love and mercy. When was the last time you went to Confession?
Rite for the blessing and sprinkling of water
Every Catholic enters the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection through the Sacrament of Baptism. On Easter Sunday, after the Homily, we renew our baptismal faith and commitment and are sprinkled with Blessed Water to remind us of that glorious day. Next Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday, we will close the Easter Octave by celebrating the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water at the beginning of all parish Masses.
Alleluia Repeats
Alleluia is a Hebrew word which means “Praise God”. Banished from the Liturgy during Lent, it is once again sung with joy and exaltation. On Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday we are dismissed with a double Alleluia. This festive dismissal returns on Pentecost Sunday, the final day of the 50 day Easter Season.