WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – March 20th – Fr. Thomas
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to the Irish and their descendants! But, not to be overlooked, is the Feast of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Our Lord on March 19th. I’m reminded of a story about a certain father desperate for a bit of peace and quiet one rainy Sunday afternoon. So, from his newspaper’s color supplement he tore out a picture of a map of the world. He took a pair of scissors and cut the map into small pieces and said to his children, “Here’s a project for you – put the world back together again.” After a bit of grumbling there were whispers and giggles, followed by a period of silent concentration. Finally, the youngsters said, “Here you are, we’ve done it.” Indeed they had, but the picture was not a map of the world; it was a photograph of a very happy looking family which had been on the reverse side of the map!
Our calling as Christians is not necessarily to make people “happy.” The happiest people are too busy to notice if they’re happy or not. Happiness is a byproduct of a life lived according to the Gospel of Christ. During this season of Lent, if we’re willing to unite our acts of self-denial and suffering with Our Lord’s, it can stretch our hearts to make room for greater joy and love. Accept your path, with its twists and turns. The adventure is in the journey, not the arriving. And yes, despite the violence which permeates our nation and our world, perhaps the world will become a happier place. As I’m fond of saying, life doesn’t come with a bow, but it’s still a gift because “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the Present.”
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all candle donations for the Altar and Mary Shrine for upcoming Sundays in Lent. If you would like to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put candle requests in offering plates.
Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.
Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.
The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!
St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.
Forward Day by Day brochures are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.
PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Anthony, Baldwin, Barbara, Bert, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Eric, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Lauren, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Alred Dyce, Matthew Hogan, Richard James, Meghan Schubert, Dexter Beresford, Austin LaBorde, Inara Elmquist. For anniversary celebration: Chris and Kati Erickson. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
