The Bulletin

April 27, 2008 -- SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

From the Pastor's Desk

"May is Mary's month, and I Muse at that and wonder why; Her feasts follow reason, Dated due to season
All things rising, all things sizing Mary sees, sympathizing
With that world of good, Nature's motherhood. Their magnifying of each its kind With delight calls to mind
How she did in her stored/ Magnify the Lord."
Gerard Manley Hopkins

The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in many cultures. May is considered the season of the beginning of new life. Already in Greek culture, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In Roman culture, May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of bloom, of blossoms. The Romans celebrated ludi florales (literally: floral games) at the end of April, asking the intercession of Flora for all that blooms. This is also related to the medieval practice of expelling winter. May 1 was considered the beginning of growth.

Since medieval times, we have had the combination between Mary and the month of May. Among the earliest witnesses are: Alphonsus X, "el sabio," King of Castille, Spain (1221-1284) with his "Cantigas de Santa Maria" ("Ben venna Mayo"). Here and elsewhere, both Mary and the month of May are greeted, welcomed and celebrated on specific days in May. Later, the whole month of May became the month of Mary. On each day of this month, special devotions to Mary were organized. This custom originated in Italy (for example: Ferrara, 1784). It was spread widely during the nineteenth century, a century well known for its monthly devotions (Heart of Jesus in June; Rosary in October).

 (http://campus.udayton.edu/mary//meditations/crownmed.html)

MASS INTENTIONS

The Week of April 27

PRAYERS FOR

Please pray for all our faithful Departed especially:

Reginald Forgan, Jr, Son of Reginald and Sharon; Brother of David

William Hobbs, Husband of Dorothy; Father of Diane Morrison, Donna Sappe and William Hobbs

THE SICK

Please include the sick of our parish in your prayers that they
May experience Christ’s comfort and healing.

CELEBRANTS NEXT WEEKEND

Saturday, May 3
4 PM-Fr. Bowen
6 PM-Fr. Bowen

Sunday, May 4
7 AM-Fr. Timoney
8 AM-Fr. Bowen
9:15 AM-Fr. Reusing
10:45 AM-Fr. Reusing
12:15 PM-Msgr. Chet

MOTHER'S DAY REMEMBRANCE

If you wish to have someone (living or deceased) included in the Novena of Masses offered here at St Augustine's for Mother's Day, please use the envelope with this Bulletin (also available in the vestibule of the church). Please print the names clearly and place them with your offering in the collection basket.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Answers for the Aging is a free telephone information and referral service for older adults, their families, friends and caregivers.  Our staff can help callers with options for in-home care, transportation, housing, community resources and much more.  Catholic Charities’ Answers for the Aging strives to assist older adults to maintain dignity, independence and self-determination as they go through life’s changes.  We welcome calls from people of all faiths and races.  If we can assist you with your questions or concerns, please call 410-646-0100 and speak to one of our caring specialists.

ST AUGUSTINE SCHOOL

Currently has openings for the 2008-09 school year for students in grades K to 8.  You may call the school for a tour and for further information 410-796-3040.

A CALL FROM GOD?

We all have a "call" from God...but HE is not calling on a cell phone. A friendly reminder: as a courtesy to your fellow worshippers, please turn off (or set to "quiet") during Mass. We appreciate your cooperation.

PRAY FOR THE TROOPS

Please remember in your prayers the brave men and women serving in our Armed Services. Pray for them and their families.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Volunteers are need to pack or deliver meals during the week. A commitment of just once or twice a month is all it takes. Volunteers work out of the Bain Center in Columbia. You may call the Howard County Office for more information 410-730-9476.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CLOTHING BIN

This collection bin is located on our back parking lot. If you have and used but usable clothing that you no longer need, your donation to this clothing bank would be most appreciated.

PARKING REMINDER

NO parking is allowed along Augustine Avenue. Signs are posted along that road designating the "no parking" areas. For our scheduled weekend Masses, our parking lot (front and back) will usually accommodate all cars -- without anyone parking illegally -- on our lot or on the street.

NOTE ABOUT PHONE NUMBERS

Any phone number not listed on this website, please contact the Rectory or refer to the Bulletin you received at Church.

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