MASS SCHEDULE

Mon., Feb. 19 8:30 am	Weekday Stephen Bocha req Four Seasons of Readington
Tues., Feb. 20 8:30 am	Weekday Helen Sersen req Michael & Diane O’Milian
*Wed., Feb. 21 8:30 am 12:10 pm 4:30 pm 7:30 pm	Ash Wednesday Mass Prayer Service with Ashes Prayer Service with Ashes (CLOW) Mass
Thurs., Feb. 22 12:10 pm	Chair of St. Peter, apostle Vocations req Hunterdon County Serra Club
Fri., Feb. 23 8:30 am	Lenten Weekday Lorenza Tabique req Elisa T. Dulay
Sat., Feb. 24 8:30 am 5:30 pm (Vigil)	Weekday Catherine Smith req Jim & Bobbi McManus Louis Bleicker req Stan & Mary Bender
Sun., Feb. 25 8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am	First Sunday of Lent Robert Weeks req Dave, Doreen Kovacs & Daughters People of the Parish Bob Briski req Joe & Rosemary DeGeorge

* Rosary for Peace – After the Wednesday 8:30 a.m.

FROM THE DESK OF FR. LEN

This is the last weekend of Ordinary Time before we begin the season of Lent. For us in the office it is “the calm before the storm.” During this week we will make some seasonal changes including putting away the plants around the fountain in the narthex, emptying the baptismal font and putting up the Lenten banners. This week, as we begin the season of Lent, we celebrate Ash Wednesday. I encourage you to take advantage of the letter mailed to you this past week informing you about the opportunities for prayer and service during this most reflective of all seasons. Enjoy Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) this week as you prepare for Lent.

THIS WEEK AT OLL

Monday, Feb. 19 4:30-5:45 pm 6:30-8:00 pm	Office Closed NO Religious Education NO Religious Education
Tuesday, Feb. 20 10:00 am-Noon 3:00-9:30 pm 7:30 pm	Beyond Sunday (Rms. 9 and 10) Parish Directory Pictures (OCH) Prayer Group
Wednesday, Feb. 21 4:30-5:45 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30-8:00 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm	Ash Wednesday NO Religious Education NO Youth Bells NO Advanced Bells NO Religious Education Knights of Columbus Adult Choir
Thursday, Feb. 22 4:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 3:00-9:30 pm	NO Children’s Choir NO Cantors NO Adult Choir Parish Directory Pictures (OCH)
Friday, Feb.23 3:00-9:30 pm	Parish Directory Pictures (OCH)
Saturday, Feb. 24 4:00 pm 12:00-8:00 pm	Youth Choir Parish Directory Pictures (OCH)
Sunday, Feb. 25 8:45-2:15 pm 9:30 am 12:00-6:30 pm 12:15-1:45 pm	Blood Drive (CH) CLOW Parish Directory Pictures (OCH) Confirmation Prep Class #2

GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING

Sacrificial Giving

Weekend of February 10/11 $13,988.86

Identifiable donors (612) $13,205.25

Loose cash $ 783.61

Our 5% tithe of $700.00 will be added to the Second Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Last year’s collection for the weekend of February 11/12 amounted to $5,924.00 and the donors totaled 229.

STEWARDSHIP RECOGNITION CORNER

Special recognition and gratitude is given this week to the volunteers who helped prepare the recent Lenten mailing.

TITHING FOR FEBRUARY 25^TH

The 5% tithe of next weekend’s collection will be sent to the Father Andrew O’Sullivan Scholarship Fund.

LITURGICAL SYMBOLISM

This week’s liturgical symbol is the daisy. The “day’s eye” is among the sunniest of flowers. It blooms in June and has become associated with Midsummer Day and the fiery prophet John.

TABERNACLE LAMPS

Tabernacle lamps will be lit from February 17^th through March 2^nd for Anne Bencivenga requested by Buddy Bencivenga; Health & Blessings for Colleen & Frank Clark requested by Emma McGrath; and Health & Blessings for Barbara Kearns requested by Emma McGrath.

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IS RESERVED AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES AND ALL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. WE RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT ALL OBSERVE A REVERENT SILENCE AND APPROPRIATE DRESS.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

Next Saturday at 5:30 pm Mass we will be celebrating the “Rite of Sending” with our catechumens, Olivia Franklin, Tyler Kaziska, Travis Morrell, and Victoria Sparrow and our candidates, Joseph Konya, Joley Tetreault, Samuel Haimann, Joshua Haimann, Hannah Haimann, and Sarah Haimann. Sunday afternoon they, along with catechumens and candidates throughout the diocese, will be presented to Bishop Paul Bootkoski for the “Rite of Election” and the “Rite of Call to Continuing of Conversion.” We, as a parish community, continue to support them through our prayer as they prepare for the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

A SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND THANKS

I wish to thank Our Lady of Lourdes parish for the generous gifts for our annual baby collection drive to support our local pregnancy aid centers. We collected over 400 gifts and over $2,000.00.

A Special thanks is given to these people for their help in making our Baby Drive a big success: Fran Zangara and Laurie Keeling, of the Rosary Altar Society, Dan Kinney, Joe Olivo, Al Adolfo, and Roman Hnidj of the Knights of Columbus; President of North Pole Insulation Company, David Kinney for use of their van to deliver all your gifts.

P.S. If you forgot to bring your gift, or Baby Bottle back, please do so ASAP. We are charged for all baby bottles not returned.

Thank you,

Bob Keeling, Chairman

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK – 2007

(based on the Passion according to Matthew)

The Lenten reflection book published by the Diocese of Saginaw will be available this weekend for $1.00. They will be in the book rack in the narthex. Please deposit the money in the alms box. These books contain 6 minute daily meditations which will help you “continue the Lenten Journey”.

BEYOND SUNDAY Adult Faith Enrichment

Our study of “Growing Our Images of God” will continue on Tuesday, February 20th, from 10:00 am to noon, in Classrooms 9 and 10. This week, we will discuss Jesus the Icon of God and His Images for God. Newcomers are always welcome. If you would like more information, please call Joline at 534-2319, ext.12.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE SERVING ALL OVER THE WORLD. GOD BLESS THEM AND BRING THEM HOME SAFELY TO THEIR LOVING FAMILIES.

PLEASE NOTE VARIOUS CHANGES TO PARISH STAFF EMAIL ADDRESSES AND EXTENSION NUMBERS LOCATED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE BULLETIN.

ROSARIAN GIFT SHOP

The Rosarian Gift Shop will open the third Sunday of February (February 18^th). Other Sundays and weekdays by appointment. Call Helen at 534-2835.

_____________________________________________

BLOOD DRIVE

There will be a Blood Drive at Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, February 25, from 8:45 am until 2:15 pm. There is a great need for blood, especially in the winter months, and each pint can save up to 3 lives. If you are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, please come in to donate the gift of life.

Sponsor of the Week

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

Thank you for placing an ad in our bulletin.

LIVING STATIONS

Adults and Youth are needed for our Lenten Living Stations on March 23^rd. If anyone is interested, call Joe Systo at 534-6891 or Liz Systo at 534-2319, ext. 17. There will only be one living station experience this Lenten Season. Please call as soon as possible for parts.

Rehearsal: Saturday, February 24^th at 10:00 am in church.

YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES

The Diocese of Metuchen Office of Youth Ministry Presents: Diocesan Youth Day, “Extreme makeover: Faith Edition”, Saturday, March 3rd, Noon – 9pm. Featuring internationally renowned Catholic contemporary musician, Steve Angrisano. Open to all diocesan teens in grades 8 – 12. Registration: $20 before February 15; $25 thereafter. To register contact Debbie McKenna at 534-2319, ext. 20. For more details check www.yandyam.com. Location: Sacred Heart Parish in South Plainfield.

VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED

The Rockaway Reformed Church serves a Shepherd’s Meal to low-income families on the last Friday of every month. If you would like to volunteer along with a group of parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes to assist with the next meal scheduled for February 23^rd at 6:30 pm, please contact Mary Bender at 788-1958.

WANTED: MUSICIANS & SINGERS

FOR DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY

A praise band is being formed for the Diocesan Youth Day, Saturday, March 3^rd, at Sacred Heart in South Plainfield. The theme is “Extreme Makeover-Faith Edition.” The band rehearsal will be here at Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, Feb. 25^th, 1:00-3:00 pm. Ed Jankiewicz is the music director. Call 732-562-1990, ext. 1529, if you are interested in joining the band.

A LENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTION, REFRESHMENT, AND RENEWAL

Come for an experience of prayer, personal reflection, and practical insight with Dr. Mary Jo Leddy and Rev. James Martin, SJ, on March 23^rd. Sponsored by the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of Saint Elizabeth. Please call (973) 290-4300 for a flyer giving all the details, or register online at www.cse.edu/center.

2006 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS

Contribution statements are still available. Please send e-mail request to ollfinance@earthlink.net.

SPIRITUALITY CONVOCATION

COLLEGE OF SAINT ELIZABETH

The Fifteenth Annual Spirituality Convocation will take place at the College of St. Elizabeth on March 24^th. Keynotes by Fr. James Martin and Mary Jo Leddy, over 20 workshops, and music will be a part of this great day. Please call (973) 290-4300 for a brochure giving all the details, or register online at www.cse.edu/center.

ANNUAL RETREAT FOR WOMEN

The Annual Retreat for Women, sponsored by the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, will be held on Saturday, March 3^rd, from 9 am to 3 pm at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. Regina Doman Schmiedicke is the keynote speaker on the topic “The Genius of Womanhood.” Regina, wife and mother of 6, and the oldest of 10 children herself, is the author of a series of young adult novels as well as the best seller children’s picture book, Angel in the Waters. She is a graduate of Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH. Four workshops will be given by the Sisters. For more information visit the Sisters’ website at: www.sistersofjesusourhope.org. Call Sister Judith at 995-7261 to register. Deadline is February 23^rd.

HUNTERDON COUNTY SERRA CLUB

On February 23^rd, after all the masses, the Hunterdon County Serra Club will be conducting a fundraiser by promoting a beautiful hard-cover tabletop book titled Pope John Paul II – A Tribute. This book contains numerous photographs of Pope John Paul II’s life and encompasses his many trips abroad, his meetings with numerous dignitaries and some photographs of his historic funeral at the Vatican. It can be a wonderful addition to every family’s library and offers an opportunity for family and friends to experience his timeless legacy in pictures and important writings. This book can share a prominent place in every Catholic home and would make an excellent gift to anyone for many occasions. The Serra Club members are selling the book for $30 after each mass. The proceeds of the sale will go towards funding programs to foster vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life.

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday of Lent

Deuteronomy 26:4-10: The Lenten fast, like the Exodus, leads to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Romans 10:8-13: The journey of faith is open to all.

Luke 4:1-13: The fast can be a sign that we live on more than bread.