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STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays, “I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave Me to do.” Good stewards follow His example by using their time and talents for the glory of God.

CHURCH SUPPORT

April 26/27, 2008

WEEKLY COLLECTION $6551.00

WEEKLY COLLECTION GOAL $6800.00

Shortfall $ 249.00

Thank You For Your Generosity!

With the month of May traditionally being a month that the Catholic faithful honor Our Blessed Mother, Mary, there was an interesting reflection written about her in this month’s Living With Christ publication. It began with a question of whether or not we’ve ever thought of or imagined Mary as “elderly” in that many of our thoughts of her are of a teen-ager who learns that she is to be a mother. Jesus’ years of ministry were in his early thirties, which translates to Mary being in her mid-forties (considered “elderly” in her time). How can the mature Mary, at age forty-five, be our example too? In Mary’s time, to manage to make it to her age meant that one was a mature person who was a “font of wisdom and a focus for the family relationships.” Mary was a model of wisdom for others; she listened to the Words of God, pondered them, and lived them – willingly. “Mary acted upon the Word in such a way that her life has been transformed completely; Mary shows the kind of behavior that God wants from each of us. She is the living example of every disciple who has been called…Mary’s wisdom grows because she has learned to live with the mystery of God. She has said yes to a life-long relationship with God. Her yes changes everything from that moment.” So through Mary’s example, we are challenged to say YES and allow that YES to happen in our lives. We’ll find, as did Mary, that “nothing is impossible with God!” We, as a faith community, celebrate the witness of Mary, our Mother, and celebrate her witness in our May Procession led by our young Parishioners.

LIFE (this weekend)

Celebrating the Diversity of Pentecost

Sun., May 4 from 11:45am-2:15pm

Mon., May 5 or Tues., May 6 from 5:30pm-8pm.

DISCIPLESHIP: Sr. Lillian Dempsey C.P. will present an evening of prayer, reflection, and discussion on discipleship on Friday, May 16th in the Parish Center. The evening will begin at 6:15pm with a light supper. This event is sponsored by the Small Christian Communities. All are welcome to attend.

May Procession

We are happy to have our lovely 9 year old Mari Valente crown our Blessed Mother Mary on the occasion of our May Procession this year. Mari is the adopted daughter of Jim and Claire Valente, and sister of Kaitlyn, Kevin, and Andrew Valente. Mari loves music, blowing bubbles, her dog Bingo, and most of all her family who opened their hearts to welcome this special child into their family. She is often the leader when Fr. Gene invites the children around the altar. Mari will be escorted by Austin and Andrew Alves, sons of Louis and Amy Alves. These handsome 8 year old fraternal twins are well equipped to protect our queen from any perils that may prevail as they are both football players and lovers of all kinds of sports. They are very excited to be receiving their 1st Eucharist this month. Let us keep these children and their families in our prayers. And so as we honor Mary, we also celebrate the love of the families of all our faithful children and thank them for being such a special part of our Parish family. We know that Mary is smiling as Mari crowns her today. May we all be filled with her pure joy and innocent love of our Mother who loves so dearly and unconditionally.

SAVE THE DATES! In honor of the dedicated service to St. Lucy’s Faith Community, there will be two events where Parishioners can say “thank you” to Fr. Gene and Sr. Mary, who are both retiring this June after more than 20 years of service. Following each of the Masses on the weekend of June 21/22 a reception will be held in the Parish Center. A Farewell Program will be held at the Officers’ Club on Sunday, June 29 from 1 to 4pm. More information will follow.

Newport Navy Choristers presents Proudly We Sing, May 9th at 7:30pm at St. Lucy’s Church. Tickets are Adults ($8), Seniors and Children under 12yrs ($5), and families of 4 or more ($20). All proceeds benefit Middletown-based, nonprofit agency Looking Upwards. Tickets are available from chorus members, Looking Upwards, or at the door. For more information call Looking Upwards at 847-0960 ext. 30 or visit www.newportnavychoristers.org .

EMMAUS YOUTH CENTER/YOUTH MINISTRY is sponsoring a Search for Maturity weekend from May 16-18 at the Youth Center in Riverside. Any High School youth (Grade 10 and over) or college age young adult is welcome to attend. For further information call the Youth Center at 401-433-4327 or speak with Colette.

A DAY OF RECOLLECTION, for women, directed by Sister Eugenia Brady SJC, will be held Saturday, May 17th, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, at St. Lucy’s Parish Center. The theme will be: “Be Still and Know that I am God”. Father Nichols will hear confessions and celebrate Mass. Please bring a bag lunch and free will offering. For more information call Joan Lynch at 846-3926.

FR. GENE/SR. MARY PLANNING MEETING will be held in the Parish Center on Thurs., May 8th, at 6:30 pm to continue planning the retirement events.

Rhode Island’s Diaper Bank: The Community Action Committee is asking for donations of new disposable diapers and incontinence products of all sizes and brands on behalf of the Rhode Island Diaper Bank. The RI Diaper Bank currently distributes these diapers and incontinence products through social service agencies in six core cities in Rhode Island where childhood poverty rates are the highest in the state. Collections will be taken until Mother’s Day, May 11th and may be placed in the connector of the church. Thanks for your support!

THANK YOU: The participants of the Emmaus Youth Center wish to thank you for your generous contributions from your recent Parish collection. Your support enables the staff and volunteers to continue providing quality programming for youth. Retreats, athletics, leadership training events, social and service opportunities will continue thanks to your donations. God Bless You!

KNIT FOR KIDS UPDATE (from Flo Oliveira): I recently sent 14 more hand-knit sweaters from St. Lucy’s to this world-wide project for children in need of warm clothing. This brings our total contribution to 505 sweaters. The Knit for Kids project has donated more than 300,000 sweaters to children all over the world. The suggested pattern is very easy but any children’s pattern can be used. Please see me (Flo) at the music area for copies of the pattern or any help you may need. Worsted-weight yarn may be donated for this project.

THANK YOU to all who donate sweaters and yarn. You have made many children very happy and warm!!

ADOPTION BY CHOICE, a program of Catholic Social Services, is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the State of Rhode Island. The agency will sponsor an adoption information session on Tuesday evening, May 13th, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Catholic Social Services office, 1600 Bay Street, Fall River, MA. Call (508)674-4681 for more information. Or click here to visit the Catholic Social Services web site.