Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands

42 Barren Spot- P.O. Box 1160 Kings Hill U.S. Virgin Islands 00851

Tel. (340) 778-0484 Fax. (340) 779-3151

Website: www.catholicvi.com/stann/

E-mail: stannbarrenspot@gmail.com

Solemnity Of The Ascension Of The Lord —Year B

May 12 — May 13, 2018 Most Rev. Herbert A. Bevard

“TOGETHER BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”

ST. ANN’S BOOKSTORE & GIFTS SHOP

Tuesdays to Fridays: 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Sundays: Open after Masses

CCN / EWTN Channel 7

9:30 a.m. Sundays Mass (Live) Channel 7

Internet: www.livestream.com/caribbeancatholicnetwork7

ALTAR FLOWERS

Would you like the Altar flowers to be offered in memory of someone or in celebration of a special occasion, Please call the office and schedule a date. A free-will donation is welcome.

SANCTUARY DEVOTIONAL LIGHT

Would you like to donate the sanctuary candle in memory of someone or in celebration of a special occasion, please call the office and schedule a date. A free-will donation is welcome.

Fr. Louis Kemayou, Pastor

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Daily

Readings

This week’s sanctuary candle

St. Ann Chapel : B’day Marie Lockhart

St. Joachim Church: For The Sick Among Us

Shrine of Our Lady: Healing Most Rev. George

V Murry, Bishop

This week’s Altar Flower

Blessings Elanie Jno Baptiste

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

EVERY FRIDAY AT 5:30 P.M

Adorémus in ætérnum

Sanctíssimum Sacraméntum

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTION Saturday, May 12, 2018

8:30 a.m. Religious Education

4:00 p.m. Spl. Int. Amad Battiste rb His Family

Sunday, May 13, 2018 7:00 a.m. B’day Blessing Elizabeth Charles rb Her Family

9:30 a.m. Blessing Elanie JnoBaptiste rb. Allyne George +Marie Lubrin Rb Yves & Jennifer Abraham Tuesday, May 15, 2018

12:15 p.m. In Thanksgiving Liana Jorgensen rb Her Mother

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

6:30 a.m. +Edmond Koupie Rb. Fr. Louis Thursday, May 17, 2018

12:15 p.m. +Clive Regis

Friday, May 18, 2018

6:30 a.m. +Bernadette Koupie Rb. Fr. Louis

14—Monday

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Ps 113:1

-8; Jn 15:9-17

15–Tuesday

Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11,

20-21; Jn 17:1-11a

16 - Wednesday

Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30,

33--36b; Jn 17:11b-19

17— Thursday

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26

18—Friday

Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103: 1-2,

12, 19-20b; Jn 21:15-19

19--Saturday

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4

-5, 7 Jn 21:20-25

20–Sunday (Red)

Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1ab,

24ac, 29bc-30, 31, 34; 1 Cor

12:3b-7, 12-13 or Gal 5:16-25;

Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 15:26-27;

16:12-15

Directory

PRIESTS DEACONS

Rev. Fr. Louis K. Kemayou, Pastor Rev. Mr. Joseph T. Mark, OCDS

Rev. Msgr. Michael F. Kosak, (Retired) In Residence Rev. Mr. Hyacinthe George, Rev. Mr. Denis Griffith,

SECRETARY Mrs. Linda O’Neale Rev. Mr. Edward Cave, Rev. Mr. Norbert Xavier,

Bookstore: Office Staff Rev. Mr. Eugene Thompson, ( Retired )

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Coordinator Rev. Mr. Arnold Helenese, OCDS– ( Retired )

MAINTENANCE: Mr. Aldon Rogers & Mr. Michael Matthews

SACRISTAN: Mr. Aldon Rogers,

Assistant Sacristans: Mrs. Patricia Browne, Mrs. Patricia Griffith, Ms. Theodosia Christopher

MASSES & DEVOTIONS

Weekend

Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Sundays: 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m.

Weekday

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:15 p.m.

Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30 a.m.

Fridays: 5:30 p.m.—Holy Hour

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM: Call for Appointment

CONFESSION: Saturdays: 3:30 p.m. or by Appointment

MARRIAGE: Call 4 months in advance

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Call anytime

FUNERAL: Tuesdays through Fridays

Please call prior to final arrangements

FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

Ascension of the Lord

There are similarities in the reports of Jesus’ Ascension found in the Synoptic Gos-

pels—Mark, Matthew, and Luke. In each case, Jesus assigns his disciples the task of pro-

claiming the gospel message to the entire world. There are also notable distinctions. In the

Gospels of Mark and Matthew, the disciples are sent by Jesus to baptize and to preach. In

Luke’s Gospel, however, the commission to baptize is absent. Instead, Jesus directs the dis-

ciples to return to Jerusalem to await the fulfilment of his promise to send them the Holy

Spirit. Curiously, only the Gospels of Mark and Luke actually report Jesus’ ascension into

heaven. Matthew’s Gospel concludes with Jesus’ promise to remain with his disciples for-

ever. Only the Gospel of Mark notes that Jesus ascended to sit at the right hand of God. In

noting this, Mark teaches that Jesus’ ascension affirms the glory Jesus received from God

after his death and Resurrection.

Even if this ending to Mark’s Gospel was written by someone other than the Evangel-

ist, in the commission that Jesus gives to his disciples, there are elements that are quite typi-

cal of Mark’s Gospel. The signs that will accompany belief in Jesus are as vivid as the ac-

tion performed by Jesus during his ministry. Those who believe in Jesus will be empowered

to do what Jesus himself has done. During his ministry, Jesus sent his disciples to preach, to

heal, and to drive out unclean spirits. Now they are sent again to do these things and more.

From his place with God in heaven, Jesus helped his disciples, and he continues to help us

as we try to live as his followers.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP:

Financial support is essential to the church’s mission,

plan and individual Christian growth. You can con-

tribute through regular giving and pledging. These

include weekly offerings and regular charitable con-

tributions. Tithing is a way to set aside a portion of

your income for your church. These methods help

make it convenient for you to contribute to your

church. Remember, the question isn’t “How much

should I give?” The question is “Am I giving all I

can?”

For everyone much is given, much will be re-

quired”...Luke 12:48.

By giving to the church, you put your resources in

God’s hands. Happy blessed Sunday!

BISHOP’S APPEAL—2018

We are reminded of our call to be “good stewards” of the cor-

poral and spiritual works of mercy and give an acceptable por-

tion of our TIME, TALENT and TREASURE for the Kingdom

of God. The Bishop's Appeal 2018 is a practical opportunity for

you to practice your Catholic faith by serving Christ and His

poor and needy brothers and sisters, Bethlehem Houses, soup

kitchens and evangelization efforts. For your convenience, you may choose to make a pledge now

and spread your donation over several months. Donations may

be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. Checks should

be made payable to “Diocese of St. Thomas”. Pleases see the

brochure for further information

“Failure Always Looks for an Excuse,

Success Always Looks for a Way,

You Are Our Way to Success!”

MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

God of all goodness, look on those who wait for the safe

return of their loved ones who serve in the Armed Forces

of their country. In faith and hope we turn to you for com-

fort. Grant that we may trust in your mercy and send an

angel to sustain us as we await their safe return. We ask

this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SERVING OUR COUNTRY

Fr. Simon Obeng, Fr. Alejandro Sanchez, Fr. Jose

Herrera, Fr. Cecil Corneille, Sanil-Dale Tison, Darryl

D’Souza, Brian Krauser, Gemma Emmanuel, Levi Den-

ios, Natasha & Ivone Alcala, Linus Felix, Camillus Tho-

mas, Erica A. Toussaint, Agnes Lindsay, Patrick Rivers,

Denecia Weekes, Marcus Maximin, Miguel Navarro, Jr.,

Mariel Chinouyaz, Audin Benjamin, Jane William, Verin

Nesbitt Wescott, Michael Moorehead, Brian Halloway,

John Noel, Dwayne Thomas, Xandrio Tank Yuk, Robinson

Ferdinand, Kimberly Ferdinand, Mario Mason, Jr., Aaron

Thomas, Valence Modeste Kelly, Iulani Greenidge,

Anissa Eversley, David Best, Wayne J. Baker, Reginald

Antoine, Marvin Delsol, Ismenio Lampe, Brian Peterson,

Elsworth Stevenson, Patricia Charles, Terrance Ritter,

Lawrence Ritter, Shana Antoine, James Frymyre, Em-

manuel Maldonado, Denis Duparl, Louis Encarnacion,

Pedro Reyes, Patrick Vernon, James Gaston, Fabian

Claxton, Collin Joseph, Nyasia Reed, Jason Jaggernauth,

Martin Alexis, Joel Gilbert, Jeffry Centeno, Anthony

Camacho, Aubrey Camacho, Austin Carino, Kernatha

Auguste, Masline Noel, Darwin Richards, Jeremiah L.

Charler, Akeem Greenidge, Ganisia Lashan, Alex Hector,

John & Felicita Martinez-Gines, Henisha Williams, Jere-

mye Morgan, Comeron Childres, Jainea Louis, Tyquavias

& Jemel Dawson, Enja Gumbs, Rodney Fabio III, Kareem

Pedro, Rashid A. Richards, Naim Muhammad, George

O’Neal Davis III, Herman Bardouille, Jr., Vinetra Gilbert,

Meriano Jacobs

Please call the Office, to add or remove names from this

list.

HALO

Abundant blessings and thanks to our Altar

Society Group “D” that cleaned and prepared

the various areas for church services this past

Saturday. Group “E” is scheduled for cleaning

Saturday, May 19, 2018 starting at 6:00 A.M.

Please think and pray about giving just one

hour each month to prepare the Lord’s house

for worship.

Wish List for the Office

Copier Machine Xerox — $11,345.00 / $3,700.00

Computers set (3) / (6)

Office Chairs (3) / (9)

Office cabinet (2) / (2)

We thank you for your help and may the Lord

richly bless you.

Fr. Louis Kemayou

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

FOR THE THIRTY-THIRD WORLD YOUTH DAY 2018

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Lk 1:30)

(Part II ) Dear young people,

What blocks me and prevents me from moving forward? Why do I lack the courage to make the important choices I need to make? Do not be afraid to face your fears honestly, to rec-ognize them for what they are and to come to terms with them. The Bible does not ignore the human experience of fear nor its many

causes. Abraham was afraid (cf. Gen12:10ff), Jacob was afraid (cf. Gen 31:31; 32:7), and so were Moses (cf. Ex 2:14; 17:4), Peter (cf. Mt 26:69ff) and the Apostles (cf. Mk 4:38-40; Mt 26:56). Jesus himself, albeit in an incom-parable way, experienced fear and anguish (cf. Mt 26:37; Lk 22:44). “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (Mk 4:40). In admonishing his disciples Jesus helps us to understand how the obstacle to faith is often not scepticism but fear. Thus un-derstood, the work of discernment identifies our fears and can then help us to overcome them, opening us to life and helping us to calmly face the challenges that come our way. For us Chris-tians in particular, fear must never have the last word but rather should be an occasion to make an act of faith in God… and in life! This means believing in the fundamental goodness of the ex-istence that God has given us and trusting that he will lead us to a good end, even through cir-cumstances and vicissitudes which often bewil-der us. Yet if we harbour fears, we will become inward-looking and closed off to defend our-selves from everything and everyone, and we will remain paralyzed. We have to act! Never close yourself in! In the Sacred Scriptures the expression “do not be afraid” is repeated 365 times with different variations, as if to tell us that the Lord wants us to be free from fear, every day of the year.

Discernment is indispensable when searching for one’s vocation in life. More often than not our vocation is not obvious or evident at first but rather something we come to understand gradually. Discernment, in this case, should not be seen as an individual effort at intro-spection, with the aim of better understanding our interior make-up so as to strengthen us and acquire some balance. In such instances the person can become stronger, but is still confined to the limited horizon of his or her possibilities and perspectives. Vocation, how-ever, is a call from above, and discernment in this context principally means opening our-selves to the Other who calls. Prayerful si-lence is therefore required in order to hear the voice of God that resounds within our con-science. God knocks at the door of our hearts, as he did with Mary; he longs to estab-lish friendship with us through prayer, to speak with us through the Sacred Scriptures, to offer us mercy in the Sacrament of Recon-ciliation, and to be one with us in the Eucha-rist. It is also important to dialogue with and en-counter others, our brothers and sisters in the faith who have more experience, for they help us to see better and to choose wisely from the various possibilities. When the young Samuel hears the voice of the Lord, he does not rec-ognize it immediately. Three times he runs to Eli, the older priest, who in the end proposes the right response to give to the Lord’s call: “If he calls you, you shall say: ‘Speak Lord, for your servant hears.’” (1 Sam 3:9). In your doubts know that you can rely on the Church. I know that there are very good priests, consecrated men and woman and lay faithful, many of whom are also young, who can support you like older brothers and sisters in the faith. Enlivened by the Holy Spirit, they will help you to make sense of your doubts and understand the plan of your own voca-tion.

(Part III Next Week)

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Parish announcements are as follows: This week’s sanctuary candle: ST. ANN’S CHAPEL: B’day Blessing Marie Lockhart ST. JOACHM CHURCH: For The Sick Among Us SHRINE OF OUR LADY: Healing for Most Rev. George V. Murry, Bishop ALTAR FLOWERS: Blessings Elanie Jno Baptiste

Second Collection: This weekend second collection is for .

Catholic Communication Campaign. Next weekend second col-

lection will be for Religious Education and Bus Collection .

Please be generous.

Wednesdays – 10:30 a.m.: No Mass/Communion Service at

the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged on May 16, 2018.

Fridays – 5:30 p.m.: Holy Hour.

2nd Sunday of Each Month: There will be no Prayer Meeting

the second Sunday of this month because of Mother’s Day cele-

bration. Happy Mother’s Day?

Bookstore: First Communion and Confirmation are around the

corner. We currently have Baptism, First Communion and Con-

firmation gifts now on sale in the Marian Hall.

Blessed Virgin Mary: During the month of May, we will be

praying the holy rosary for 20 minutes before each Mass in dedi-

cation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Stewards Of Christ: All fellow Parishioners are invited to a

second “Walk For Health” on May 19, 2018. This walk starts

from Basin Triangle, onto the By Pass, to the Lagoon, and back

to Basin Triangle through Christiansted. Gathering starts at 4:40

a.m. following the Walk at 5:00 a.m.. We look forward to seeing

you there.

Condolences: Our Condolences to the Family of Victor Sker-

rette on his passing away. May God be merciful and welcome

his soul into his Kingdom and give to the family members peace

and comfort. The Funeral is scheduled for Tuesday May 22,

2018. Viewing at 9:00 am with Mass at 10:00 am.

OUR SICK: Please keep in the charity of your prayers the sick

amongst us.

Magdeline James, Alberta Hendrickson, Lucinda Pemberton, Mary Denis, Catherine Decembre, Doreen Pemberton, Elden Serrant, Stanislaus Prescott, Marv E. Jon, Steve Keith, Cath-erine Samuel, Larry Cook, Omar Dubois, Mary Bishop, Maria Hall, Olive LeCointe, Derick James, Clementina Tuitt, Kay Colon, Troy Jones, Maurille Philemon, Ann Marie Marius, Ve-ronica Fleming, Stephen Williams, Yvonne Monroe, Anna Lindo, Desmond Etienne, Charles Gilbert III, Linda White, Kina Ireland, Wilberto Bennet, Claudelle Mathurin, Phillip Joseph, Brenda Plaskett, Clytie James, Fr. John Molyneuz, Eduarda Francis, Gerald Douglas, Evarice Xavier, Lynette Carrabon, Marlon & Stephanie Jordan, Wilhelimina Cooke, Gerard Hall, Marie Urgent, Conrad Edwin, Arkuright Johnson, Ishvelle Christopher, Agnes Dominique, Lisa Obeius, Vera Irwin, Er-ville Pemberton, John O’Neal, Veronica Rawlins, Maria Leon, Alexander Jean Marie, Gina Weissinger, Mayco Santiago, Mabel Richardson, Gladys Charriez, Shalmar Bine, Iris Cae-sar, Nicholas Miller, Catherine Hughes, Melanie Krigger, Laura Christopher, Peter Nestor, Novena Charles, Nkosi Den-nie, Justin Garcia, Lisa Griffith, Lisa Monero, Carlos Nelson, Claude C. Steele, Ramona Pierre, Pablo Belardo, Caroline Richburg, Enid Vialet, Felix L. Llanos, Sharon R. Anderson, Bernadine Daley, Todd Cox, Edris Smith, Engracia Garcia, Andre Lake, Roy Alexander Rodgers, Dorival Jno Jules, Grace Julien, Avlyn White, Ilise Andrews-Scot, Doreen Henry, Eugenie Samuel, Julius Francis, Leonard Lockhart, Bevon Nicholas, Margaret Euristhe, Jennifer Derima, Kelvin & Ellen Howard, George Bridgewater, Josephine Browne, Anthony Ramdhanie, Eva Felix, Nellarine Benjamin, Vincent Phillip, Winston F. Quammie, Joy Sherwood, Rita Marcano, Gaye Chastanet, Daniel Frederick, Avante Saunders, Francisca Fleming, Hector Peguero, Sr, Sheila Nicholas, Dorothy Be-deau, Marlon Hector, Alexis Corbitt, Mary Martin, Mary Vin-cent, Cyrillia Louesta Charles, Carla D. Beharry, Jose Rivera, Pauline Claxton, Claudette Thomas, Larry Miller Jr., Angela

Laudat, Reginald Antoine, Sr., Annelle Sylvestre

Please call the Office, to add or remove names from this list.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

God our Father, all the elements of

nature obey your command. We praise

and thank you for your protection dur-

ing the hurricane season. We ask again

to guide us through a new year, free of

any earthquakes, floods, natural disas-

ters and all acts of terrorism. Bless our

families, and bring peace to all na-

tions. We ask this through our Lord Je-

sus Christ, who lives and reigns with

you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for-

ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

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