Join us for the Lenten Penance Service which will be held at SHSF at 1 PM on Sunday, March 17. On Sunday, March 17th, you are also invited to attend an Irish music show put on by Henry Simpatico's Ukulele String Ensemble and friends. It will be held at St John's in North Bennington at 2 pm. Donations will be accepted on behalf of His Pantry and the St John's food shelf and light refreshments will be served. Throughout Lent, Taize Prayer will be offered weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 until 6:00 PM beginning February 20 through March 19 at Sacred Heart St. Francis Church. From the Pastor's Desk: Before Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus celebrated the Passover feast with His disciples. On Holy Thursday, we will commemorate this supper and profess our faith in the Real Presence. During the Mass, we will remember Jesus’ call for us to serve our brothers and sisters – He did this when he washed the feet of His disciples and commanded them, and us, to imitate His example. The strength for this command to serve comes from Jesus Himself. At the Last Supper, He gave us the gift of the Eucharist – nourishment to assist us along the way. Simple gifts of bread and wine become Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at each Mass. On Holy Thursday we process behind Jesus in the Consecrated Host to remember the agony He suffered before He was arrested. We stay with Him for moments of prayer (adoration) resisting the sleep that our bodies might want or need so that we can join Him as he accepts His cross out of love for us. The gift of the Eucharist is celebrated every day of the year except on Good Friday. When altar servers are present, they ring bells as the priest elevates the Consecrated Host and Precious Blood. These bells are meant to “wake us up” and focus our attention that a miracle has taken place: the bread and wine have been changed into Jesus Himself! After these elevations, the priest genuflects in adoration – in awe and thanksgiving! As we continue the season of Lent, let us remember that we do not live our lives alone – Jesus gives us strength and grace with His own Body and Blood. Let us be grateful for the gift of the Eucharist and let us serve others as Jesus commands. God bless, Fr. Kevin |
About Us
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is a community of baptized people who have,
as their common goals: to love, model, teach, serve, and celebrate Christ in our lives.
Committed to the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, and guided by the Holy Spirit,
we are dedicated to service to God’s people
and center our faith-life around liturgical celebrations, the Gospel, and prayer.
Based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council,
we reach out to all people lovingly,
acknowledging their uniqueness and dignity,
and treat all with respect, tolerance, and acceptance, having the love of Jesus as our core.