4. The Return of the Twelve and the Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand: A Testament to Divine Provision
In the Gospel narratives, the account of the return of the Twelve Apostles to Jesus and the subsequent feeding of the five thousand stands as a testament to the compassionate heart and miraculous provision of Jesus Christ. This powerful episode unfolds against the backdrop of a deserted place, where Jesus withdraws in a boat seeking solitude after receiving news of the death of John the Baptist. However, his solitary retreat is interrupted by a vast crowd who follows him on foot from their towns, hungering for his healing touch and life-giving words.
Upon seeing the multitude, Jesus' heart is moved with compassion, and he begins to cure their sick, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those who seek him. As the day progresses and evening approaches, the disciples express concern for the well-being of the crowd, noting the deserted nature of the place and the lateness of the hour. They suggest sending the people away to nearby villages to procure food for themselves.
We Would Love to Have You Participate
There are many opportunities to participate in St. John Fisher Parish life by demonstrating your given talents and skills - be it in the various volunteer ministries, social groups or in support of staffed positions. In addition, we are looking for help in the following areas:
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Care and watering of the inside church plants and flowers
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Altar decorations and outdoor door decorations
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Decorating and care of the entrance areas and vestibule
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Periodic ironing of the altar cloths and banners
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Communications - internal, external and written correspondence
Please let our church secretary, Heather, know if you are able to help out in any of the above areas. Our many thanks in advance!
9th Grade Confirmation Class ~ Community Service Event
The ninth grade Confirmation Class will be conducting a community service event following class on Sunday, April 7, which will benefit ImmaCare located in Hartford. The teens will be making breakfast bags for those who frequent ImmaCare. We are looking for pre-packaged individual breakfast items, such as:
đ đ granola bars, dried fruit, Danish, muffins, protein bars, Capri Sun, trail mix, apples and oranges. We are also looking for brown lunch bags. The donation bin will be in the church foyer until April 7. Thank in advance for
your wonderful generosity.
đŤ Save the date: April 10th Spring Tea Planning Meeting
April 10th Spring Tea Planning Meeting
A planning meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, at 7:00 pm in the church hall. Please consider attending to help out
with this upcoming event.
Only Say the WordâŚ
Men's Retreat ~ April 12-14, 2024 ~ Holy Family Retreat Team
Our retreat theme this year, Only Say the WordâŚ, is based on the belief that God can â and will â heal us, and all of creation. Our faith prompts us to ask for and receive that healing in many ways.
When Jesus encounters the centurion in the Gospel of Matthew (8:5-13), he meets a person of deep faith and humility who knows that healing comes from God alone. The centurion proclaims: âLord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.â We will reflect together on those powerful words of Jesus in response to the centurion: âGo; let it be done for you according to your faithâ (Matthew 8:13). We will ask: where is healing needed, in us and in our world? And how can we, the very Body of Christ, help to bring about that healing with our unique gifts and talents?
Rice Bowl Donations
Rice Bowl donations will be collected next week- end (April 14). You may add your donations to the weekly Mass collection in an envelope labeled Rice Bowl. All checks should be made out to St. John Fisher Church. To send your donation directly to CRS, go to www.crsricebowl.org. Remember, 25% of all funds collected through Rice Bowl stay in the Archdiocese.
Corpus Christi School of Wethersfield
Are you wondering if your child is on track academically?
You are not alone. Perhaps youâd like to consider some other educational options. Corpus Christi School of Wethersfield, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, will host a Spring Open House on Tuesday, April 16 from 6:00 â 7:30 P.M. at
Corpus Christi School, 581 Silas Deane Highway. Corpus Christi School students benefit from smaller class sizes and personalized instruction. A structured curriculum combined with a nurturing environment result in student success - imagine how your child could soar!! Tours will be available; teachers, students, and parents will be on hand to answer questions. Tuition assistance is available. The school encompasses PreK - 8th grade. To register, please visit our website https://corpuschristischoolct.org/ or call 860-529-5487
đ˝ď¸ St Vincent de Paul Sunday Night Supper ~ Sunday, April 21, 2024
Our parish has the opportunity to live the Lordâs message by providing and serving a hot meal to the patrons of St. Vincent De Paul in Middletown
Full MenuâŚ
BAKED HAM - Fully cooked and delivered HOT to church on Sunday by 1:30 pm. (Easter hams may be on sale now - consider picking up an extra one (or two) for April 21st)
POTATOES - Roasted, mashed, scalloped, etc., delivered HOT to church on Sunday by 1:30 pm using a disposable tin.
FRESH VEGETABLES - Delivered HOT to church on Sunday by 1:30 pm. Suggest using a 12x10 disposable tin.
DESSERT â Cookies bagged 3 to a baggie
VolunteersâŚ
- To cook or bake portions of the menu
- To help prep the hot food delivered at 1:30 pm on Sunday
- To deliver and serve the meal at St. Vincent de Paul beginning at 4:00 pm.
We will gladly accept monetary donations to purchase paper goods, utensils, water and additional food, as needed. You may place your contribution (in a separate envelope marked âSt. Vincent de Paul Sunday Supperâ) in the offertory basket at Mass(es). If writing a check, please make out to St. John Fisher with a note in the memo.
PLEASE LOOK FOR SIGNÂâUP SHEETS AT BOTH EXITS ~ Questions? Email Nancy at
đ¤ Itâs Coffee and Donuts and Friends and Fellowship
Itâs meeting new parishioners or connecting with those youâve seen in church, but maybe never met.
Itâs time to enjoy conversations and even brief moments of passing greetings.
Itâs talking over Mass, the homily, or music.
Itâs plans for Easter, dinner, or time at home with family.
Itâs time to share pictures, experience youâve have had or are coming up.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring this all together.
Saint John Fisher Church Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Saint John Fisher Church Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, April 27, 2024 ~ 5:00 PM ~ St Thomas Moore Hall
sign up sheets are at the church entrances
no charge but a free will donation will be accepted
3. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda: A Testament to Jesus' Compassion
In the heart of Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, lies a pool known in Hebrew as Bethesda, surrounded by five porticoes. This site, steeped in history and significance, serves as the backdrop for a profound encounter between Jesus and a man who had been afflicted with illness for thirty-eight years. The narrative unfolds as a testament to Jesus' compassion and power to bring about miraculous healing.
The scene is set with a description of the pool of Bethesda, where a multitude of individuals suffering from various ailments â the ill, blind, lame, and crippled â gather in hope of receiving healing. Among them is a man who has languished in illness for nearly four decades, his life marked by suffering and despair.
Jesus, in his divine wisdom and compassion, approaches the man and engages him in a simple yet profound question: "Do you want to be well?" This inquiry goes beyond the surface level of physical healing; it delves into the depths of the man's desire for restoration and transformation.
The man, in his response, reveals the obstacles that have hindered him from receiving healing â the lack of assistance to lower him into the pool when its waters are stirred, believed to possess healing properties. His words resonate with a sense of resignation and hopelessness, reflecting the struggles faced by many who grapple with illness and adversity.
Read more: 3. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda: A Testament to Jesus' Compassion
Exciting News: Planning to Offer Children's Liturgy of the WordÂ
- Priest Shares Powerful Truth About Catholicism!
- Archbishopâs Annual Appeal
- Building Our Faith, One Page at a Time
- 2. The Second Sign at Cana: A Story of Faith and Healing
- Introduction to 10 Miracles of Jesus - 1. The Wedding at Cana
- Understanding Jesus as "The Lamb"
- The Entire Mass is from Scripture!
- AHM Bake Sale Photographs
- CRS Spotlight
- Drive-Thru CafĂŠ Was a Huge Success!
- Service to Our Community ~ The Christian Outreach Committee
- Lenten Recipes ~ Compiled by the Ladies of St. John Fishers
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