LENTEN EVENTS
SHROUD OF TURIN EXHIBIT AT ST. HENRY
NEW ONLINE GIVING PLATFORM
HOLY FAMILY CIRCLE EASTER EGG HUNT
RECORD YEAR FOR RCIA
HOLY WEEK
Fr. Eric Fowlkes Pastor
Fr. Shinto Padinjaredathu Associate Pastor
Fr. Pat Kibby Senior Priest
Mike Catalano Deacon
Marty Deschenes Deacon
Deacon C.J. Donarski Deacon
Bryan Kaegi, Chair
Doug Atwood
David Benneyworth
Mandy Broderick
Natalie Figlio
Josh Jackson
Hillary Klein
Mike Nicholl
Cathy Spencer
Bob Wanucha
Mary Kate Werry
Carol Weick
Andy Zimberg
PARISHIONERS HELPING SHAPE OUR CHURCH
The St. Henry Parish Council works with the pastor and staff in addressing the needs and activities of the parish community. This twelve person council commits to a three-year term of service to our community. This year, we will see three council members—David Benneyworth, Natalie Figlio, and Mike Nicholl —complete their terms. We are grateful for their dedicated service.
Now begins our search for new council members. If you would like to be considered as a nominee or know a potential nominee, contact Bryan Kaegi at bryan@vogelgroupdc.com for more information. Look for voting the first weekend in May.
Dear Friends,
Happy Lent! While we may not typically associate this season with joy or happiness, embracing this sacred time as an opportunity for grace and renewal in our relationship with the Lord can transform it into a source of great joy This special season of grace prepares us to celebrate the Paschal Mystery with renewed hearts and minds We begin this season marked by ashes, which remind us of our mortality, yet these fleeting ashes are destined for eternal glory!
The term "Lent" originates from the Old English word "lencten," meaning springtime. Just as spring often involves cleaning our homes, sorting through belongings, and allowing fresh air in, this spiritual season invites us to refresh and embrace the new life that God wishes to offer us. The foundational elements of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving While we often focus on what to "give up" during Lent, these three components also remind us of what we should "take on" for our journey towards renewal
Lent is also a time for returning to the Lord We acknowledge our need for God's mercy and receive His grace through the forgiveness of our sins. We are called to be people of prayer, and this season encourages us to dedicate time each day to prayer and silence. Take the opportunity to read the scriptures slowly and thoughtfully, meditate on them, pray, and then spend some time in quiet contemplation Consider adding daily Mass to your Lenten practices or participating in the Stations of the Cross. These beautiful reflections foster a deep sense of gratitude and praise for Christ's sacrifice out of love for us.
Additionally, practice almsgiving through small acts of kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and charity. Many individuals are facing illness, loss, or heavy burdens. A simple phone call or a note of love and encouragement can make a significant difference It may even require the courage to reach out to someone from whom you have become estranged.
Lastly, I want you to know how blessed I feel to serve you as your pastor I eagerly look forward to celebrating my first Holy Week and Easter with you at St. Henry! My prayers and best wishes are with you for a truly blessed and joyful Easter!
In His love,
MARCH 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday signifies the start of the Lenten Season. Mass will take place at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and 6 p.m., with ashes distributed during each service Additionally, the Liturgy of the Word will be held at 10 a m and 2 p m , where ashes will also be distributed
Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation
It is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat
MARCH 13, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M. | CHURCH
Lent is a time of prayer and spiritual growth to prepare ourselves for Easter. We encourage the parish community to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many priests from the Diocese of Nashville will be present to hear confessions.
SELECT FRIDAYS | 5-7 P.M. IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for a delightful meal featuring savory fried tilapia, paired with options like hush puppies, fries, onion rings, salad, and dessert. The price is $13 for adults and $8 for children aged 12 and under. Mark your calendars for our fish fry dates: March 7, March 28 (carry-out only), and April 4, all taking place in the fellowship hall
NT AT 7 P.M.
he Cross is a 14-step devotional practice reflecting on and death, tracing His journey to Calvary. This prayer urch every Friday during Lent at 7 p m , except Good ccurs at noon All are welcome to attend Easy-toklets will be available upon your arrival.
MARCH 28 - 30 | FELLOWSHIP HALL
"Who is the Man of the Shroud?" exhibit features an original replica of the Holy Shroud, an in-depth explanation of its history, a model of the crown of thorns, and replicas of other instruments used during the Passion of Jesus. The exhibit also includes a life-sized model of the body that was wrapped by the Shroud.
The Shroud of Turin is a blood-stained linen cloth that bears the mysterious image of a crucified man believed by many to be Jesus. It is one of the most scientifically studied archaeological artifacts in the world, yet modern science cannot explain how the mysterious image on the Shroud was formed.
You are invited to explore the science, history and Scriptures related to the Shroud and Shroud Educators will be available during the exhibit for questions.
This exhibit was recently viewed by over 60,000 pilgrims at the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last year.
This exhibit was created by Othonia, brought to our parish by Pam McCue and a special thank you to Denise Montagnino for organizing.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 5 - 8 P M SATURDAY, MARCH 29 8:30 A M - 3 P M 6 P M - 8 P M SUNDAY, MARCH 30 12 P.M. - 3 P.M.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 6 P M
SATURDAY, MARCH 29 9 A.M., 11 A.M. & 6:30 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 30 12:15 P.M.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3 AT 7 P.M. | CHURCH
St. Henry will provide a special opportunity to engage in an hour of Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music from our own talented Patrick Murphy For several years, Patrick's incredible voice and beautiful piano style have been a cherished gift to our parish Join us to embrace the presence of Jesus at this memorable event.
NOW THROUGH APRIL 14
Honor your loved ones this Easter by contributing to the flower fund. The 6 a.m. sunrise Mass on Easter morning will be dedicated to the names included in our Easter Memorials. Additionally, a booklet featuring all the names will be available during Easter weekend.
AN ALMSGIVING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PARISH
Catholic Relief Services' Rice Bowl program began 50 years ago to aid families facing famine in Africa. Rice bowls will be available for all parishioners at the entrances during the first week of Lent. Our school and religious education students will receive materials through their classrooms. To participate, assemble your rice bowl, place it at home, and encourage family donations Filled rice bowls can be returned in the Narthex on Palm Sunday weekend Thank you for supporting those in need through CRS Rice Bowl. While 75% of donations support CRS programs in 120 countries, 25% remains in our parish to combat local hunger and poverty.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025
To see all our Lenten events, visit www.sthenry.org/lent or scan the QR code
Receive your blessed palms and participate in the procession into the church at the beginning of Mass. More details will be available closer to the date.
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025
The Holy Family Circle Ministry will host our annual egg hunt on the school playground again this Palm Sunday. Children ages eight and under are welcome to join in on the egg-hunting fun, while those over eight will have a variety of other activities to enjoy This event will take place on Sunday, April 13, after the 9 a m Mass concludes
TUESDAY, APRIL 15 | SAGRADO CORAZÓN DE JESÚS
This beautiful Liturgy includes the blessing of sacred chrism and the other oils used in sacraments throughout the year, and the renewal of commitment on the part of the priests serving in our diocese. Tickets are free, but must be reserved to attend. The link can be found at www.sthenry.org/holyweek.
THURSDAY
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 6 P.M.
There will not be a 6:30 or 8 a.m. Mass on Holy Thursday. No Holy Hour.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the Sacred Triduum as we observe the annual celebration of the saving death and resurrection of the Lord The washing of the feet is a beautiful sign of the humble loving service Christ models for us Following Communion, the Eucharist is carried in solemn procession to its place of rest All are invited to join the procession to the Fellowship Hall as the Eucharist is carried out of the central aisle of the church Adoration will conclude with the celebration of night prayer at 9:00 p m We depart in silence on this night, and the church is stripped of its adornments
FRIDAY
FRIDAY, APRIL 18 AT 3 P.M. | CHURCH
Good Friday marks the observance of the death of Jesus. All enter and leave the Liturgy in silence this day. As the priests and ministers fall prostrate all are asked to kneel During the proclamation of the Passion according to St John, parishioners listen in silence as various persons proclaim the parts of the Gospel The cross is venerated Special intercessions are offered for the needs of the church and of the world The collection is taken up for the places of the Holy Land Communion is offered Stations of the Cross are commemorated at noon in the church on Good Friday
THE LORD HAS RISEN ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
Easter Vigil | Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
This Mass begins in front of the church by the paschal fire. The congregation processes in, while spreading the light of Christ to each other with candles. This Mass is expected to conclude after 10 p.m.
Easter Morning Sunrise Outdoor Mass | Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 a.m.
Celebrate the Risen Lord with the rising of the sun. Bring your camping chairs and jackets to this Mass that will be celebrated outdoors, in front of the school
Easter Morning Masses | Sunday, April 20 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
ASL Interpreter will be at the 9:00 a m Easter Mass
“The sense of community in RCIA is palpable, and it’s an environment where we can share our thoughts, tackle deep questions, and grow together in faith.”
- Giovanna Gonzalez, 2025 candidate
Fifty-eight candidates and catechumen are studying to become Catholic this year at St. Henry, making this the largest group in the history of our parish.
The R.C.I.A. process, beginning each September and ultimately culminating at the Easter Vigil Mass, is indeed a process. Students must attend weekly meetings, take part in scripture study during Mass on Sundays, meet with Deacon Mike, R C I A Director individually, attend a retreat, and so much more while learning about the Catholic Faith and preparing for the sacraments they will soon receive
Thereisn'tasingle,clearanswertothisquestion Manyindividualsstart attendingMasswithapartnerorafriendanddiscoverittobeengaging, whileothersaresimplyreconnectingwiththeFaiththeyexperiencedintheir youth.ElizabethMcCormick,acatechumen,shared,“Myolderbrotherwent throughR.C.I.A.inMinnesotabeforehisweddinglastyear.Hispositive experiencewithRCIA inspiredmetotakethenextstepformyself”
AsoneofthelargestministriesatSt HenryChurch,RCIA greatly dependsonthesupportoftheparishcommunitytoensureeverything operatessmoothly.Eachweek,parishionersgenerouslyprovidemeals.The dedicatedRCIA teamreturnswithenthusiasmandexcitementyearafter year Sponsorsandgodparentsjointhecandidatesandcatechumensin theirclasses.There’sanundeniablewarmthatSt.Henryparishthatmakes newcomersfeelwelcomedinawaytheymaynothaveexperienced elsewhere AsweneartheEasterVigil,letuscontinuetoprayforthis dedicatedgroupstrivingtobecomepartofourfaithfamily
“I’m so excited to be baptized at the Easter Vigil! This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time.”
- Elizabeth McCormick, 2025 catechumen
WE ARE THRILLED AND WE THINK YOU WILL BE TOO!
At St. Henry we are excited to announce a new online giving platform, Pushpay! This will allow you to have more control over your gifts, an easier interface to work with and less sign up sites for St. Henry events. As parishioners of St. Henry we know that not only do you have a generous heart but you also have generous habits which have a powerful impact and that does not go unnoticed. It is our goal to complete this process by the end of May 2025, so we need your help to move your current online payment to the new platform. It’s a simple, two-step process that will take no more than ten minutes.
Part One: Setting up a new recurring payment using Pushpay. Scan the QR code or visit www.sthenry.org/give-1 and set up your automatic payment. The recurring payment option should already be selected and you can simply set up your automatic payment. After you set up your recurring payment, you will be prompted to complete the setup of your new account!
Part Two: Cancel scheduled payments in OSV by logging into your account and canceling your gift.
If you have any questions, please call 615.352.2259 or email Rachel Williams, Director of Stewardship, at rwilliams@sthenry.org.
As we journey through Lent, it’s crucial to remember the importance of generosity and stewardship in our lives as Catholics As Christ generously gave himself for us, we too are called to reflect His love by sharing what we have.
Consider the words of Proverbs 11:24-25, “One person is lavish yet grows still richer; another is too sparing, yet is the poorer Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This scripture reminds us that generosity is a hallmark of a lived-out faith.
This Lenten season, prayerfully consider that you step up your giving as part of your sacrifice That Starbucks you’re giving up, could you donate those dollars to helping one of our outreach programs or helping meet other operational needs of St Henry Church? Every act of generosity counts.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27 AT 6 P.M.
Come celebrate with the women of the parish and congratulate the 2025 Henrietta Award recipient! You will be treated to a fashion show presented by The French Shoppe and enjoy a beautiful dinner by Laurel with Laurel’s Superior Catering. The cost is $30 per person, pre-registration is preferred.
HOSTED BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Knights of Columbus Council 12012 hosted their annual free throw contest for St. Henry and St. Matthew boys and girls ages nine and up on January 19th at the St. Henry gym. With over 15 participants, it was a shoot out!
Scan the QR code to join the women of the parish for an evening of fun, fellowship, and fashion!
There were 3 girls and 6 boys that moved on to the district round, congratulations to all! We are grateful for all the participants for coming out and the Knights of Columbus for putting this yearly event.
Planned gifts of any size help today and make an impact into the future. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help sustain vital programs and initiatives that enrich our community and uphold the values we hold dear. Consider the various options available for planned giving, such as bequests, charitable trusts, or gifts of stock, each offering unique benefits tailored to your philanthropic goals.
As we look to the future, your thoughtful support ensures that St. Henry continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who walk through its campus. Join us in this noble endeavor and help us nurture a spirit of generosity that will inspire generations to come.
Contact Rachel Williams, Director of Stewardship, at 625.352.2259 ext 121 or rwilliams@sthenry.org to learn more.
THIS WEEK A SUCCESS!
This is an amazing opportunity to blend fun with fellowship. Whether you're guiding a group, showing off your dance moves, or providing snacks, the smiles on the kids' faces will bring you daily joy. We particularly need adults to lead our
JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP FUN!
Rising PreK-3 through 8th grade students are invited to join us this summer at Camp Tiger Town! Whether campers are riveted by reading, curious about cooking, fascinated by fairies, or stirred by sports, Camp Tiger Town has
Have you or a loved one recently experienced a significant life event? This could include milestones such as baptism, first communion, confirmation, marriage, or the passing of a cherished individual. A meaningful way to commemorate such occasions is by purchasing a paver or donating towards the landscaping in the Prayer Garden of the Good Shepherd, which will be situated between the narthex and the parish office.
These pavers and landscaping will be installed as part of the construction of the prayer garden, enhancing both its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The cost for a 4x8 paver is $150 and landscaping enhancements include trees available for $1,500 each and shrubs for $250 each. Scan the QR to make your purchase today! If you have questions please reach out to Claire Hale, at 615.352.2259 or chale@sthenry.org.
HolyThursday
Thursday, April 17 | 6:00 p.m.
GoodFriday
Friday, April 18 | 3:00 p.m.
Mass will not be celebrated, but communion will be offered
EasterVigilMass
Saturday, April 19 | 7:30 p.m.
EasterMasses
Sunday, April 20
6:00 a.m. sunrise Mass (outdoor) 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Mass
To see all our Lenten events, visit www.sthenry.org/lent
