April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Join us throughout the month, as we continue to pray for the healing of victims of abuse.
The archbishop’s Holy Week statement on racism
Stations of the Cross (Spanish)
Live Stations of the Cross by Messengers of Christ (Mensajeros de Cristo)
Click on the link below for the Station of the Cross Prayer (from the USCCB webpage)
Archbishop Hartmayer offeres statement on Atlanta shootings
Vatican modifies distribution of ashes for Ash Wednesday
Vatican modifies distribution of ashes for Ash Wednesday – Vatican News
The Congregation for Divine Worship releases a note laying out the procedures priests around the world are to follow for the distribution of ashes at the start of Lent.
By Vatican News
The health situation caused by Covid-19 continues to forces changes on daily life, which are also reflected in the Church’s sphere.
Ahead of the beginning of Lent, on Wednesday, 17 February, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has published a note detailing how Catholic priests are to distribute ashes.
Instructions
After blessing the ashes and sprinkling them with holy water in silence, the priest addresses those present, reciting once the formula found in the Roman Missal: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”.
At that point, the note continues, the priest “cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places.”
He then sprinkles the ashes on each person’s head “without saying anything.”
From Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer to community of Gainesville
Let us join Archbishop Gregory in prayer for all those affected by last week’s tragic accident. And if you know anyone in need, please let us know. May God grant peace to all involved.
Communion Reception
My hands are a manger for the Eucharist.
My dear brothers and sisters of John Paul II Mission. As most of you know by now, I was recently tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This Sunday I complete the minimum of ten-days quarantine, but due to some symptoms persisting and getting worse I have elected to continue quarantine for additional time.
At this parish, it has been custom to receive Communion in the tongue or the hand, at the discretion of the communicant. For the seven months, since coming to Gainesville I have honored that desire for our communicates. However, since we have had a surge in cases and I myself have contracted the virus, despite using precautions, I am mandating immediately that all those who receive Communion at St. John Paul II receive in the hand until such time as the current pandemic has passed.
John Paul II tells us that just as the paralytic extended his hands to receive the saving power of Jesus, so we extend our hands in order to receive the precious Body of Christ for its healing power. The proper way to receive in the hand is to place one hand in another and extend towards the minister of communion. Once you receive the host, please communicate with one hand or the other and replace your mask.
I know this may disappoint some people, but for the safety and protection of our clergy, extraordinary ministers and all those who receive, we find this necessary at this time. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!
May we pray together as we receive the Lord’s Body in our hands that we see our hands as the manger of the Body of Christ.
Fr. Mark
Free- COVID-19 Testing – Saturday, Feb. 6th
Free COVID-19 Testing @ St. John Paul II Catholic Mission Saturday, Feb. 6th from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Registration required: Text “Covid” to 888-204-5903
Fr Mark Starr
Update: Friday, Jan. 29th, 2021: Father Mark has experienced worsening sympoms these last couple of days. Please continue praying for a quick recovery. May God lay his healing hands upon Father Mark.
Tuesday, Jan, 26th, 2021 Father Mark continues quarantining. He is feeling well. Thankfully, his symptoms were very mild. Father Mark thanks everyone for the prayers, support and understanding during this time. God willing, he will be with us soon. God bless.
Saturday, Jan. 23rd, 2021 Father Mark is feeling better. He is at the rectory resting. Thank you everyone for the messages, the support and all the prayers. Father Mark “misses his flock”.
Dear all, Father Mark woke up this morning, Thursday, Jan. 21st, not feeling well. He was feeling fatigued and had a cough. Knowing the cases of COVID-19 in our community are rather high, he decided to get tested. The test results were positive. His symptoms are mild and he is at the rectory resting and getting well so that he can be with us soon. We have had to make some changes to our schedule. The changes will be updated via Facebook and MyParish App. Let us come together in prayer for Fr. Mark’s health. God bless