Third Sunday of Lent - Year C - March 7, 2010
Read Sunday's Gospel, Luke 13:1-9.

Gospel Summary

In ancient times, people thought death was the result of sinfulness. The crowds asked Jesus if that was true. He replied that it was no more true than the contrary: People lived because of righteousness. The point Jesus did make, however, was that repentance was necessary and necessarily immediate. Jesus then gave the people an illustration of a fig tree that had not produced fruit for three years. The vineyard owner wanted the tree cut down, but the gardener promised to aerate and fertilize it for one more year. If, by then, it did not bear fruit, the gardener would cut it down. Some scholars think the three years of no yield correlate with Jesus' three years in ministry, but the main point is that with nurturing, all may come to bear fruit in the Kingdom.

Reflection for Families
Some children worry whether or not their parents will live as long as the child needs them basically forever! But often, parents worry more that they will someday be a burden to their children. Once in a while, parents know they only have a short period of time left with their children and they quickly take stock of what is truly important and act accordingly. Even without this notice, it would be good to evaluate each day and be grateful for each moment we have with each other. 

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Make a Lenten fruit bowl as a family by writing down on strips of paper simple tasks that can be done during this season of Lent that bear fruit for God's Kingdom. Ideas might include praying for someone who is sick, or sending a cheerful greeting to someone who is alone. Perhaps you could visit an elderly relative or do something kind for a family member. Each day, everyone in the family takes a piece of fruit from the bowl and tries to accomplish the task written on the strip. (Hint: If you want to make sure the suggestions are age-appropriate, you can use different colors of paper for the children and adults.) 

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Soup & Stations

HNM Family Lenten Soup Nights are being hosted by various ministries of our parish every Friday during Lent. The evening is for all ages. A suggested almsgiving of $5 per family will go to support our fellow brothers & sisters in need. The evening will begin @ 6p.m. under the Pavilion w/a soup dinner, concluding @ 7p.m. for Stations of the Cross in the Church.

It is our prayer that everyone attends @ least one Friday night, & our hope that you attend all.                                                                                                                         

Save the dates: March 5 Hosted by HNM School, March 12 Hosted by St. Vincent de Paul, March 19 Hosted by Youth Ministry & March 26 Hosted by Knights of Columbus

HOT LUNCH NEWS – beginning March 1, 2010 the price for hot lunch will increase to $2.50 a day. The price for milk and juice will stay the same. 

HNM HISTORIAN NEEDS PICS – Mrs. Anne Casanave, our school historian, is looking for pictures of school activities (especially sporting events.)  If you can help, please e-mail your photos to casanave@roadrunner.com.   If you have hard copies (that you do not need back) just send them to the school office.  Thanks for the help! 

THE FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM – all grades are on chapter 1 this week. Please review what your children are learning in your parent resource book.             

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED - to attend The Twentieth Annual Benefit in honor of The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary. Come and dance to the music of “The Answer,” Fri. March 12^th @ The Candlelight Pavilion. Champagne reception 6:00 p.m.; dinner served @ 7:15 p.m. Donation $125 per person. For information please call Linda @ 909-593-5441.

FESTIVAL NEWS

The Beer Garden/Wine Bar is in need of wine donations. If anyone is able to donate a case of wine (10-12 bottles), it would be most appreciated. If you are interested in donating wine or working the booth, please call Mr. or Mrs. Elias @ 909-596-4545.

The next Spring Festival mtg. is on Thurs., Feb. 25^th @ 7:30 PM in the Faculty rm. Please join us if you would like to get involved. We need lots of HELP and there is something to do for everyone. 

Spring Festival Boutique is looking for donations of New or Like New items in the following categories: Kitchen Accessories: dish & glassware, restaurant gift cards, linens, cookbooks, etc. Mother’s Day items: soaps, lotions, perfumes pampering gift cards, etc. Faith articles for either religious gifts or home décor Garden items: tools, art, stepping stones, plants, etc. Kids items: First Communion, Graduation, books, toys, etc. All Holiday items.  Please call Darlene Capuano @ 909-596-2360 to contribute to our event. Items may be dropped off @ HNM School during school hours. We need YOU to help make this year’s Boutique Spectacular!

Do you have a creative mind? The festival’s boutique is looking for a parent who would like to volunteer to be on the boutique committee, to coordinate one, themed area. If you are interested in helping our, please contact Natalie Ortiz @ 909-596-9867

Got Talent?  Come show us!  Come for the evening of fun.  Perform in our TALENT SHOW at the Festival.  Earn volunteer hours for your talent!  The Talent Show will be Saturday, April 17^th, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  For more information please call Morgan Sternquist at (909) 239-9921.

SAFEGUARDING THE CHILDREN- HNM School is committed to safeguarding our children. Anyone coming to volunteer at our school, or driving children to and from field trips or sporting events, must be fingerprinted and Virtus trained according to the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Be sure to return the livescan form and Virtus certificate to Mrs. Kuzmickas.  Livescan and Virtus Calendar